IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED : 26.02.2008 CORAM : THE HONBLE MR. JUSTICE S.TAMILVANAN A.S.No.729 of 1997 The Secretary Sri Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya Sri Ramakrishna Vidyalaya Post Coimbatore 20. .... Appellant vs. The Special Tahsildar (Land Acquisition) World Bank Project Coimbatore Water Supply Scheme Coimbatore 43. .... Respondent Appeal filed against the Judgment and Decree, dated 06.01.1997 made in L.A.O.P.No.354 of 1992 on the file of the First Additional Subordinate Judge, Coimbatore. For Appellant : Mr.V.Karthick for M/s. T.S.Gopalan & Co., For Respondent : Mr.V.Ravi, Spl.G.P (AS) JUDGMENT
This appeal has been directed against the Judgment and Decree, dated 06.01.1997 made in L.A.O.P.No.354 of 1992 on the file of the First Additional Subordinate Judge, Coimbatore.
2. It is not in dispute that an extent of 0.17.0 hectare (41 cents) of land belonged to the appellant in S.Nos.120/2B and 131/1A, in Gudalur Village, Coimbatore Taluk was acquired by the respondent for the purpose of forming Booster Pumping Station. It is seen from the records that Notification under Section 4(1) of the Land Acquisition Act was published in the Tamil Nadu Government Gazette on 07.10.1989. After the enquiry, the land acquisition officer had fixed the market value at Rs.37,050/- per hectare. The appellant / claimant received the compensation amount under protest and at the request of the appellant, the matter was referred to under Section 18 of the Land Acquisition Act.
3. Before the land acquisition tribunal, C.W.1 was examined, apart from marking the documents, Exs.C.1 to C.4. On the side of the respondent, no witness was examined, however Exs.R.1 to R.3 were marked by consent. Considering the oral and documentary evidence and the arguments advanced by both sides, the trial court fixed the market value of the acquired land at Rs.850/- per cent. Aggrieved by which, the appellant / claimant has preferred this appeal.
4. Mr.V.Karthick, learned counsel appearing for the appellant / claimant submitted, based on the toposketch prepared by the respondent, marked as Ex.R.3, that the acquired land in S.Nos.120/2B and 131/1A are abutting the Coimbatore-Mettupalayam Main Road, whereas the data sale deed taken for fixing the market price relates to S.No.122 is located far away from the aforesaid main road. According to the learned counsel for the appellant, for fixing the market price, the price of similarly placed land was not taken into consideration by the land acquisition officer.
5. Mr.V.Ravi, learned Special Government Pleader (AS) appearing for the respondent / land acquisition officer submitted that the Tribunal has fixed the market value reasonably, based on the evidence.
6. On the side of the appellant / claimant, copy of the sale deeds that had taken place, prior to the date of 4(1) Notification have been marked as Exs.C.1 to C.3. As per Ex.C.1, dated 15.02.1989, seven cents of land in S.No.117 had been sold for Rs.24,500/- at Rs.3,500/- per cent. Similarly, under Ex.C.2, on the same day in the same survey number, another seven cents of land had been sold for the sale consideration of Rs.24,500/- at Rs.3,500/- per cent. Similar extent of land in Ex.C.3 has been sold for the same price on 13.03.1989.
7. As pointed out by the learned counsel appearing for the appellant / claimant, the acquired land has better prospects than the land in S.No.117 sold under Exs.C.1 to C.3. It is not in dispute that the acquired land is abutting the Coimbatore-Mettupalayam Main Road, whereas the land shown in the aforesaid sale deeds Exs.C.1 to C.3 are not abutting the said main road and further, 41 cents of land was acquired for the purpose of forming Booster Pumping Station, which needs no developmental expenses, as the land has been classified as Ryothwari dry land.
8. It is not in dispute that the sale under Exs.C.1 to C.3 had taken placed on 13.03.1989, prior to 07.10.1989, the date of Notification, under Section 4(1) of the Land Acquisition Act. Ex.R.3, topo sketch shows that the acquired lands are similarly situated lands and further the acquired lands are abutting the Coimbatore-Mettupalayam Main Road. The evidence of C.W.1 that the acquired land is fit to be converted into house site has not been contravented by the respondent, by way of adducing any evidence.
9. I could find no justifiable reason on the part of the respondent in rejecting Exs.C.1 to C.3, sale deeds. Under the three sale deeds, prior to the date of 4(1) Notification, a total extent of 21 cents of similar lands have been sold at Rs.3,500/- per cent. The acquired land is only an extent of 41 cents. Therefore, the Tribunal could have fixed the market value of the acquired land at Rs.3,500/- per cent, as per Exs.C.1 to C.3, sale consideration.
10. The land acquisition tribunal has further erroneously stated as 12% interest in the impugned judgment, instead of mentioning 12% additional amount, as per Section 23 of the Land Acquisition Act. As contended by the learned counsel for the appellant, apart from the additional amount, the appellant is also entitled to get 30% solatium and interest as per Law.
11. Considering the facts and circumstances, this Court is of the view to allow the appeal and to meet the ends of justice, to fix the market value of the acquired land at Rs.3,500/- per cent, based on Exs.C.1 to C.3, documents. Further, the appellant / claimant is entitled to get 12% additional amount from the date of 4(1) Notification till the date of taking over possession, 30% solatium and interest at 9% for one year from the date of the award and 15% subsequent interest, as per Section 23 of the Land Acquisition Act.
12. In the result, the appeal is allowed, on the above terms. However, there is no order as to costs.
26.02.2008
Index : Yes
Internet : Yes
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To
The First Additional Subordinate Judge
Coimbatore.
S.TAMILVANAN, J
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A.S.No.729 of 1997
26-02-2008