(Per Ramesh Ranganathan, Judge)

1. This Petition is filed by the Divisional Forest Officer, Eluru seeking review of the order in W.A. No.82 of 1998 dated 25-1-2002.

2. An extent of 4900 acres in Bhogole Forest Block, in Chintalapudi Taluq, Eluru Division of West Godavari District, was handed over to the Forest Department on 1-12-1952, and a notification was proposed to be issued under Section 26 of the Forest Act V of 1882 (Andhra Area). After excluding certain portions thereof for communal purposes, the remaining extent of 4100 acres was demarcated and a notification, under Section 4 of the A.P. Forest Act, 1967 (hereinafter referred to as the “Act”), was issued vide G.O.Ms.No.3, Food and Agriculture Development (Forest-III), dated 3-1-1970. The said notification was published in the West Godavari District Gazette on 7-8-1976. A proclamation, under Section 6 of the Act, was published in the West Godavari Gazette on 6-5-1997. All persons claiming right in the said land, or to any of the forest produce therefrom, were called upon to state, within six months from the date of proclamation, the nature of their rights, and to produce all documents in support thereof.

3. After