(Appeal filed under Clause 15 of the Letters Patent against the order dated 03.02.2004 made in W.P.No.18413 of 1996.)

D. Murugesan, J.

The issue that falls for our consideration in this writ appeal is as to whether the power of the Collector to notify the land under Section 4(1) of the Tamil Nadu Acquisition of Land for Harijan Welfare Schemes Act, 1978 (Tamil Nadu Act 31 of 1978) (for short, "the Act") could be either delegated or exercised by any other officer?

2. An extent of 1.13.0 hectares of land in R.S.Nos.103/2B1, 4, 5, 7A, 8A and 6 was notified under Section 4(1) after compliance of Section 4(2) of the Act for acquisition. The notification reads as under:-

SOUTH ARCOT VALLALAR DISTRICT GAZETTE

EXTRAORDINARY

PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY

CUDDALORE JUNE 19, 1996

Aani, Thadhu, Thiruvalluvar Aandu-2027

NOTIFICATION BY THE ADDITIONAL COLLECTOR

Notice under Section 4(1) of the Tamil Nadu Acquisition of Land for Harijan Welfare Schemes Act, 1978 (W2/29286/95)

Where as it appears to the Government of Tamil Nadu that the lands specified in the schedule below and situated in the Ruthirasolai hamlet of Lalpet village, Kattumannar Koil, South Arcot Vallalar District are needed for a public