Uniform market value for acquired agricultural land justified where evidence showed comparable prevailing value at acquisition.

In fixing compensation for acquired agricultural land, the Court held that the prevailing market value at the date of acquisition was the governing consideration. On the material before it, the lands were agricultural and their comparable market value was assessed at between Rs. 6,000 and Rs. 6,500 per acre. A uniform valuation was therefore found just and proper, and compensation was fixed uniformly at Rs. 6,000 per acre for all the lands. The award was modified in favour of the landowners, and the appeal succeeded.

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Issues: The sole issue was the proper fixation of compensation for acquired agricultural land under the land acquisition proceedings.

Analysis: The lands were agricultural at the date of acquisition. On the material available, their prevailing market value was found to be between Rs. 6,000 and Rs. 6,500 per acre. In these circumstances, a uniform valuation was considered just and proper.

Conclusion: Compensation was fixed at Rs. 6,000 per acre uniformly for all the lands.

Final Conclusion: The award of compensation was modified in favour of the landowners and the appeal succeeded.

Ratio Decidendi: In determining compensation for acquired land, the court may fix a uniform market value where the evidence shows a comparable prevailing value for the lands at the time of acquisition.

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