Surjit Singh, J. (Oral) - Petitioner Jai Ram has filed the present writ petition under Articles 226/227 of the Constitution of India seeking the issuance of a direction to the respondents to initiate proceedings for acquisition of land measuring 1 Bigha 8 Biswas, searing Khasra Nos. 565, 567, 568, 605 and land measuring 1 Bigha 7 Siswas bearing Khasra Nos. 602 and 356, situate at Mauja Deothi, Pargana Dharti, Tehsil Theog, District Shimla. The case of the petitioner, as disclosed in the petition, may be summed up thus. The above described land of the petitioner was utilised by the respondents in the construction of a road known as Ghorna-Deothi road, sometime in the year 1991-92. However, no compensation was paid to the petitioner for the utilisation of the said land. Not only this, even the process for assessment/payment of compensation has not been initiated as per the provisions of the Land Acquisition Act. So a direction has been sought to the respondents to initiate the process for the acquisition of the land and the payment of compensation.

2. Respondents in their written reply have-stated that the road was constructed on the demand of the local people and at the time