Learned counsel for the respondents does not dispute the facts. Learned counsel for the respondents agrees that the said matter be disposed of in terms of judgment dated 05-10-1987 passed in LPA No.658 of 1983 only to the extent vide which the compensation was enhanced from Rs.200/- to Rs.350/per marla but objected to the grant of solatium and interest. However, the attention of this Court has been invited to para 78 of the judgment of the Hon'ble Apex Court, rendered in the case of Union of India (supra), wherein, reliance was placed in the case of Harbans Singh Shanni Devi and Ors. v. Union of India and Ors. (Civil Appeal Nos.470 & 471 of 1985, disposed of by this Court on 11th February, 1985), wherein, in view of the fact that appointment of the Arbitrator was not made by the Union of India for more than 16 years, solatium @ 30% of the amount of compensation and interest at the rate of 9% was awarded. It is an admitted position that in the present case also, the land was acquired on 28-02-1970, whereas, the Arbitrator was appointed after a gap of 15 years on 14-03-1985. The facts of the present case are, therefore, squarely covered for the entitlement of solatium. Para 78 of the judgment titled as Union of India (supra) is reproduced below.
