Ranjit Singh Sarkaria, J.

1. By this writ-petition under Articles 226 and 227 of the Constitution, the petitioners impugn Notification No. 4379-51B-69/11774, dated 8th May, 1959 (Annexure `E) and Notification No. 4379-51E-69/11809, dated 9th May, 1969 (Annexure `F), issued by the respondent State for acquiring certain lands belonging to the petitioners.

2. Some undisputed facts may be noted. The erstwhile State of Punjab by a notification, dated 31st December, 1962, under Section 4 read with Section 17(2)(c) of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 (hereinafter referred to as `the Act) acquired 12,788 acres of agricultural land situate in the revenue estate of Ganaur, at the instance of respondent 4 (M/s. Bharat Steel Tubes Limited, Ganaur, hereinafter referred to as the `Company). The State after taking over possession handed it over to Respondent 4, who constructed buildings and residential quarters only in an area of about 35 acres of that land, while the rest of the land is lying in its original condition.

3. Subsequently, the former State of united Punjab issued Notification No. 3136-4HG-66/13032, dated 18th May, 1966 (Annexure `B) and Notification No. 6747-4MG-66/24598, date