( 1 ) THESE seven petitions, in which the validity of the Mysore Land Reforms act, 1961 (Mysore Act 10 of 1962 as amended by the Mysore Act 14 of 1965), and the Rules framed thereunder is challenged, are heard together. In addition to the declaration that the aforesaid Act and Rules are ultra vires, void and of no effect, they have also sought for an alternative relief for a declaration that the petitioners' holdings which are Ryotwari are governed by S. 107 of the Mysore Land Reforms Act, 1961 (hereinafter called the Land Reforms Act), and thus the provisions of the Land- Reforms act do not apply to them.

( 2 ) IN the first six petitions above mentioned, the facts are identical in WP. Nos. 1180 and 3945 of 1968, in addition to the questions raised in the other petitions, a declaration is sought that the petitioners therein are entitled to the exemption provided under S. 107 of the Land Reforms Act as they are tenants of a Religious and Charitable Institution which is under the control of the State Government, the effect of which is that the provisions of the Land Reforms Act and the Rules framed thereunder do not apply to them. The petitioners have also so