In Brief
The Supreme Court addressed the acquisition of small agricultural holdings with fruit-bearing trees. The High Court had sustained the land value enhancement but reduced tree compensation to 20%. The appellants sought recalculation based on income from the trees rather than market value. The Court held that for small holdings where owners depend on tree income, compensation should be calculated using the income method determined by the Reference Court. The appellants were awarded additional compensation, solatium, and interest under Section 28 of the Land Acquisition Act. Any prior compensation based on land value would be adjusted with 15% interest from the date of receipt."
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