Ramakrishnan, J.

The two revision petitions are coming up before us on a reference by a learned Single Judge. The question arising for decision can be formulated thus: In a case where the provisions of the Land Acquisition Act 1 of 1894 (hereinafter referred to as' the act) are invoked for acquiring land at the cost of any fund controlled or managed by a local authority or of any company. whether such local authority or company is entitled to be impleaded as a party to the proceedings pending before a court on a reference under S.18 of the Act by virtue of S.50(2) of the Act or under S.151 of the Code of Civil Procedure?

2. Facts necessary for considering the question of law arising in the revisions can be stated thus: State of Kerala. the second respondent in both the revisions acquired certain properties belonging to the revision petitioners at the request of the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA). the first respondent in the two revisions. for the purpose of its Town Planning Scheme. Admittedly GCDA is a local authority as defined under the Act. Dissatisfied with the amount of compensation awarded. petitioners sought for a reference under S.18 of the Act. Acco