In Brief
The Supreme Court allowed multiple civil appeals concerning land compensation under the Land Acquisition Act, 1894. The Court held that circle rates prescribed for stamp duty cannot be the sole basis for determining market value of acquired land. Market value must be determined through objective criteria and proper evidence. While guideline market values set by statutory expert committees following prescribed scientific procedures may be considered, circle rates in these cases lacked such authorization. The Court set aside the High Court judgment and remitted the matter for reconsideration, allowing parties to present additional evidence before the Reference Court for a fresh determination of compensation.
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