P. SATHASIVAM, J.

( 1 ) WHETHER the "parcha holders", who are in possession of the land in question, have any right to be heard in a proceeding arising out of Section 45-B of the Bihar Land reforms (Fixation of Ceiling Area and Acquisition of Surplus land) Act, 1961 (hereinafter referred to as the 'act') is the only question to be decided in this appeal.

( 2 ) THIS appeal is directed against the impugned final judgment and order dated 14. 9. 1999 passed by the Division bench of the High Court of Judicature at Patna in L. P. A. No. 1545 of 1997 whereby the High Court dismissed the L. P. A. filed by the appellants herein against the judgment and order dated 24. 11. 197 passed by the learned single Judge of the high Court in C. W. J. C. No. 12036 of 1996 arising from a proceeding under Section 45-B of the Act

( 3 ) THE Ceiling (surplus) proceedings bearing Ceiling Case no. 149 of 1973-74 were initiated against Nand Kishore tiwari, respondent No. 8 herein and a notice to the said effect was issued to him under Section 6 (1) of the Act in Form LC-1 as prescribed under Rule 5 under the said Act and respondent no. 8 submitted a return under the said Act in respect of his entire land, to