KRISHNAMOORTHY IYER, J. : This appeal is directed against the decision of a learned Judge of this Court dismissing in limine the petition filed by the appellants under Article 226 of the Constitution.

2. The properties comprised in S. Nos. 638/3 and 665/2 in Pallipuram village, Cochin taluk, having an extent of 37 acres and lying in one compact block belonged to A.N. Laxmana Shenoi, father of appellants 1 and 2 and grandfather of the third appellant. After the death of Laxmana Shenoi, the property devolved on the appellants.

3. Even during the lifetime of Laxmana Shenoi the Director of Harijan Welfare, Trivandrum, submitted proposals to the Travancore-Cochin Government for the acquisition of 1.76 acres out of the above-mentioned property, for the formation of a Harijan Colony at Pallipuram. A. N. Laxmana Shenoi filed the original of Ext. P-1 petition dated 12-4-1955 before the Board of Revenue, Travancore-Cochin State, objecting to the acquisition. He was served with the endorsement Ext. P-2 dated 21-4-1955 to the effect that the matter is receiving the attention of the Board. In the month of May or June 1959, on account of unusual sea erosion in Pallipuram village, nearly 2