MANOJ RATHI Vs. STATE OF M P

JUDGEMENT

(1.) By this petition, the petitioners seek quashing of the notification issued under Sections 4 (1), 6 (1) and 17(1) and the award dated 8-12-1999 (Annexure P-10)oftheLand Acquisition Act, 1894 (hereinafter referred to as 'the Act, 1894').

(2.) The indisputable facts, in nutshell, as projected by the petitioners are that the petitioners are the owner of the disputed land situated at Village Mandir

(3.) According to learned Counsel for the petitioners, the entire land acquisition proceedings were initiated in violation of the Act, 1894. The entire proceedings have been initiated behind the back of the petitioners and the principles of natural justice was not followed. Shri Payasi further submits that according to the notification issued by the Government under Section 11 of the Act, 1894, the Competent Authority to pass the award is the Collector. But in the case on hand, the award has been passed by the Sub Divisional Officer on 8-12-1999 (Annexure P-10). Thus, the same is not sustainable. Thus, the entire land acquisition proceedings as well as the impugned award may be quashed.