In Brief
This case involved compensation for land acquired for highway construction, including fruit-bearing trees. The High Court had upheld the land value enhancement but reduced tree compensation to 20%, which the appellants disputed. The Supreme Court clarified that land acquisition compensation can be calculated either on tree income or on land market value plus annual crop value. Given the appellants' small holdings and dependence on tree income, the Court directed compensation be calculated based on tree income as determined by the Reference Court, with additional compensation, solatium, and statutory interest due. Any prior compensation received must be adjusted with 15% interest.
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