JUDGMENT

Kuldip Singh, J.

1. Maru Ram (deceased), father of Ajmer Singh, respondent in the appeal herein, was a big landowner. The Punjab Security of Land Tenures Act, 1953 (Punjab Act) came into force with effect from April 15, 1953. On that date Maru Ram owned 61 standard acres 9 units of land. It was stated that there was a partition decree by the civil court on the basis of which the holding of Maru Ram was partitioned amongst him and his three sons namely Prithi Singh, Surat Singh and Ajmer Singh. Proceedings under the Punjab Act were initiated and 9 acres and 3-3/4 units of land owned and possessed by Maru Ram was declared surplus by the Collector, Karnal, on March 10, 1961. The Collector, Karnal, took into consideration the partition decree and all other material placed before the Collector. Against the order dated March 10,1961, the three sons of Maru Ram filed a review petition which was heard by the Collector, Karnal on merits and was dismissed by his order dated July 26,1962. It is not disputed before us by the learned counsel appearing for Ajmer Singh-respondent that the orders dated March 10, 1961 and July 26, 1962 have achieved finality.

2. The Haryana Ceiling on Land Ho