( 1 ) THE petitioners are bhumiswamis of lands notified under S. 4 (l) of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 (hereinafter referred to as the Act) on 4-7-91 to be acquired for "public purpose" and challenge legal validity thereof by filing this writ petition under Art. 226 of the Constitution of India. The lands in question have also been declared under S. 6 of the Act as acquired and awards in respect thereof passed by the respondent No. 1. The declaration dated 24-2-92 (Annexure R-IV) under S. 6 of the Act and awards dated 27-5-1992 are also challenged as illegal in this petition.

( 2 ) IT appears that pursuant to the industrial policy of the respondent-State of Madhya Pradesh, industrialists from all over the country were offered concessions, facilities and benefits and invited to establish industries in the State. The respondent No. 4, pursuant to this invitation gave their consent to the Industries Department of the State and Audyogik Vikas Nigam to establish a cement factory at Bhatapara sub division, Raipur and were granted permission by the respondent-State. The cement plant was to be commissioned in October, 1992 (Para 3 of the Return of the respondent No. 4