land acquisition act, 1894 , S. 4(1) read with S. 17(1) – Market value – Bare perusal of the aforesaid makes it clear that, the determination of the compensation has to be made by taking into consideration the circle rate which has been determined as per the market value – The market value of a property is the price that a willing purchaser would pay to a willing seller for it, taking into account its current condition, all existing advantages, and potential possibilities when led out in the most advantageous manner, while excluding any benefit resulting from the implementation of the scheme for which the property is compulsorily acquired. Therefore, the market value is to be determined in the light of price paid by the purchaser of similar land in the neighbourhood of the land in question and in cases, where no records for such transaction/purchase is available, the minimum statutory value in accordance with Stamp Act must be taken as market value for circle rate – In no event, the compensation can be paid at a rate lesser than that of market value as determined for the purpose of payment of stamp duty under Stamp Act.
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