Hon’ble Sunil Ambwani, J.—Heard Shri R.C. Singh for the petitioner and Shri Ram Saran Sharma for respondent No. 4-Shri Gajraj. Learned Standing Counsel appears for respondent Nos. 1 to 3.

2. The petitioner Jai Karan was Bhumidhar of 3.557 hectares of land cultivated by him in village Gadina, Distt. Meerut. He purchased 4.325 hectares of agricultural land in village Palla, Tehsil Dadri by a registered sale-deed dated 19.7.1968, making his total holding to be over 5.057 hec. (12.50 acres), which is the ceiling prescribed by Section 154 of the U.P. Zamindari Abolition and Land Reforms Act, 1950 (the Act).

3. One Shri Gajraj son of Roop Chandra resident of Village Palla, Tehsil Dadri, Distt. Gautam Budh Nagar made a complaint on 11.12.2003 before the Collector, Gautam Budh Nagar under Sections 154, 166, 167, U.P.Z.A. and L.R. Act, stating that the petitioner Jai Karan had acquired more then 12.5 acres of land in U.P. and thus an order should be passed directing the excess land to be vested in the State.

4. An enquiry was made by the Tehsildar confirming the facts. The petitioner filed objections that he had purchased the land in the year 1968. At that time sale was not void but wa