In all these cases the petitioners are challenging the impugned acquisition proceedings in respect of their lands sought to be acquired for the purpose of Housing Scheme at the instance of the Tamil Nadu Housing Board.

2.In these writ petitions, a Notification under Section 4(1) of the Land Acquisition Act, hereinafter called 'the Act', was issued in Government Orders dated 25.2.1994, 6.8.1994, 2.4.1994 and 28.2.1994. Since no notice was served on the petitioners, they did not have any opportunity to object the acquisition proceedings. The Government also made declaration under Section 6 of the Act and awards were also passed subsequent to the filing of the writ petitions. For the purpose of constructing houses by the Tamil Nadu Housing Board, the Government proposed to acquire the petitioners' lands.

3. Insofar as the lands of the petitioners bearing Survey Nos.382, 384/1, 383, 384/2 and 385/1A of Kalapatti village, which are subject matter in W.P.Nos.18004 to 18031 of 1996, 9747 to 9749 of 1996 are concerned, the Government issued notification under Sec.4(1) of the Act in G.O.Ms.No.191, Housing and Urban Development Department, dated 25.2.1994 published in the Tamil Na