LAKSHMANAN Vs. DISTRICT COLLECTOR, KRISHNAGIRI

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The facts that leading to the filing of this Writ Petition are as follows:-

(2.) The petitioners have now approached this Court seeking a Writ of Mandamus, directing the Collector to refer the matter to a reference Court for enhancement of compensation.

(3.) The grievance of the petitioners is that despite the order of the Collector virtually assuring them that the matter would be referred to a reference court, the acquisition proceedings were not so referred. On the other hand, the respondents have contended that the petitioners herein never made any application under Section 18 of the Act, in the absence of which, the Collector cannot make a reference to a reference Court. In order to appreciate this controversy better, Section 18 of the Act is reproduced as under:-