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Issues Involved:
1. Determination of market value and compensation for acquired lands in different villages. 2. Legality of the belting system used for compensation determination. 3. Admissibility of sale deeds as evidence. 4. Entitlement to enhanced compensation, solatium, and interest. Detailed Analysis: 1. Determination of Market Value and Compensation for Acquired Lands: The Supreme Court addressed the compensation for lands acquired in three different villages: Quasimpur Nagla Tashi, Mukarabpur Palhera, and Dantal. The Land Acquisition Officer initially awarded compensation, which was subsequently modified by the Additional District Judge and later by the High Court. The Supreme Court reviewed these determinations to ascertain if any errors of law were committed and whether the appellants were entitled to higher compensation. - Quasimpur Nagla Tashi: Initially, compensation was awarded at Rs. 50/- per sq. yard, which was increased to Rs. 240/- per sq. yard by the Additional District Judge. The High Court later reduced it to Rs. 75/- per sq. yard. The Supreme Court found that the High Court erred in reducing the compensation and determined a reasonable market value of Rs. 175/- per sq. yard, considering the gradual rise in prices and developmental charges. - Mukarabpur Palhera: The initial compensation for different belts ranged from Rs. 30/- to Rs. 100/- per sq. yard, which the High Court reduced to Rs. 55/- and Rs. 30/- per sq. yard for the respective belts. The Supreme Court determined that the approximate market value should be Rs. 85/- per sq. yard, considering the proximity to developed areas and potential for building purposes. - Dantal: Compensation initially varied between Rs. 28.13/- to Rs. 75/- per sq. yard based on belting, which the High Court reduced to Rs. 70/- per sq. yard. The Supreme Court set the compensation at Rs. 85/- per sq. yard, taking into account the proximity to developed areas and potential value. 2. Legality of the Belting System Used for Compensation Determination: The belting system used by the reference courts to determine compensation was scrutinized. The Supreme Court noted that the belting system was not reasonable in this case as the lands were situated in well-defined and developed blocks with immediate potential value as building sites. Therefore, the belting system was deemed inappropriate for determining the market value. 3. Admissibility of Sale Deeds as Evidence: The Supreme Court held that the sale deeds filed in the reference court could not be considered as evidence since none of the parties connected with them were examined. Although certified copies are admissible under Section 51-A, the examination of either the vendor or vendee is mandatory. Consequently, all sale deeds were excluded from consideration. 4. Entitlement to Enhanced Compensation, Solatium, and Interest: The Supreme Court determined that the claimants were entitled to enhanced compensation, solatium, and interest based on the revised market values: - Quasimpur Nagla Tashi: Enhanced compensation at Rs. 175/- per sq. yard, solatium at 30%, interest at 9% per annum for one year, and 15% per annum thereafter until deposit in court. - Mukarabpur Palhera: Compensation at Rs. 85/- per sq. yard, solatium at 30%, interest at 9% per annum for one year, and 15% per annum thereafter until deposit in court. - Dantal: Compensation at Rs. 85/- per sq. yard, solatium at 30%, interest at 9% per annum for one year, and 15% per annum thereafter until deposit in court. The Supreme Court allowed the appeals, set aside the High Court's judgment, and modified the awards and decrees of the reference court accordingly. The Meerut Development Authority was directed to enforce the award for seeking restitution if the amount had already been deposited. Enhanced compensation would form a component for charging the said amount from the purchaser in respect of the respective plots or buildings towards developmental expenses. Each party was directed to bear their own costs.
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