JUDGMENT :

SOUMITRA SAIKIA, J.

1. Heard Mr. Imti Longjem, learned counsel for the petitioners assisted by Ms. Lhousino and Mr. C.T. Jamir, learned senior counsel representing respondent Nos. 8 to 50, 52 to 54, 56 to 66, 71 to 78 and 80 to 90, assisted by Mr. I. Imchen, learned counsel as well as Ms. V. Suokhrie, learned Addl. Sr. Government Advocate for the State respondents.

2. This writ appeal is directed against the judgment and order dated 2.11.2017 passed in WP(C) No. 93(K)/2014. The petitioners who are appellants before this court are the Nihokhu Village Council, representing the Nihokhu Village, new land sub-division, District-Dimapur, Nagaland and represented by its Chairman, Mr. Ghoshuho Zhimomi. Shri Ahoto Zhimomi is the Head Gaon Bura of the Nihokhu Village, who is the petitioner-appellant No. 2.

3. The case projected by the appellants in the writ petition are at the Nihokhu Village was established 1919 as per Sumi customs and practices. The village is a Government recognised village and in terms of Nagaland Village Councils Act, 1978, the village has a duly constituted village council. The village falls under the Nihokhu EAC (Extra Assistant Commissioner) circle of the NIU