In Brief
The State of Himachal Pradesh acquired 18-15 bighas of land in Tepra village for road construction. The Land Acquisition Officer assessed compensation based on land classification, but the claimants sought a reference and obtained a uniform rate of Rs. 7.00 lakhs per bigha, based primarily on a sale deed of just one biswa. The Supreme Court held that accepting such a small transaction as comparable sale for valuing a large land tract was erroneous, especially since the vendor was also a claimant. The Court allowed the State's appeals, set aside the award, and remitted the matter for fresh determination, directing the Reference Court to consider sales from adjoining villages and permitting both parties to present additional evidence.
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