THE HON’BLE SRI JUSTICE V.V.S.RAO WRIT PETITION No.21145 of 2000 27.2.2008 Between: Masakapalli China Venkatapathi, S/o.Venkata Raju … Petitioner and The Land Acquisition Officer-cum-Special Deputy Collector (L.A.), Port Development, Kakinada, East Godavari District. … Respondent THE HON’BLE SRI JUSTICE V.V.S.RAO WRIT PETITION No.21145 of 2000 ORDER: The land admeasuring Acs.0.93 in survey Nos.158/2 C1 and 163/1 D3 situated at Pithapuram village in East Godavari District, was acquired by the Government under award No.4/96, dated 26.2.1996, for formation of bypass road in Pithapuram town. Notice of award was served on petitioner on 09.3.1996. Not satisfied with amount of compensation awarded, he got issued legal notice on 22.3.1996 seeking reference to Civil Court under Section 18 of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894. The same was rejected by respondent on the ground that application is not signed by petitioner. Aggrieved by the same, present writ petition is filed. There is no denial that after receiving notice of award, petitioner sent legal notice dated 22.3.1996 in addition to letter he sent seeking reference. Therefore respondent is bound to refer the matter to civil Court. The reason for rejection is unsustainable. The writ petition is therefore disposed of, directing respondent to refer Award No.4/96, dated 26.2.1996, to Civil Court insofar as petitioner’s land is concerned. This exercise may be completed within a period of three months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. No costs. ______________ February 27, 2008 (V.V.S.RAO, J) YS