JUDGMENT :

[Prayer : Civil Miscellaneous Appeal filed under Section 47-A(10) of the Indian Stamp Act, 1899, against the order dated 21.10.2005 passed by the 1st respondent confirming the order passed by the 2nd respondent on 01.02.2003 pertaining to Document bearing No.722 of 1998 with the office of the 3rd respondent.

The Civil Miscellaneous Appeal is preferred against the order dated 21.10.2005 passed by the 1st respondent under Section 47-A(5) of the Indian Stamp Act, 1899.

2. The sale deed in question was executed by the appellant on 26.03.1998 and the valuation as well as the stamp duty paid were objected by the competent authority, and accordingly, 47-A(5) proceedings were initiated by the competent authority and the assessment was made by following the procedure contemplated. The authorities competent assessed the market value as Rs.2,500/- per sq.ft. taking note of the fact that the subject property situates in the prime locality of Chennai city, more specifically, nearby Egmore, and therefore, the appellant was directed to pay the deficit stamp duty as assessed by the competent authority. Not satisfied with the order, the appellant preferred an appeal under Section 47-A(5) of