Common Order

1. All these batch of Writ Petitions have been filed challenging the acquisition under the National Highways Act, 1956, hence, by consent, they are all taken up together for common disposal. The pleadings in all these cases are almost identical.

2. According to the petitioners, originally, Section 3-A notification was issued to them by the first respondent on 26.10.2007, for the purpose of acquiring lands only for widening National Highways-67 i.e., KM 284.600 to 332.600 (Karur -Coimbatore). The petitioners raised their objections. Subsequently, Section 3-C enquiry was held on 08.01.2008 by the second respondent. As the second respondent failed to furnish a copy of the order passed by him under Section 3-C(2) of the National Highways Act (for short, "The Act") and he proceeded further and recommended for Section 3-D declaration by the first respondent, who has ultimately passed the order, without application of mind. Therefore, earlier, the Petitioners filed separate Writ Petitions, challenging the Section 3-D declaration on various grounds. The Writ Petitions were dismissed by this Court on 03.02.2010. Against the said order, Writ Appeals were filed, which we