( 1 ) WITH a view to provide for a more equitable distribution of land, the Madhya pradesh Ceiling on Agricultural Holdings Act, 1960 (Act No. 20 of 1960, hereinafter called the "ceiling Act") was enacted to fix ceiling on existing holdings as well as on future acquisition of Agricultural lands. The surplus land vesting in Government is to be allotted on payment of occupancy price to needy equivalent Citation: persons and co-operative farming societies in certain priorities. Section 7 of the act prescribes the maximum extent of land to be held by a person or family. Section 9 requires submission of a return by person holding land in excess of ceiling. Section 10 empowers the Competent Authority to require a person to furnish the return, if he holds land in excess of the ceiling area, but has not submitted the return. Section 11 contains provisions for preparation of statement of land held in excess of the ceiling area. Section 12 declares that all surplus land shall be deemed to be needed for a public purpose and shall vest in the State absolutely free from all encumbrances with effect from the commencement of the agricultural year next following the date on which