( 1 ) RULE. Mr. Mankad, learned A. G. P. , waives service of Rule for respondents.

( 2 ) WITH the consent of the learned Counsels for the parties the matter is taken up for final disposal today.

( 3 ) IN this petition under Arts. 226 and 227 of the Constitution the petitioners have challenged the order dated 17-7-1998 passed by the competent authority and addl. Collector, U. L. C. , Vadodara, rejecting the petitioners application under Sec. 21 (1) of the Urban Land Ceiling Act, 1976 (hereinafter referred to as the Act) on the ground that the application was not filed within prescribed time-limit.

( 4 ) THE facts leading to the filing of this petition, as averred by the petitioners are : the petitioners are holders of certain lands in Vadodara agglomeration. In respect of land admeasuring 1,860 sq. mts. , of revenue survey No. 205 of village tarsali, Vadodara, along with other lands of the petitioners in Survey Nos. 255 and 258/2 of village Tarsali, by order dated 12-2-1980 (Annexure B) the State government had earlier granted exemption under Sec. 20 (1) of the Act for agricultural operations. Thereafter, the petitioners applied to the Government for revocation of the