IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT PATNA CWJC No.7343 of 2011 BADAMIA DEVI, W/O LATE DWARIKA RAVIDAS RESIDENT OF VILLAGE-MOHANPUR TOLA KARRA, P.S. LAXMIPUR, DISTRICT JAMUI …PETITIONER Versus 1. THE STATE OF BIHAR THROUGH THE DISTRICT MAGISTRATE CUM COLLECTOR JAMUI 2. THE SUB DIVISIONAL OFFICER JAMUI 3. THE DEPUTY COLLECTOR LAND REFORMS JAMUI 4. THE CIRCLE OFFICER, LAXMIPUR, DISTRICT JAMUI …RESPONDENTS For the Petitioner :Mr. Bharat Lal For the State :Mr. Anil Kumar Upadhaya S.C.20 & :Mr.Naresh Prasad A.C. to S.C.20 ----------- 02. 26.04.2011 Heard learned counsel for the petitioner and learned S.C.22 for the State respondents. Petitioner has approached this Court seeking a direction upon the respondents particularly Respondent-Sub- Divisional Officer to dispose of finally the Land Settlement Case No. 6/07-08 which is said to be pending on his file for settlement of a tract of land with the petitioner who is eligible for such settlement. It is the stand of the petitioner that she along with her family members had continuous possession over the disputed land. Part of the land in question, on the basis of enquiry and recommendation, has already been settled with the two brothers of the husband of the petitioner, vide documents placed at Annexure-5 and 5/1. It is stated that she made an application (Annexure-1) in the year 2007 on which enquiries were made and records were sent to Respondent-SDO for according 2 approval where the matter is presently pending. Learned counsel appearing on behalf of the State- respondents, on the other hands, submits that queries have been made by Respondent-S.D.O. as would appear from order dated 29.01.2010. It is also pointed out that although claim was made only in respect of 0.88 decimals of land but recommendation were made for settlement of one acre of land. It is further pointed out with reference to the order appended at annexure-3 that the matter is pending for spot inspection. Learned counsel, however, is not opposed to the prayer of the petitioner that the matter be finally disposed of in accordance with law by the authority concerned. Having considered the submissions, this Court is satisfied that present application be disposed of by the following order:- Let the petitioner approach the Respondent- S.D.O. by filing an application annexing therewith a copy of the present order. The Respondent-S.D.O. shall thereafter take steps and dispose of the pending application in accordance with law within a reasonable period preferably within eight weeks of filing of the said application. hr ( Kishore K. Mandal )