UPPARA GANGAMMA Vs. MANDAL REVENUE

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This batch of civil revision petitions arises out of similar but separate orders dated 15.11.2011 in different I.As filed in different O.Ps. on the file of the learned Senior Civil Judge, Adoni.

(2.) The lands belonging to the petitioners were acquired by the respondent and as they were dissatisfied with the quantum of compensation awarded in their favour, they have approached the respondent with a request for reference of the dispute under Section 18 of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 (for short 'the Act'). Accordingly, the dispute was referred to the Court of the learned Senior Civil Judge, Adoni, and the reference was registered as O.P.No.37 of 1988 and batch. On 01.08.1994, the O.Ps. were closed by confirming the awards passed by the Land Acquisition Officer on the ground that the counsel for the petitioners was not present and the petitioners failed to pursue the cases. The petitioners filed applications for reopening the O.Ps. As there was delay of 758 days in filing such applications, they have filed I.A.No.160 of 1996 and batch for condonation of delay. These applications were initially dismissed by the lower Court. The petitioners carried the matter in revisions, vide C.R.P.No.2360 of 2001 and batch, which was allowed by this Court, by common order dated 15.10.2001 and the matters were remitted to the lower Court with a direction to record the evidence to substantiate the respective pleas of the parties on the aspect of condonation of delay. After remand, the petitioners adduced oral evidence of P.Ws.1 and 2. By the impugned orders under revisions, the lower Court has dismissed the I.As. filed for condonation of delay. Feeling aggrieved by these orders, the petitioners have filed these civil revision petitions.

(3.) The learned Government Pleader for Arbitration has taken notice for the respondent and made his submissions.