THE SPECIAL LAND ACQUISITION OFFICER,KALINADAI (HYDRO-ELECT vs VASANT GUNDU BALE

The Supreme Court upheld the compensation awarded for land acquisition under the Land Acquisition Act, 1894, specifically noting that the High Court's enhancement to Rs.18,000 per acre was not justified given the established multiplier rates. The Court reiterated that the uniform multiplier of 10 is applicable in Karnataka, and even with a multiplier of 12, the compensation should not exceed Rs.14,000 per acre. The Court confirmed the Reference Court's award of Rs.15,520 per acre, including solatium and interest, as final and unassailable due to the State's failure to appeal the initial enhancement under Section 26 of the Act.