( 1 ) WHETHER an illegal transaction or sale in contravention of the provisions of law could be questioned or revoked or cancelled after a lapse of several years is the heart of the present petition under Arts. 226/227 of the constitution of India.

( 2 ) THE petitioners had purchased land admeasuring 2 acres in block No. 1029 of 1993 of Village Dingucha, Tal : Kalol, Mehsana District from respondent Nos. 3, 4 and 5 by registered sale deed dated 6-6-1968. Since then, according to the case of the petitioners, they are in possession of the said agricultural land and they have spent huge amount for the development and for taking crops every year.

( 3 ) THE respondent No. 1, District Collector, had initiated proceedings under the provisions of Bombay Prevention of Fragmentation Act, 1947 (Act) in the year 1987, i. e. , after 19 years for declaring the aforesaid sale transaction as invalid being in violation of the provisions of the Act and show cause notice was issued. Thereafter the petitioners were heard. After hearing the parties and considering the facts and circumstances and the provisions of the Act, the respondent No. 1 - Collector passed the impugned order on 30-7