R. V. RAVEENDRAN, J.

( 1 ) LEAVE granted. Heard the learned counsel.

( 2 ) CERTAIN lands in Pazhavoor village were acquired under the Tamil Nadu Acquisition of lands for Harijan Welfare Schemes Act. Notice regarding acquisition was served on respondents 3 to 6 who were shown as the owners of the land in the revenue records. Respondents 3 to 6 informed the Collector (first respondent) that they were only life estate holders and that the vested remindermen should be served with notice. But notice was not issued to them. On the other hand, second respondent passed an award on 3. 6. 1997. Thereafter, possession of the acquired lands was taken and made into plots and distributed to intended beneficiaries.

( 3 ) APPELLANTS 1 to 4 filed a writ petition alleging that the acquired lands originally belonged to one S. Kanthimathinatha Pillai; that under a registered will, he bequeathed the said lands to his grandchildren (appellants and respondents 7 to 18) subject to a life interest in favour of his sons (respondents 3 to 6); and that thus the appellants and respondents 7 to 18, who were the children of respondents 3 to 6, were the vested remindermen in regard to the said lands. They contend