S SANNASI Vs. DISTRICT COLLECTOR PUDUKKOTTAI

JUDGEMENT

(1.) SINCE the issue in both the writ petitions is one and the same, they are being disposed of by the following common order. Aggrieved by the acquisition proceedings initiated by the respondents under the provisions of Tamil Nadu Acquisition of Land for Harijan Welfare Schemes Act, 1978 (Tamil Nadu Act XXXI of 1978), the petitioners have filed the above writ petitions.

(2.) THE case of the petitioner in W.P. No. 8360 of 1997 is briefly stated hereunder: THE first petitioner Sannasi is the owner of an extent of 0.39.0 Ars in S.No. 261/2 in Kodikulam village, the second petitioner Chinnappa Pathar is owning an extent of 0.48.0 Ars in S.No. 257/3 and the third petitioner Velu Pathar is owning an extent of 0.36.5 Ars in S.No. 2575/5 in the said village. THE first petitioner belongs to Harijan community. Originally lands measuring an extent of 0.96 cents in original S.No. 261 of Kodikulam village was assigned in favour of his father by the Block Development Officer under the provisions of the Board Standing Orders. After the death of his father, these lands came to his hands and he is in possession and enjoyment of the same. THE second petitioner was assigned an extent of 1 acre and 20 cents in S.No. 257/3 in Kodikulam village by the Revenue Divisional Officer in his proceedings dated 31.3.1971. THE third petitioner was also assigned an extent of 0.92 cents in S.No. 257/5 in the same village.

(3.) LEARNED counsel for the petitioners has raised the following contentions: