Which is better for web development Java or PHP ?

depending on the requirements it wil change.
HP is always good for creating small medium level web sites.
Java is robust compared to PHP and its used for developing websites with such requirements.

Java is better for large scale application, PHP is okay for small applications.

Really depending on requirements and target.
If you are developing for business or personal use.
I would not recommend Java-based web development for personal websites.
Why? It is resource intensive and too complicated for the purpose.
Imagine developing classes and maintaining correct relationships between them, interfaces and any other view based technology.
If java is used, the requirement mainly should be MVC based design and implementation.
On the other hand, from my experience, PHP is very quick (and that doesn't mean dirty) and straight-forward.
Although a developer can choose to create the classes and use OOPs concepts, if the job is small and an interim solution, then why go through the whole development cycle to support a fix?!.
There is no really best...it all depends on requirements.
Nevertheless, in business environment where critical data and operation at stake, Java could be praised for security (although JVM has had its issues).

What starts in PHP ends in Java

Java is equally good because most of the fancy features are done on the front-end with JavaScript. Java web development frameworks such as GWT (Google Web Toolkit), Spring and Play! are very solid.With that said, Java is a little bit more difficult to develop small applications quickly.  The learning curve for Java EE is notoriously quite steep.  I find PHP and Node.js Express to be much easier to learn for web application development. The static typing in Java allows larger web applications to become more manageable.

Having on the right skills, any web application can be done in both. But generally it depends on the client's requirements and current IT infrastructure. Personally I find PHP easier, and straight to the point.

IT depends on the requirement.
Java is Large Scale Application and PHP is Suitable for Smaller Application.IF Client Require is Large Scale Application then they can go for Java. 
IF the Client Requires small Application only then they can go for PHP.

Java has some rich features while compare to php, 

But most of the developer prefer, templates work done, plugins, Wordpress, joomla ,drupal are on Php.  

Java is hard but good while php is easier and better

Hey, Its depended on client requirement large application using java or small application using php.

Java is better for web development.