M.M. Kumar, ACJ. - (1.) IN the instant petition, the petitioners pray for issuance of a direction to the respondents to refer the references filed by the petitioners under Section 18 of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894.
(2.) ACCORDING to the averments made in the petition, the aforesaid application was duly received by the office of the Land Acquisition Collector (Drainage) on 9.4.2010, as is evident from perusal of the reply to legal notice dated 30.11.2010 (P -8) sent by the respondent. In this reply, it has been categorically stated that the references have been received in the office and it had also been prayed for forwarding the same to the Court of learned District Judge. On account of transfer of the Collector, Land Acquisition, a new incumbent was to join in his place. In response to notice of motion, Mr. Suvir Sehgal, learned Additional Advocate General Punjab has stated that basic reason for delay was the transfer of Collector, Land Acquisition(Drainage) and the new incumbent has now joined. According to the State counsel, the reference petitions shall be forwarded to the District Judge expeditiously and within a period of three weeks from today.
(3.) IN view of the statement made by the learned State Counsel, the prayer made by the petitioners succeeds. The reference petitions be forwarded by the Land Acquisition Collector, Drainage to the learned District Judge within three weeks. Petition stands disposed of.;