JUDGMENT

B.P. SINGH, J.

Special leave granted.

In the appeals arising out of SLP (C) Nos. 6093 of 2003; 6095 of 2003 and 6384 of 2003 the appellants have impugned the common judgment and order of the High Court of Delhi dated February 13, 2003 disposing of Civil Writ Petition Nos. 2672 of 1996 ; 1851 of 1986 and 2003 of 1986.

In the appeal arising out SLP ) No. 8574 of 2003, M/s. Punjab Potteries has assailed the judgment and order of the High Court of Delhi in C.W.P. No.2168 of 2003 dated 26th March, 2003. The High Court dismissed all the writ petitions preferred by the appellants herein.

A few broad facts may be noticed at the threshold to appreciate the contentions urged on behalf of the parties in these appeals.

A Notification under Section 4 of the Land Acquisition Act (hereinafter referred to as the Act) was issued by the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi on January 23, 1965 for acquisition of lands measuring 6241 bighas 12 biswas in village Mahipalpur which was required for a public purpose, namely - Planned Development of Delhi. A declaration under Section 6 of the Act relating to 4759 bighas 1 biswa was made on December 12, 1966 and another

declaration relating to 1459 bi