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Issues Involved:
1. Market value of the property. 2. Compensation for damage sustained. 3. Method of distribution of compensation. Detailed Analysis: 1. Market Value of the Property: The primary issue was determining the market value of the land acquired by the Government. The appellants argued that the land should be valued as a building site rather than agricultural land. The Collector had assessed the land as agricultural, resulting in a lower compensation. The court noted that the land, although recorded as agricultural, was situated within the municipal limits of Agra, near metalled roads, and in a well-inhabited area, suggesting it had potential as a building site. The District Judge had ignored higher rates from previous sales in the neighborhood due to differences in ownership rights. The court concluded that the land should be treated as a building site with considerable potential value and fixed the market value at Rs. 2,312, exclusive of the 15% for compulsory acquisition. 2. Compensation for Damage Sustained: The second issue was whether there had been any deterioration in the value of the remaining land due to the partial acquisition. The court acknowledged that the land left behind had lost its frontage towards the road, thereby deteriorating in value. The court awarded Rs. 158 as compensation for this damage, making the total compensation amount Rs. 2,500. 3. Method of Distribution of Compensation: The third issue was the apportionment of the compensation between the zamindar and the tenants. The tenants had not put forward a definite claim, and thus, could not receive more than what was awarded by the Collector. The court referred to previous cases and principles to determine the fair distribution ratio. The court noted that while the landlord's rights included the collection of rent and potential enhancement of rent, the tenant had actual physical possession and derived more benefit from the land. The court emphasized that the landlord's right was limited to rent collection, whereas the tenant suffered more due to the loss of physical possession. The court discussed the ratio of distribution, referencing the case of Rohan Lal v. Collector of Etah, which suggested a ratio of 10 annas for the landlord and 6 annas for the tenant. The court agreed that this ratio was a fair estimate in the absence of specific evidence. The court also highlighted that the landlord's rights were limited compared to the tenant's actual possession and use of the land. The court concluded that in the absence of specific evidence, the interests of the landlord and the occupancy tenant should be presumed to be in the ratio of 10 to 6. However, this presumption could be rebutted by other considerations or circumstances. The court emphasized that this ratio was not a rule of law but a rough and ready rule of practice for forming a fair estimate of the respective rights. Separate Judgments: - Sulaiman, C.J.: Emphasized the need for a fair ratio of distribution and agreed with the 10 to 6 ratio as a rough estimate. - Mukerji, J.: Agreed with the ratio and highlighted that the Government must pay the legitimate value of the land irrespective of the holders' interests. - King, J.: Agreed with the ratio but restricted its application to cases where the land had special value as a building site. Conclusion: The court held that in the absence of definite evidence, the interests of the landlord and the occupancy tenant should be presumed to be in the ratio of 10 to 6. This ratio serves as a rough estimate for fair distribution of compensation in cases of land acquisition.
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