SABBAVARAPU APPANNA Vs. REVENUE DIVISIONAL OFFICER VISAKHAPATNAM

JUDGEMENT

(1.) IN all these writ petitions similar questions are involved, as such, they are being disposed of by a common order. Insofar as W. P. No. 2985 of 2003 is concerned the petitioners question the notice issued under Section 14 (5) of the Andhra Pradesh Land Reforms (Ceiling on Agricultural Holdings) Act, 1973 (for short 'the Act 1973' ). In all other four writ petitions the petitioners question the resumption orders passed under the provisions of the Andhra Pradesh Assigned lands (Prohibition of Transfers) Act, 1977 (for short 'the Act 1977'), as confirmed in the appeals, on the ground that the resumption of the lands under the Act 1977 is without jurisdiction and in contravention of the provisions contained in the Act 1973. WP No. 2985 of 2003:

(2.) THE facts in the instant case are as follows:

(3.) IT is the case of the petitioners that the total extent of Acs. 30. 74 cents in sy. No. 56 (1) and (2) was allotted to them by orders of the Tahasildar, Anakapalli vide proceedings dated 12. 5. 1977 under section 14 (2) of the Act 1973 subject to payment of the sum calculated at 50 times the land revenue in 15 annual instalments and they have paid the said amount stipulated in the conditions of the order of allotment. Since the time period for the installment payment expired sometime in 1992, they acquired absolute title to the land as contemplated under Section 14 (2) of the act 1973. The land allotted to them was surplus land under the Act 1973 and all of them have paid the total amount prescribed within the 15 years, as such, they became absolute owners and therefore, there is no prohibition for alienation of the said lands.