1. In all the above writ petitions the challenge is only with regard to acquisition of lands for development of a new satellite town near Madras known as Maraimalai Nagar by the Madras Metropolitan Development Authority (now known as Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority). Since similar points have been taken in all the writ petitions, the same may be disposed of by the following common order:-

2. Though various contentions have been raised by the petitioners, for the convenience and for the present I shall refer the facts leading to the filing of the first writ petition, namely, W.P. No. 7388 of 1986. According to the petitioner, they are the owners of the land measuring a total extent of 17 acres 70 cents comprised in S. No. 238/17A measuring 5 acres 90 cents, and S. No. 238/17B measuring 5 acres 90 cents, and S. No. 238/17C measuring 5 acres 90 cents respectively in No. 83, Sengundram Village, Chingleput. They made improvements in the lands for the purposes of cultivation. They reclaimed the lands at a cost of more than Rs. 1,50,000. In G.O.Ms. No. 1198 Housing and Urban Development dated 7. 1979, the second respondent issued a Notification under section 4 (1) o