( 1 ) THIS writ petition is filed for a Writ of Prohibition restraining the first respondent-Director of Settlements from proceeding further with the suo motu enquiry pursuant to the notice dated 8-4-1995.

( 2 ) THE facts in brief are as follows: The Raja of Venkatagiri Zamin Estate granted land in Paimaish No. 679 of Madanuru village Bit No. 2 (now surveyed in Ethamukkala village) in favour of eight families of Alia, Ulchi, Samanthula, maturi, Kunkala, Lingareddy, Bapireddy and Kalahasthi Reddy more than 100 years ago for the purpose of cultivation and pasturage on payment of usual rent due thereon. Raja Saheb granted land in Paimaish Nos. 17,18,23 and 24 situate in Somavarappadu village in favour of Kolagatla Peda narasimham and others 100 years ago for the purpose of cultivation and pasturage. The petitioners acquired these lands either by purchase from the original grantees or by inheritance from the original grantees. The land was cultivated partly with dry crops like greengram etc. , and the rest was used for grazing purposes exclusively by the petitioners and their predecessors- in-title. The petitioners claimed that they have acquired occupancy rights in re