BADAR DURREZ AHMED, J.

1. Mr Yeeshu Jain, the learned counsel for respondent Nos.1 & 2 has handed over the counter-affidavit. The same is taken on record. The learned counsel for the petitioner does not wish to file any rejoinder-affidavit as all the necessary averments are contained in the writ petition.

2. By way of this writ petition, the petitioner seeks the benefit of Section 24(2) of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 (hereinafter referred to as the “2013 Act”) which came into effect on 01.01.2014. The petitioner, consequently, seeks a declaration that the acquisition proceeding initiated under the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 (hereinafter referred to as the “1894 Act”) and in respect of which Award No. 12/1987-88 dated 20.05.1987 was made, inter alia, in respect of the petitioner’s land, comprised in khasra Nos.151 (2-18) and 152/1 (2-11), measuring 5 bighas and 9 biswas in all, in village Neb Sarai, New Delhi, shall be deemed to have lapsed.

3. In this case, it has been admitted by the concerned Land Acquisition Collector that physical possession of the subject land has not been taken. This is