State of Kerala v. Malayalam Plantation Ltd.

Notification acquiring 8.83 hectares of land for the purpose of con­ structing the dam was published on January 30, 1971 under Section 19 of the Kerala Land Acquisition act, 1963. The purpose of acquisition was to H extract the granite lying in the area under acquisition. The Land acquisition 572 STATE v. MALAYALAM PLANTATION LTD. 573 Officer awarded separately for granite, apart from the land where no A granite is available. On a reference made to the Civil Court, a Commi..<;­ sioner came to be appointed, who on personal inspection noted that 7,12,500 cubic Meters granite was available in 15.77 acres of land. He assessed the rate at Rs. 1,02,493. The Reference Court accepting the report relating to the quantum of granite available, extent of the land and the value thereof, determined the land value at a sum of Rs. 17,717.59 as assessed by the Land Acquisition Officer himself, and awarded an addi­ tional compensation in a sum of Rs. 98,011.07 for the granite as well as value of the trees standing on the land. The respondent filed cross-objec­ tions and the High Court enhanced the compensation at Rs. 1,78,125. The High Court and the Reference Court had appreciated the evidence and came to the conclusion that the compensation for the granite, as assessed by the Commissioner, would be as determined by it. We do not think that there is any error of law in assessing the evidence warranting interference. The appeal is accordingly dismissed. No costs. T.N.A. Appeal dismissed.