@JUDGMENTTAG-ORDER
1. In the wake of acceleration ameliorative economic measures relating to the equitable distribution of agricultural lands that exceed the ceiling limit,
the original Act i.e., the Maharashtra Agricultural Lands (Ceiling on holdings) Act, 1961, has undergone several swift amendments in the year
1975. Under the amended provisions of Section 2-A, Tribunals have been constituted for the purpose of holding enquiry and further determining
the surplus holding and for taking steps to possess and distribute lands. these Tribunals have been clothed with powers u/s 44-A formerly
possessed by the Collector to proceed to take possession of the land as is provide for by Section 21 (2). The provisions of Section 21 (4) declare
that such surplus land would stand vested in the State with effect from the date on which the possession of the land is taken and the scheme permits
distribution of the surplus land under chapter VI of the enactment. Under the amended provisions the basic structure of the law has not been
materially emphasis on speed in determination of the cause and necessity to distribute the land to those who are entitled the land to those who are
entitled to the benefits thereof under the provisions of the law. It may be stated before reference is made to the grievance in these petitions that the
structure of the law remains in the same procedural gamut without any radical departure, in that it postulates the need of filing returns, serving
notices, holding enquiries into the statutory issued and making declarations. The matters are enjoined to be considered u/s 18 and are enumerated
even under the present provisions and those include matters with regard to the total area of land held by the holder on 26th September, 1970, as
well the transfers which should be ignored and other similar matters which are statutorily raised in the shape of questions to be answered by the
authority. After the matters are considered u/s 18 and if there be any dispute between tenant and landlord the question is adjudicated u/s 20, the
Collector or the Tribunal is required to make a declaration u/s 21 (1) as to (a) the total area of land which a person or family units is entitled to
hold as ceiling area; (b) as to the total area of land which is in excess of the ceiling area; (c) the name of the landlord to whom possession of the
land is to be restored u/s 19 and the area and particulars of such land; (d) the area, description and full particulars of the land which is delimited as
surplus ; and (e) the area and particulars of land out of surplus land, in respect of which the right, title and interest of the person or family unit
holding it is to be forfeited to the State Government. In all those matters indicated by clauses (a) to (e) of sub-section (1) of Section 21, the
collector has to make a declaration. Upon this basic declaration which is obligatory to be announced in the presence of the holder and other
persons interested who are present at the time that declaration is made further statutory results are indicated the basic requirements of the notice,
the esquire and the declaration to be made have not been any way affected by any of the amendments. the scheme of Section 21 further shows
that after the declaration is made under sub-section (1), steps regarding taking possession of the surplus land are required to be taken by the
Collector or the Tribunal exercising its powers. Sub-section (4) indicates that upon taking this possession and from the date on which possession is
taken, the land has to be deemed to have been acquired by the State Government for the purposes of the Act and it stands vested against the
Declaration so made with regard to matters mentioned in clause (a) to (e) of sub-section (1) of Section 21, an appeal is provided expressly by
Section 33 (1) (2).
2. Sub-section (3) of Section 21 around which must of the controversy in these present petitions has eventually centered in terms treats the
declaration earlier rendered final subject to appeal u/s 33 (1) to Maharashtra Revenue Tribunal or revision provided for u/s 45 (2). A little later on
that provision will be closely examined.
3. Turning to the petitions with this background of law, all these petitions raise an interesting and important question to be determined as to the
effect of filing of the statutory appeal before the Maharashtra Revenue Tribunal against a declaration under sub-section (1) of Section 21 and the
powers of that Tribunal with regard to matters of stay of further proceedings which are indicated by sub-section (2) of Section 21, I.e., possession,
vesting and distribution of surplus land.
4. It is not necessary to consider the facts in each case, Suffice it to observe as is not in dispute that the petitioners in each of these petitions have
filed the returns and their cases were decided by the Tribunals respectively after holding enquiry as required by Section 18 and declarations were
made by the surplus Land Determination Tribunal u/s 21 (1) (hereinafter referred to as Surplus Tribunal) and order of those tribunals are annexed
to each of these petitions as Annexure-A. By those orders against each of the petitioners, declaration is made that they are surplus holders and
they hold surplus land, that it is say, in Writ Petition No. 1751/76 to the extent of 7 Acres 20 Gunthas, in Writ Petition No. 1790/76 to the extent
of 21.77 Acres, in Writ Petition No. 1805/76 about 9-00 Acres and in Writ Petition No. 1842/76 about 5 Acres 18 gunthas.
5. It is also not in dispute that all these petitioners have preferred their respective appeals as is evidenced by the annexure being the appeal memo
in each case within the time prescribed by Section 35 of the Ceiling Act. The appeals are entertained by the Maharashtra Revenue Tribunal
(hereinafter referred to as the Revenue or Appellate Tribunal) in that the same are not dismissed in motion hearing. However, in each of these
petitions, it appears, the petitioners moved separate applications for interim stay of further proceedings and in each case by the impugned order the
Revenue Tribunal has rejected that prayer, however, keeping alive the appeal before itself.
6. In Writ Petition No. 1805/76 no reasons are given why the stay is refused. In Petition No. 1842/76 stay is refused because the contention is
about the Potkharad land. In Petition No. 1751/76 stay is refused because the land-holder was contending for the validity of a partition and in
Petition No. 1790/76 stay is refused because the appellant was trying to set up the partition of 5th June, 1970. As the stay is refused in all these
cases, the petitioners complain that in spite of the appeals entertained by the Revenue Tribunal they would be divested of their property u/s 21 (4)
and further the property shall pass not only to the state but eventually would be distributed to several persons and their appeals in fact would be
rendered infructuous. Thus presently they feel aggrieved by these interlocutory orders.
