Ujjal Bhuyan, J.

Registry to register this reference as a separate proceeding.

2. We have heard Mr. C. Lalfakzuala, learned counsel for the petitioners and Mr. Samuel Vanlalhriata Chhangte, learned Government Advocate for the State respondents.

3. This matter is before us (Division Bench) on a reference made by the learned Single Judge taking a view different from the views expressed by concurrent Bench in previous writ petitions.

4. Question which has been referred to us for decision is as under:-

"Whether a writ petition claiming interest and solatium under the Land Acquisition Act of 1894, which power vests with the Reference Court under Section 23 (1A) and 23(2) thereof, is maintainable in the absence of any reference being made to the Court in terms of section 18 of the Act and that too when the petitioner has already accepted the awarded compensation?"

5. Though it may not be necessary to refer to in details the factual narrative of the case, however, for placing the reference in the correct perspective, it would be apposite to extract the order dated 19.08.2015 of the learned Single Judge while making the reference as the said order has succinctly summed up the