CWP No. 2292 of 2007 19.6.2008 Present: Mr. G.D. Verma, Senior Advocate with Mr. B.C. Verma, Advocate for the petitioners. Mr. R.K. Bawa, Advocate General with Mr. J.K. Verma, Dy.A.G. for the respondents. The Collector Land Acquisition did not forward the reference under Section 18 of the Land Acquisition Act to the District Judge on the ground that it is barred by time. Unfortunately, the amended law was not available with the Collector concerned. The amended law reads as under: “Provided further that the Collector may entertain an application under this section, after the expiry of the period of six weeks but within a period of six months, if he is satisfied that the applicant was prevented by sufficient cause from making the application in time.” In the light of the above, it is crystal clear that the Collector was duty bound to pass an order after considering the aforesaid amendment. In the circumstances, the Collector has erred in holding that the delay cannot be condoned. Accordingly, order passed by the Collector is quashed. The matter is remanded back for reconsideration in accordance with law and the observations made hereinabove. In view of these observations, the petition is disposed of, so also the other applications. (Jagdish Bhalla), C.J. (Rajiv Sharma), J. June 19, 2008. (cr)