IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT PATNA CWJC No.10901 of 2009 SHASHI BHUSHAN SETH, S/O LATE HARISHCHANDRA SETH, R/O VILL & P.O.- SINGHIA GHAT, P.S.- BIBHUTIPUR AND DISTRICT SAMASTIPUR. ... ... PETITIONER. Versus 1. THE STATE OF BIHAR THROUGH THE PRINCIPAL SECRETARY, DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE, GOVERNMENT OF BIHAR, NEW SECRETARIAT, BAILEY ROAD, PATNA. 2. THE SPECIAL SECRETARY, REVENUE AND LAND REFORMS DEPARTMENT, GOVERNMENT OF BIHAR, MAIN SECRETARIAT, PATNA. 3. THE COMMISSIONER, DARBHANGA DIVISION, LAHERIASARAI, DARBHANGA. 4. THE COLLECTOR, SAMASTIPUR. 5. WATER RESOURCES DEPARTMENT THROUGH ITS SECRETARY, GOVERNMENT OF BIHAR, SINCHAI BHAWAN, PATNA. ... ... RESPONDENTS. ----------- 4. 26.10.2009. Heard learned counsel for the petitioner and the State. The lands of the petitioner were acquired for the purpose of raising the columns for construction of the house meant for the authorities and staffs of the Gandak Project as is evident from Form-J contained in Annexure-2. It is submitted on behalf of the petitioner that the lands acquired were never utilized for the purpose for which the same was acquired. Even after passage of more than 20 years of the acquisition, the lands are lying vacant and the Government is required - 2 - N.H./ to consider the return of the lands to the original land holders in the light of the Government decision contained in letter No.123/DLA-Policy-1/78 dated 12.1.1979 (Annexure-1). Let petitioner submit a representation before the competent authority of the State Government praying inter alia the return of the lands in question in the light of the instructions of the State Government contained in letter No.123 dated 12.1.1979 (Annexure-1) or to pass a reasoned order refusing the request as early as possible in any case within six months from the date of its receipt along with a copy of the order. This writ application is, accordingly, disposed of. ( V.N. Sinha,J.)