KARTAR SINGH Vs. PUNJAB STATE

JUDGEMENT

(1.) In the petition under Article 226 of the Constitution it is prayed that orders of the Collector dated the 25th of January, 1960 (Annexure 'C' to the petition) and orders of the Commissioner, Patiala Division, dated the 24th of June, 1960 (Annexure 'D' to the petition), be quashed as being illegal.

(2.) The facts of the case are not disputed. It is alleged that Jang Singh petitioner was owner of 62.45 standard acres of land on the 21st of August, 1956. Not having filed any return, as required by the Pepsu Tenancy and Agricultural Lands Act, the Revenue Assistant, Bhatinda, served a draft statement as contemplated in form VIII-D(2) on the petitioner. The petitioner filed objections, which were considered and rejected, and by his orders dated the 25th of January, 1960, the Collector declared 32.45 standard acres in the hands of the petitioner as surplus.

(3.) The petitioner went up in appeal before the Commissioner which was dismissed on the 14th of June, 1960.