M.Y. Eqbal, J.

1. Heard Mr. A.K. Mehta, learned counsel for the petitioner and Mr. A.K. Sahani learned counsel for the respondents, and with their consent this writ application is disposed of at this stage.

2. Petitioner is aggrieved by the order dated 16.12.1998 passed by Additional Collector, Ranchi in Mutation Revision No. 660 R- 15/96-97 in exercise of powers conferred under Section 16 of the Bihar Tenants Holdings (Maintenance of Records Act, 1973 whereby he has set aside the order dated 21.2.1997 passed by respondent No. 3 Land Reforms Dy. Collector, Khunti in Mutation Appeal No. 15/95-96 and also order dated 19.8.1995 passed by Circle Officer, in Mutation case No. 141/95-96.

3. The only question falls for consideration is that whether zamabandi running in favour of the petitioner for more than a decade could be cancelled at the instance of the respondents who claimed their title over the property on the basis of purchase. It has not been disputed that the name of the petitioner was entered in the revenue record of right in the year 1978 and he has been paying rent to the State of Bihar since then. The concerned respondents on the basis of purchase made in the year 1994 mad