- (1.) This writ petition has been preferred by State of U.P. assailing an order dated 25.02.2012 passed by the State's own officer, i.e., Additional District Magistrate (Finance and Revenue), Agra (hereinafter referred to as the "ADM (F&R)" in Case No. 93/2011-12 in purported exercise of powers under Section 31 of Indian Stamp Act, 1899 (hereinafter referred to as the "Act, 1899").
(2.) This Court issued notices to respondents. I have perused the office report dated 18.11.2013. Service upon respondent no. 1 is deemed sufficient. Sri H.P. Dube, Advocate has put in appearance on behalf of respondents no. 5 and 6, i.e., ADM (F&R), who has also been impleaded in person. Sri Swapnil Kumar, Advocate has put in appearance on behalf of respondents no. 2, 3 and 4.
(3.) The short question up for consideration is, "whether Section 31 of Act, 1899 is attracted to the case in hand or not".;