The petitioners, numbering 29, claim that they are the owners of the plots comprised in S.No.801/2, 801/3, 801/6, 809, 810, 811 and 812 at Thanthoni village, Karur Taluk, Karur District. Originally, Mrs.Kanniammal and 3 others were the owners of these lands. Mrs.Kanniammal laid lay out under the name of "Thiruvallur Nagar", and got approval from the Director of Town Planning. After completing all the formalities, she dedicated the streets to the local Panchayat and then sold away the plots to various persons on various dates between the years 1988 and 1996. The petitioners purchased few such plots from Mrs.Kanniammal and 3 others. According to them, they have been in possession and enjoyment of their respective plots.

2. While so, the District Collector, Karur has issued a Notification under Section 4(1) of the Land Acquisition Act proposing to acquire these lands along with some more lands for the purpose of forming "Master Plan Complex of Karur. Under Section 4(2) of the Act. The Special Tahsildar, Land acquisition for "Master Plan Complex of Karur" was authorised to exercise the powers conferred by the said Sub Section and under Clause

( c ) of Section 3 of the said A