S. K. RAY, J.

( 1 ) THE main question for consideration in these writ applications is whether the amendment of Section 15 (1) of Orissa Land Reforms Act (hereinafter referred to as 'the Act') on 2-10-1973 conferring exclusive jurisdiction on the Revenue officer to decide the dispute of the existence of the relationship of landlord and tenant would oust the jurisdiction of the Sub-Judge to adjudicate upon the selfsame dispute in suits filed by landlords against the alleged tenants before the amendment came into operation and pending before him on the date of such operation of the amendment.

( 2 ) RELEVANT facts may now be stated. The petitioners in these writ applications are admittedly 'landlords in respect of 163. 24 acres of land situated in Basta tahsil in the district of Balasore, comprised in two chaks, having purchased landlords' interest from late Muralidhar Bhattar and Gopikrushna Bhattar. They filed two suits in the Court of the Sub-Judge, Balasore, one on 25-4-1973 in respect of 110. 84 acres of disputed lands registered as O. S. No. 35 of 1973 and the second on 20-6-1973 registered as O. S. No. 48 of 1973 in respect of 51. 93 acres of the disputed lands. In both these