C.V. Nagarjuna Reddy, J.

1. An issue which is short but of considerable importance arises for adjudication in this writ petition. What precisely is the scope of enquiry before the District Legal Services Authority in the matter of legal aid exempting from payment of Court fee available under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 (for short, 'the Act') and the Central and State Rules and Regulations made thereunder is that issue.

2. The facts giving rise to the filing of this writ petition are briefly set out hereunder:

"Respondent Nos. 4 to 24 (hereinafter referred to as 'the plaintiffs') filed a suit against five individuals and the petitioner - construction company impleaded as defendant No. 6, for declaration that they are absolute owners of various extents of properties situated in Sy. Nos. 10/1, 10/2, 10/3, 10/4, 18/5 of China Waltair, Visakhapatnam. It is their pleaded case that one Vasupalli Appanna was their ancestor, who has acquired Acs. 4.00 under registered sale deed dt. 27.10.1945 from one Adidam Venkata Rama Rao and others and he has also succeeded to an extent of Ac.5.57 cents from his ancestors. That during his lifetime, Vasupalli Appanna enjoyed the prope