H N DASTUR Vs. STATE OF GUJARAT

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Since both these petitions raise common questions and identical points, they are being disposed of by this common judgment and order.

(2.) Whether growing of Nilgiri' and 'Subabul' trees could he said to be falling within the ambit of agricultural crop and operations and whether such operations in the land would amount to public purpose in view of the Government notification No. 2/31/77 (UCU(i) dated 19-12-1977 issued by the Government of India and whether exercise of powers in rejecting an application for exemption under S. 20(1) by the respondent authority is proper and valid, are the questions which have come to the surface for examination, interpretation and adjudication in these two petitions under Articles 226 and 227 of the Constitution of India.

(3.) The two petitions are hereinafter referred to as the first petition and the second petition, for the sake of convenience and brevity.