Common Order:

Inasmuch as the issue involved in both the writ petitions are one and the same, a common order is being passed.

2. Heard the learned counsel appearing for the petitioner and the learned Additional Government Pleader appearing for the respondents.

3. It has been stated that late N.S.Ramaswami, brother of the petitioner, was the owner of the vacant land in Thiruvanmiyur Revenue Village, Chennai, in S.No.214/2, measuring 5 grounds and 498 Sq.Ft. The Government of Tamilnadu had acquired 2 grounds and 2298 Sq.Ft., 650 Sq.Mts. or 7080 Sq.Ft., under the Tamil Nadu Urban Land (Ceiling and Regulation) Act, 1978. As he was a bachelor, he was allowed to retain 2 grounds and 600 sq.ft. He had died, on 22. 87, and thereafter, the petitioner had succeeded to his estate, as his sole legal heir.

4. It has been stated that the Tamil Nadu Urban Land (Ceiling and Regulation) Act, 1978, had been repealed by the State Government by the Tamil Nadu Urban Land (Ceiling and Regulation) Repeal Act, 1999. Section 3(2) of the Tamil Nadu Urban Land (Ceiling and Regulation) Repeal Act, 1999, provides for restoration of the lands to the original owner, if actual possession had not b