Satish Kumar Mittal, J. - In the instant petition filed under Articles 226 and 227 of the Constitution of India, the petitioners have impugned the order dated 31.10.2000 (Annexure P-7) passed by the Financial Commissioner, Revenue Punjab, vide which the order dated 1.10.1997 (Annexure P-5) passed by the Commissioner, Jalandhar Division, Jalandhar was set aside and the auction sale made in favour of Gajinder Singh (father of respondent No. 2) on 23.1.1968 was held to be valid and the claim made by the petitioners for allotment of the land in question on the basis of the Press Note issued by the Punjab Government on 18.4.1968 was found to be without any merit.

2. This case has a long and chequered history. The land in question measuring 7 Marlas which comprised in plot No. 34 min. (southern portion) situated in village Bhunga is admittedly a package deal property owned by the State Government and the same was liable to be disposed of according to the provisions of Package Deal Properties (Disposal) Act, 1976 (hereinafter referred to as the Act) and the rules made thereunder. On 23.1.1968, the aforesaid land was put to auction and one Gajinder Singh (father of respondent No.