The facts of the case lie in a narrow compass and they are stated hereunder:

on 20.4.1972 and draft declaration was approved by the Government on 25.9.1972 and published in the District Gazette on 23.11.1972. The petitioner claims that possession of the land to the extent of Acs.ll.15 gunt as, including the land of his father was taken in November, 1971 whereas the respondents averred that the possession was taken on 22.3.1974 and handed over to the Corporation. Award was passed on 20.1.1976 only to the extent of Acs.9.16 guntas, leaving out the land owned by the petitioner's father. Compensation in respect of the lands covered by the award was paid to the landowners.

2. The petitioner, who pleaded that he was not aware of the acquisition proceedings due to the sudden death of his father for a long time, appeared to have approached the revenue authorities in the year 1988. The Mandal Revenue Officer, Kamareddy, after holding a detailed enquiry, submitted his report vide Letter No.AI/1135/ 93 dated 13.7.1994, wherein he mentioned that the petitioner, who is the successor-in interest of the deceased pattadar is a Government employee working at Hyderabad and that he might not h