Competing claims to ownership of a property in Secunderabad Cantonment, between the petitioners and the respondents has resulted in the Writ Petition, challenging the order impugned.

2. Heard Sri Challa Sitaramiah learned Senior Counsel instructed by Smt. A. Anasuya for the petitioners and the learned Central Government standing counsel Sri T. Venkata Raju Goud for the respondents.

3. The Order, dated 30–05–2002, in case No.21/188/EV/SY.No.528/B.No.176, passed by the 3rd respondent – the Defence Estate Officer, holding that an extent of Acs.02 – 80 gts comprised in G.L.R. Sy.No.528 of the Secunderabad Cantonment is a public premises and the constructions carried out therein by the petitioners and respondent Nos.4 to 5 herein as setout in the schedule to the Notice, dated 29–12–1995 are unauthorised; and directing demolition (by the petitioners and respondent Nos. 4 & 5 within 30 days); and in the event of their refusal or failure to comply with the Order within the stipulated period, directing the Estate Officer or an officer authorised by him to demolish the constructions, is assailed in this Writ Petition.

4. THE FACTS PLEADED BY THE PETITIONERS:

[A] Bungalow No.176 i