Special Land Acquisition Officer Vs. Mahadevappa Narayansingh Rajput [2008] INSC 363
(4 March 2008)
C.K. THAKKER & D.K. JAIN O R D E R (Arising out of SLP(C) No. 17787/2006) Leave granted.
We have heard learned counsel for the parties.
The present appeal is directed against the judgment and order passed by the
High Court of Karnataka on March 28, 2005 in MFA No.1532 of 2001. The High
Court while disposing of the appeal observed in the order impugned in the
present appeal that it was argued on behalf of the complainant that the
property was situated in the heart of Bagalkot township. The value of the area
should be assessed at Rs.100/- per sq.ft. The High Court also noted that
according to the Government Advocate, reasonable rate would be Rs.16.25 per
sq.ft. After noting the above two contentions of the respective parties, the High
Court disposed of the matter by coming to the following conclusion:
"After considering the material and argument, it is just and reasonable
that the rate of vacant area per sq.ft. assessed at Rs.50/-. The claimant is
entitled to a compensation of Rs.1108250/- with necessary statutory benefits.
The compensation awarded :2:
in respect of the structure is confirmed. Accordingly, the appeal is
allowed."(Emphasis supplied) A bare reading of the above paragraph makes
it clear that the High Court has disposed of the appeal on the basis of so
called "material" and "arguments" that since the claim of
the claimant was Rs.100/- per sq.ft.and the Government's stand was Rs.16.25 per
sq.ft., it would be just and reasonable to award at the rate of
Rs.50/- per sq.ft to the complainant.
But there is no discussion of the 'material' or 'arguments' Without
observing anything on the merits of the case, the appeal deserves to be allowed
only on this ground. The order of the High Court is set aside.
No doubt, the learned counsel for the claimant contented that looking to the
material which is on record, it is a fit case to award compensation at the rate
of Rs.50/- per sq.ft. But in view of the fact that the High Court has not
considered the matter and passed a 'cryptic' order, we remit the matter back to
the High Court and request the High Court to dispose of the case as
expeditiously as possible.
The appeal is, accordingly, allowed. No costs.
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