THE HON'BLE SRI JUSTICE B.PRAKASH RAO AND THE HON'BLE SRI JUSTICE P.DURGA PRASAD A.S.NOs.1957 AND 2341 OF 1998 COMMON JUDGMENT: {Per the Hon’ble Sri Justice B.Prakash Rao} Heard the learned counsel on either side. These two appeals are at the instance of the claimants filed under Section 54 of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 {“the Act” for brevity}, in regard to the further enhancement of the market rate determined by the Court below in a reference arising under Section 18 of the Act and hence, they are taken up together for disposal. The lands in question were acquired for the purpose of Srisailam Hydro Electric Project, as per the notification dated 28.03.1974 issued under Section 4 (1) of the Act and subsequently, award No.12/80 dated 01.03.1980 was passed fixing the market rate at Rs.40/- per tree existing on the acquired land. Not satisfied with the said quantum, the claimants referred the matter to the Court below. After holding a regular enquiry, where both the sides adduced evidence, the Court below confirmed the market rate granted by the Land Acquisition Officer. Hence, these two appeals. During the course of arguments, learned counsel one either side submitted that the subject matter of these two appeals is squarely covered by the judgment dated 18.07.2006 in A.S.No.481 of 1999, wherein in respect of the lands said to have been acquired in the same village, the Division Bench of this Court fixed the market rate at Rs.60/- per tree existing on the said land enhancing from Rs.40/- per tree granted by the Land Acquisition Officer and confirmed by the reference Court. Following the same, we hold that both the appeals are allowed and the appellants-claimants are entitled to compensation at the rate of Rs.60/- per tree for 60 trees as stated to have been existing on the acquired land. No costs. It is needless to mention that the appellants-claimants are entitled to all the statutory benefits as per the amended provisions of the Act. _________________ (B.PRAKASH RAO, J) __________________ (P.DURGA PRASAD, J) 23rd February 2011 RRB