Timely resolution of land acquisition disputes is crucial for upholding administrative efficiency and justice.

JUDGMENT

Exts.P1 to P8 awards were passed in respect of the various extents of land belonging to the petitioners, who are four in number. The petitioners preferred Arbitration Applications before the 5^th respondent/District Collector. The same is pending with him for the past about ten years, is the grievance.

2. Having heard learned Senior Counsel for the petitioners, learned Government Pleader for respondents 3 to 6, and learned counsel for respondents 1 and 2, this Court is of the opinion that this Writ Petition can be disposed of with a direction to the 5^th respondent to consider and pass orders in the respective Arbitration Applications preferred by the petitioners challenging Exts.P1 to P8 Awards, including the one evidenced by Ext.P9 receipt, in accordance with law, expeditiously, at any rate, within a period of three months from the date of receipt of a copy of this judgment. The petitioners will produce a copy of this judgment before the 5^th respondent, for compliance. Needless to say that the petitioners, as also, any other affected party shall be afforded an opportunity of being heard, before taking a call in the respective applications preferred by the petitioners. In view of the pendency for the past about ten years, this Court directs the 5^th respondent to comply with the above direction, without fail.

This Writ Petition is disposed of as above.

Sd/-