( 1 ) A learned Single Judge of this Court has made this reference vide order dated 30-11-2001 passed in W. P. No. 19065 of 2001, to a larger bench, to explain the scope, power and jurisdiction of the Revenue Officer under the provisions of Sections 127 to 129 of the Karnataka Land revenue Act, 1964 (for short the "act"), in view of the judgment in lakshmi v Assistant Commissioner. Therefore, by order dated 1-4-2002 passed by the Hon'ble Chief Justice, this reference is placed before us on 8-4-2002.

( 2 ) BRIEF facts leading to the order of reference, as alleged, are: lands bearing Sy. Nos. 38/1, 39 and 41 situated at Chunchanaghatta village, Bangalore South Taluk, originally belonged to late Hari Singh, the grandfather of the petitioner. Sri Hari Singh died on 13-4-1979, bequathing the above said lands in favour of the petitioner under a Will dated 12-10-1959. The petitioner made an application for change of mutation in his name in respect of the aforesaid lands on the basis of the will. The third respondent by his order dated 29-5-1982 ordered for a change of mutation. The said order was challenged by respondents 4 and 5 before the second respondent-Assistant Co