opinion, the reference Court was absolutely justified in relying upon the said Sale Deed dated 7.6.1990 (Exhibit AW2/B) and fix the market value of the acquired land as on 7.6.1990 at Rs.33.33 per square meter which was the consideration mentioned in the said Sale Deed. In so far as the increase of 10% per year granted by the reference Court, I have already held in a number of connected appeals that having regard to the fact that the acquired land is a paddy field and situated at Nagarcem Palolem in Canacona Taluka and also having regard to the fact there is absolutely no evidence led about any development around the acquired land during the years preceding Section 4 Notification, increase of 5% and not 10% per year would be justified. Accordingly, by giving increase of 5% every year the market rate of the acquired land works out to 34.99. I deem it appropriate to round it up to Rs.35/ per square meter. Accordingly I hold that the compensation payable in respect of the acquired land is Rs.35/ per square meter. Needless to mention that the respondents are entitled to all the statutory benefits under the Act.
