In Brief
The appellant's land in Maharashtra was acquired for the Hiwra Dam project. The Special Land Acquisition Officer awarded initial compensation, but the parties contested the amount. The Reference Court enhanced it, and the High Court partially reduced it by deducting 40% for development costs. The Supreme Court held that irrigation dam projects require minimal infrastructure development compared to residential layouts, justifying only a 20% deduction rather than 40%. The Court also restored the Reference Court's award for electrical installation costs (Rs.3,86,867/-) and affirmed awards for civil works, machinery depreciation, and business loss compensation. The appeals were partly allowed with modified compensation amounts.
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