ORDER

A large tract of land situate in Village Badagaon, Puri was part of the estate of one Manindra Chandra Sinha.

2. On 24-8-1953, the Orissa State Legislature enacted an Act known as Orissa Estates Abolition Act (hereinafter referred to as "the Act"). The said Act came into force with effect from 24th August, 1953. Section 5 of the Act provided that all non-agricultural land shall vest in the State. Since the land undisputedly was non-agricultural land, the same vested in the State. It appears that after the death of Manindra Chandra Sinha, his sons executed certain leases. The Dy. Collector, Puri by an order 10-8-1957 revoked those leases. It may be mentioned that Manindra Chandra Sinha died in the year 1922 and by virtue of a Will, his sons, namely, Bimal Chandra Sinha, Amresh Chandra Sinha and Brundaban Chandra Sinha succeeded to the aforesaid estate upon obtaining a probate. All the sons of Manindra Chandra Sinha applied in 1959 for settlement of the said land in their favour under Section 7 of the Act. Although two of the sons have already died during pendency of the application, the Collector by order dated 17-6-1964 settled the aforesaid land in favour of the sons of Manind