( 1 ) AS all these writ petitions involve similar questions of law and fact, I propose to dispose of all the 15 writ petitions by this common judgment and order.

( 2 ) THESE writ petitions arise out of the common judgment and order passed by the Additional District Judge, Delhi on 15. 11. 1997 dismissing the appeals filed by the petitioners as against the order dated 4. 4. 1997 passed by the Estate Officer holding that the premises in question are public premises and that the petitioners are in unauthorised occupation of the said public premises and that they are liable to be evicted from the aforesaid public premises.

( 3 ) IN order to appreciate the contentions of the Counsel appearing for the parties, it is necessary to set out the background facts leading to the passing of the aforesaid order by the Estate Officer. The Chief Commissioner of Delhi by notification issued under the Land Acquisition Act acquired about 150 acres of land situated towards the south of Najafgarh Road, Village Basai Darapur for the purpose of resettlement of displaced persons from West Pakistan. The said land was acquired on 23. 2. 1952. With the issuance of the aforesaid notification acquir