S. RAMALINGAM

The question for consideration is whether at the stage of enquiry under S.5-A of the Land Acquisition Act, a person whose name is not entered in the revenue records as a person interested in the land, is entitled to notice of the enquiry when the officer conducting the enquiry is informed of the interest possessed by such person in the land.

2. Section 4 of the Land Acquisition Act contemplates publication of the notification in the Official Gazette by the appropriate Government that land in any locality is needed or is likely to be needed for any public purpose. Besides such publication in the Official Gazette, the section also contemplates publication of the substance of such notification to be given at convenient places in the said locality. These provisions have been held to be mandatory.

3. The purpose and object of making such publication and causing such notice to be given is to enable all persons interested in the land to put forth their objections, if any, to the acquisition.

4. Section 5-A contemplates an enquiry to be conducted by the Collector into any objections that may be made against the proposal to acquire the lands.

5. In exercise of powers un