JUDGMENT

1.We have heard learned counsel for the parties.

2. The appellant in this appeal has impugned the order of the High Court of Judicature of Andhra Pradesh at Hyderabad in CRP No. 152 of 1996 dated 10-2-1998 whereby the High Court affirmed the order passed by the Land Reforms Appellate Tribunal at Warangal, which in turn affirmed the order of the Additional Revenue Divisional Officer, Land Reforms Tribunal at Khammam.

3. The case of the appellant is that he had purchased the land in question under an unregistered sale deed dated 20-2-1957 from one Kondapally Hanumantha Rao. He was in possession of the land in question since the alleged date of sale.

4. A proceeding was initiated against Kondapally Hanumantha Rao under the land ceiling laws as he was found in possession of lands beyond the permissible limit. Kondapally Hanumantha Rao surrendered some lands, as required, but later it was found that the lands surrendered by him included lands which he had validly transferred to third parties. Thereafter, excluding the lands sold to third parties, the surplus lands of Kondapally Hanumantha Rao was determined for being taken over by the State. In that process, the land sold to th