( 1 ) LANDS covered by award No. 1956 dated 21st March, 1967, were acquired by the Delhi Administration for a public purpose, viz. , planned development of Delhi at public expense. One Smt. Surjo along with others claiming to be persons interested in respect of their lands acquired feeling aggrieved by the award filed reference petition under section 18 of the Land Acquisition Act (herein to be called the Act ) before the Land Acquisition Collector (herein to be called the Collector ) requiring him to refer the matter for the determination of the Court. During the pendency of the reference petition in the Court of an Additional District Judge, Delhi, (Shri G. R. Luthra), Smt. Surjo died. An application was filed in the Court on 12th October, 1971, requesting that her daughters, namely, Smt. Ram Piari, Smt. Bhagwati, Smt. Champa and Smt. Ratna in whose favour Smt. Surjo was stated to have made a will be brought on the record. As per averment in the said application Smt. Surjo died on 8th April, 1971. The respondents. Union of India, opposed the application alleging that the same was barred by limitation and that the reference petition in respect of the claim of Smt.