K. Narayana Kurup, J.

The petitioner is the appellant. In connection with the re-alignment of N.H.17 an extent of 0.1619 hectares of land comprised in R.S. No. 23/3A of Mazhappilangad amsom desom belonging to the appellant was acquired under the Kerala Land Acquisition Act, 1894 (for short 'the act) along with some other properties as per award No. 2/96 dated 15.4.1996. The notice of award was issued on 15.4.1996 and it was got served on the appellant on 16.5.1996. He handed over possession of the property acquired on 18.5.1996 and received the compensation on 20.5.1996 without lodging any written protest. On 22.5.1996 a petition sent by registered post on 21.5.1996 by the appellant was received by the Tahsildars office claiming a total compensation of Rs. 26,60,000/- for the property acquired and requesting to refer the matter to the competent court for re-determination of compensation. Ext. P1 is the application preferred by the appellant claiming re-determination of compensation. The said application stands rejected as per Ext. P2 proceedings of the respondent Tahsildar on the ground that under S,18 of the Act read with proviso to S.31(2) of the said Act, no person wh