Ashok Bhushan, CJ

This writ appeal has been filed against the judgment dated 12/12/2013 in W.P.C.No.30687/2013 by which the writ petition filed by the petitioners had been dismissed on the ground of laches.

2. The brief facts necessary for deciding the writ appeal are:

The petitioners' land was acquired for establishment of Naval Academy by issuing a notification under Section 4 of the Land Acquisition Act (hereinafter referred to as 'the LA Act') dated 22/02/1983. Petitioners did not make an application for reference under Section 18 of the LA Act. Other land holders, whose land was acquired by the same notification, had made an application for reference under Section 18 of the LA Act. The Sub Court, Payyannur disposed of various Land Acquisition References. With regard to LAR No.94/92, an appeal was also filed in the High Court and the amount of compensation was further enhanced. Sub Court, Payyannur, in the proceedings under Section 18 of the LA Act in LAR No.120/87, awarded an amount of Rs.1,000/- per cent. Again there was an appeal against the said reference order and the land value was further enhanced to Rs.1,500/-. Petitioners filed two sets of applications dated 11/