JUDGMENT :

PRASHANT KUMAR MISHRA, J.

1. These two writ appeals would arise out of the common order dated 09.04.2021 passed in W.P. Nos. 37218 of 2017 and 47461 of 2018, wherein the respective writ petitioners have assailed the land acquisition proceedings undertaken by the National Highways Authority of India for the purpose of widening and developing NH-16 in Pendurthi Mandal including Saripalle village in Prakasam District.

2. In W.A. No. 280 of 2021 filed against W.P. No. 47461 of 2018, writ petitioners’ land admeasuring 61,700 square meters in Sy. Nos. 116, 120, 121, 122, 270, 276 and 278 of Saripalle village, is the subject matter of acquisition, whereas in W.A. No. 302 of 2021, filed against W.P. No. 37218 of 2017, writ petitioners’ land to the extent of 1778 square meters in Sy. No. 117/3 and 7202 square meters in Sy. No. 118/2 of Saripalle village is said to be acquired. The acquisition in respect of these lands had been challenged in the writ petitions.

3. The writ petitioners challenged the notifications issued under Section 3-A and 3-D of the National Highways Act, 1956 (in short “the Act”) on the ground that notification dated 28.07.2017 did not state that “the land plans a