BISHAMBER DAYAL Vs. STATE OF HARYANA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioners, who were landowners in the revenue estate of Village Khatoti, Tehsil Narnaul, claim that the authorities of the Irrigation Department occupied their land in the year 1975 for construction of a 'Bandh' without even acquiring it. They further claim that no compensation has been paid to them in spite of repeated representations. It is also averred that notifications under Sections 4 and 6 of the Land Acquisition Act were issued on February 2, 1987 and February 3, 1988. However, no award having been made within two years from the date of the publication, the entire proceedings shall be deemed to have lapsed.

(2.) A short affidavit dated April 15, 1991 has been filed by Mr. D.D Arora, Sub Divisional Officer on behalf of the respondents. It has been inter alia averred that "no award in respect of the land sought to be acquired in this case has so far been given by the Land Acquisition Collector, Narnaul. Since a period of two years has expired from the date of publication of notification under Section 6, the entire proceedings for the acquisition of land have lapsed in terms of Section 11-A of Act... "

(3.) In this view of the matter, it is apparent that so far as the prayer of the petitioners for quashing the notifications under Sections 4 and 6 is concerned, the needful has happened by lapse of time. The petition in that behalf has become infructuous.