M.V.K.GUNDA RAO vs REVENUE DIVISIONAL OFFICER

The Supreme Court addressed the determination of compensation under the Land Acquisition Act, specifically referencing Section 4(1) and Section 18. The Court held that the burden of proof lies on the claimant to establish the prevailing market value as of the date of the notification, emphasizing the need for a pragmatic assessment of market conditions. The Court upheld the High Court's decision to reduce compensation to Rs. 56/- per sq. yd., finding that the lower court's reliance on certain sale deeds was not justified due to their limited applicability to the larger land acquisition context.