( 1 ) THE question involved in this appeal is whether the requisition of a flat opposite Bethune College for the use of the head of its department of Chemistry where research work on the active principles of Indian medical plants presently being conducted under her supervision, is for a public purpose.

( 2 ) THE facts are as follows: The appellants Paresh Nath Nandi and Kalpana Nundi are trustees of premises No. 56, Ram Dulal Sarkar Street and No. 62, Masjid Bari Street, both situate in north Calcutta and at a distance of about a mile from each other. They live in the latter premises and one of them carries on business in sweetmeat at the ground floor of the other premises No. 56, Ram Dulal Sarkar Street. The last mentioned premises is a two storied house, the first floor being in the occupation of a tenant - one Dr. R. N. Chakravorty attached to the School of Tropical Medicine, Calcutta, the tenanted portion consists of five rooms, a covered corridor etc. with an approximate total floor area of 990 sq. ft. the month rent being Rs. 150/ -. His wife Mrs. Chakravorty is the head of the department of Chemistry already mentioned, Premises No. 62, Masjid Bari Street h