MUNIYAPPA Vs. SPECIAL LAND ACQUISITION OFFICER

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This intra court appeal takes an exception to the order dtd. 2/11/2012 passed by learned Single Judge by which writ petition preferred by the appellants challenging the proceeding initiated under the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 (hereinafter referred to as 'the Act' for short), has been dismissed on the ground of delay and laches.

(2.) The principal issue, which arises for consideration in this appeal is whether challenge to a Land acquisition proceeding, which is made after a period of 20 years can be sustained.

(3.) Facts leading to filing of this appeal briefly stated are that the appellants are owners of different parcels of land measuring 16 acres and 6 guntas bearing Sy.No.26 of Nagadevanahalli Village (hereinafter referred to as 'the schedule land' for short). The respondent No.3 is a House Building Co- operative Society (hereinafter referred to as 'the Society' for short). The Society was in need of the schedule land as well as other lands for formation of a residential layout. The Society therefore approached the State Government.