O R D E R
Leave granted. We have heard learned counsel on both sides.
These appeals by special leave arise from the judgment and order of the learned single Judge of the High Court, made on 19.4.1996 in C.R.P. Nos. 832 and 834 of 1993.
The admitted facts are that the appellant is having the land (with trees standing thereon) admeasuring 6 acres and 21 cents in Survey No. 560/2 and 60-1/2 cents in survey No. 563/1 and 5 acres and 42 cents in survey No. 634/2 of pulluttu village . The respondents invoked by notification dated 21.6.1969, the provisions of section 51 of the Indian Electricity Act, 1910 and section 10 to 18 of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 for acquiring the land of the appellant for laying electric lines by cutting the tress, standing thereon. The appellant laid the claim before the District Court under section 1092) to 16(3) of the Indian Telegraph Act and section 51 of the Indian Electricity Act, 1910 for compensation. The District Judge determined the compensation. The Dissatisfied therewith, the appellant filed revisions in the High court. The High Court in the impugned order confirmed the compensation paid for the trees, but set aside the determination of the compensation with regard to the diminution of value of the land on account of laying of the electric lines across the land of the appellant. Thus, these appeals by special leave.
Since we were not familiar with the nature of the procedure followed in this behalf, we directed Mr. G. Vishwanatha Iyer, learned senior counsel for the respondent - Electricity Board in acquiring the trees for erection of the electricity Board in acquiring the trees for erection of the electric lines across the land of the appellant. An affidavit by the competent officer together with the proceedings has been filed in that behalf. Notification dated June 21, 1969 does indicate as under:
" S.R.O. No. 270/69.-- In exercise
of the powers conferred by section
51 of the Indian Electricity Act,
1910 (Act 9 of 1910), and in
supersession of Notification No.
ELI-198/60-I/ PW dated 6th January
1960, published on page 50 of Part
I of the Gazette dated 12.1.1960,
The Government of Kerala hereby
confer upon the Engineers of the
Kerala state Electricity Board of
and above the rank of Assistant
Engineers to exercise, for the
purpose of placing of appliances
and apparatus, for the survey and
construction of lines etc, etc. of
our the transmission distribution
or use of electrical energy within
their respective jurisdictions, all
the powers which the Telegraph Act,
1985 (Act 18 of 1885) with respect
to the placing of telegraph lines
and posts for the purposes of a
telegraph established or maintained
by Government or to be
established or maintained."
In furtherance thereof, sanction has been accorded for acquisition of the trees as mentioned in the sanction order which reads as under:
" Sanction is hereby accorded for
an estimate amounting to Rs.
95,000/- (Rupees ninety five
thousands only) for constructing
2.2 kms. of 11 kv. Kodwagallur-
parur feeder outgoing feeder from
Kodungallu sub-section under
Electrical Division Irinjalakuda
Sub-Divn. Iringalakuda Expenditure
to the extent of Rs. 95,000/- may
be met form the budget provision
for 76-77 Electrical Division
Iringalakuda under voltage
improvement basis."
The Board has vide Resolution dated July 1, 1992 decided to follow the procedure provided in the Land Acquisition Act and the Land Acquisition Manual for determination of the compensation for trees. It postulates the notice to the owner and powers of entry. marking of the trees as provided in paragraph 13 and then preparation of the valuation statement as provided in paragraph 17 of the Manual and the diminution of the land value on account of the instalation of electric lines over private properties as provided n paragraph 30 of the Manual. Accordingly, the award s required to be passed under paragraph 33 of the Manual in that behalf.
Pursuant thereto, notice in this behalf was given to the appellant and on the basis thereof, the appellant filed the claim in O.P. Nos. 20/87 and 202 of 1986 before the District Court for determination of the compensation. Thus, it could be seen that the claim has been made by the appellant under section 51 of the Electricity Act, 1910 and section 10 to 16(3). Section 16(3) f the Indian Telegraph Act reads as under :
" 16(3) If any dispute arise
concerning the sufficiency of
compensation to be paid under
section 10, clause (d), it shall,
on application for that purpose
by either of the disputing parties
to the District Judge within whose
jurisdiction the property is
situate, be determined by him."
It would clearly indicate that if any dispute arises between the parties concerning the sufficiency of compensation, they are entitled to lay the claim before the District court and the District court is required to determine the compensation since the procedure prescribed under the Munal of the Land Acquisition was adopted by the Electricity Board. the appellant has rightly availed of the procedure as indicated in the petition itself. thus, the appellant has perfectly followed the procedure prescribed by law and needs no interference.
The question then is: whether the courts below have committed any error in determining the compensation? With regard to the quantum, we are of the view that the District court has minutely gone into the question. The High Court has also addressed itself in this behalf. It being a finding of fact, we do not like to interfere with the findings. with regard to the diminution of the extent of the land. the trial court has recorded a finding and it was confirmed by the High Court. We feel that since no contra finding was recorded by High Court as regards the extent of the land and only diminution of the value is in issue, we do not express any opinion in this behalf. The District Judge should go into the question and decide it in accordance with law.
The appeals are accordingly dismissed. No costs.