K.T. Sankaran, J.

1. The State has filed this Civil Revision Petition challenging the order dated 5.2.2000, passed by the Taluk Land Board, Vadakara in the proceedings under Section 87 of the Kerala Land Reforms Act (hereinafter referred to as 'the Act'). As on 1.1.1970, the respondent was an adult unmarried person. He married Sobhana on 1.6.1974. Three children were born in that wedlock on 31.5.1980, 30.5.1984 and the last one thereafter. As per document No.271/89, the respondent acquired certain items of properties. Proceedings were initiated on the basis that as on 1.1.1970 the respondent was an adult unmarried person and, therefore, he could not hold more than 7.50 acres of land.

2. As per the draft statement, the relevant date for determining the ceiling area was stated to be 1.1.1970 and on that basis it was stated that the respondent was liable to surrender 7.98 acres.

3. The respondent contended that though he was unmarried as on 1.1.1970, by his marriage a statutory family is constituted, which could hold more extent of land than the extent of land which could be held by an adult unmarried person. The Taluk Land Board considered the objections raised by the respondent an