THE HON’BLE SRI JUSTICE V.V.S.RAO WRIT PETITION No.16144 of 2002 27.02.2008 Between: Pesala Rosaiah and others … Petitioners AND The Special Deputy Collector, Unit-II, Somasila Project at Budvel, Now merged with Rajampet, Kadapa District … Respondent THE HON’BLE SRI JUSTICE V.V.S.RAO WRIT PETITION No.16144 of 2002 ORDER: The petitioners who are thirty-four in number are residents of Vakamada village, Siddavatam Taluk, Kadapa District. Their lands admeasuring about Acs.21.70 were allegedly acquired under Land Acquisition Act, 1894 pursuant to notification under Section 4(1) of the Act published in Gazette. The award was passed on 14.12.1979. The petitioners allege that they did not receive any notice under Section 12(2) of the Act, but they filed application seeking reference to civil Court, in vain. Therefore, they filed present writ petition. Learned counsel for petitioners placed reliance on the Judgment, dated 12.04.1999, of this Court in W.P.No.12923 of 1998. He submits that in similar matter, this Court gave direction to respondent to refer award to civil Court. In the considered opinion of this Court, the same has no application to this case. Admittedly, land was acquired under an award, dated 14.12.1979 – about thirty years ago. Though the petitioners allege that they made an application within time, the details are not mentioned in affidavit nor particulars of lands are given. In W.P.No.12923 of 1998, this Court found that applications were made to refer the award No.12/1979-80, dated 14.12.1979, to civil Court under Section 18 of the Act. On reading of said order, it is not clear when petitioners therein made applications. Be that as it is, the relief prayed in this writ petition is grossly barred by delay and laches. Therefore, this Court is not inclined to exercise discretion in favour of petitioners. The writ petition is accordingly dismissed. No costs. _______________ (V.V.S.RAO, J) 27.02.2008 pln