1. This Writ Petition under Art.226 of the Constitution of India arises out of the proceedings initiated before the Land Tribunal, Bijapur Taluka (respondent No. 1) on an application made by Bheemappa Yallappa Byadagi (respondent No. 2) under S.45 of the Karnataka Land Reforms Act, 1961 hereinafter called "the Act", claiming registration of occupancy in respect of a land comprised in B. S. No. 215/2 measuring 16 acres and 12 Guntas in Shiddapur village of Bijapot Taluka.

2. The petitioner is the land - holder. On the application of the second respondent claiming registration of occupancy, the Tribunal issued notice to the petitioner. The petitioner opposed the application on the ground that the land in dispute was not a tenanted land immediately prior to 1st March 1974, which is the relevant date for determination of a dispute under S.45 of the Act. The petitioner produced before the Tribunal certified Extracts of the Record of Rights and other documents. The Tribunal examined the parties and also some witnesses on both sides and made an order on 18-2-1976 holding that the second respondent (applicant) is a tenant of the disputed land for the past 15 years and that he is entitled t