Judgement

RAMASWAMI, J.: This appeal is brought by special leave from the judgment and decree of the Punjab High Court dated 19th April, 1960 in Letters Patent Appeal No. 128 of 1960.

2. In the year 1955, consolidation proceedings under East Punjab Holdings (Consolidation and Prevention of Fragmentation) Act, 1948 (hereinafter called the Act) were started in the village Bholpur of District Ludhaina. In accordance with the provisions of the Act, a scheme for consolidation of holdings was published on 29th March, 1956. On 14th May, 1956 that scheme was confirmed under S. 20 of the Act. The Consolidation Officer accordingly re-allotted parcels of land to the appellant and respondents Nos. 1 and 8 in the village of Bholpur. Being dissatisfied with the allotment, respondents 1 and 8 preferred appeals under S. 21 (3) of the Act but these appeals were dismissed by the Settlement Officer. Respondents 1 and 8 thereafter preferred further appeals under S. 21 (4) of the Act to the Assistant Director, Consolidation of Holdings. The Assistant Director partially allowed the appeal of respondent No. 1 by his order dated 29th October 1957 but dismissed the appeal of respondent No. 8. On 10th Februar