7. Apart from the ends of justice, balance of convenience and the necessity to maintain status quo during the pendency of the appeals, it is urged
on behalf of the petitioners, that upon true construction of the provisions of appeal and particularly the provisions of appeal and particularly the
provisions of Section 21 (3), it would appear that as soon as the appeal is filed the declaration u/s 21 (1) is put in jeopardy; in other words there is
no finality to the order made by the Collector and the presentation of appeal should in law operate as stay of further proceedings. It is contended
that unless such a construction is placed on the express terms of the statute, valuable rights which may eventually be upheld by the Revenue
Tribunal would be lost and the very purpose of the providing for an appeal would be rendered infructuous, I was taken through several of the
provisions of the Act a well as the Rules to indicate the legislative anxiety that a person subjected to the process of this law should have the full and
complete opportunity of adjudicating his grievance and then only should be deprived of the surplus determined according of law. It is contended
that appeal under the present statute is a continuation of the enquiry and lies against all the matters mentioned in sub-section (1) of Section 21. If
that be so, the provisions of sub-section (2) or provisions of sub-section (4) of Section 21 would not be available once an appeal is filed and
entertained. Reference was made to the rules called Maharashtra Agricultural Lands (Lowering of Ceiling of Holdings) (Distribution of Surplus
Land) rules , 1975 (hereinafter referred to as Distribution Rules) to indicate how the distribution procedure is regulated by those Rules and how the
presentation of appeal that procedure.
8. On behalf of the State the learned counsel submits that sub-section (3) of Section 21 read with Section 33 would indicate that the finality
attaches to the order made by the Collector under sub-section (1). Even assuming that the finality attached to the order made in appeal, it is
incorrect, according to the learned counsel, to treat that the presentation of appeal or filing of its operates as stay of further procedure indicated by
sub-section (2) of Section 21 or the stage of sub-section (4) of Section 21. Reliance is placed on the Maharashtra Revenue Tribunal Rules and
Regulations and power of the Revenue Tribunal to pass stay orders in appeals. Alternatively, it is submitted that under sub-section (3) of Section
33 of CPC governs the exercise of the powers by the Revenue tribunal in the matters of appeal and, therefore, the declaration contained in order
41, Rule 5, that presentation of appeal does not operate as they should be extended to the appeals under the Ceiling Act. It is further contended
on behalf of the state that these are discretionary matters and expressly under the Regulations the Tribunal having the power to subject the stay, the
petitioners are not entitled to any relief.
9. It would thus appear that much the controversy centers on the interpretation and the effect of the provisions of the regard to presentation of the
appeal its legal consequences. If the presentation of appeal has the effect in posturing the steps required to be taken by the statute in that taking of
the possession followed by vesting and distribution. Then it follows that during the pendency the appeal there would be stay of these steps.
10. To understand the exact concepts of the provision, I propose to make sub-section (3) of Section 21 which is as follows:
21.* * * *
* * * *
(3) The declaration made under this on. subject to the decision of the Maharashtra Revenue Tribunal in appeal u/s 33, or of the State Government
in revision under sub-section (2) of on 45, shall be final and conclusive, shall not be questioned in any suit proceeding in any court."" (Emphasised).
Appln. in reading to the provision indicates the finality to the declarations rejected to the decision of the Maharashtra Revenue Tribunal or to the
decision of the State Government, first in appeal the latter in revision. the emphasis it should be so subjected can all be missed and it may be
mentioned that by Amending Act 32 of 1965, the words were specifically added in the body of sub-section (3). when the Legislature uses the
phraseology making declarations final and conclusive subjecting it to the orders to be made in appeal or revision, it appears plain intention that
whatever would be decided in appeal or revision, it appears plain intention that whatever would be decided in appeal or revision will be final
adjudication of rights of the parties. the word ""conclusive"" has been specifically added to emphasize that the declarations can be only challenged by
the modality indicated or if the conditions of Section 45 (2) are available by the modality of filing a revision application. It is well settled that such
appeals by the very nature of things are the extensions of the original proceedings; nay, they are the continuation thereof. In other words, Whatever
the original authority could do is capable of being done subject to any limitation statutorily placed upon by the appellate authority. sub-section (3)
permits the appeal against the declaration made by the Collector ""to make a declaration"". the process appears to be one of making judicial order
with regard to matters specified in clauses (a) to (e) under sub-section (1) of Section 21. The Collector, under sub-section (1) was to make a
declaration and then proceed to announce the same. These stages are separately indicated in the phraseology of sub-section (1) itself. Against the
making of the declaration the appeal lies, and Section 33 (1) (2) indicates that any part of that declaration can be subjected to appeal. Therefore,
there is no doubt that the provisions of sub-sections (1) and (3) of Sections 21 are to be read together and by the process of adjudication
contemplated therein eventually a final declaration in the sense that adjudication of the rights of the parties with regard to the matters in clauses (a)
to (e) is finally and conclusively achieved.
11. Reference to sub-section (2) was made on behalf of the State along with sub-section (4) of Section (4) of Section 21 to point out that in spite
of the finality given to the declaration under sub-section (3), the Collector can proceed and land can vest in the State Government; in other words it
is submitted that through appeal may be filed, there is no bar for the Collector to take proceedings for entering upon possession and thus legally
vesting the land in State. From this, the argument is, the appeal would not operate as stay.
12. For appreciating all these submissions and this approach, the provisions of sub-section (2) and sub-section (4) of Section 21 will have to be
closely considered. sub-section (2) is enabling in its nature and executory in its purpose. It permits the Collector by following the procedure
prescribed to prepare the statement and exhibit it at the village chawadi as well sending the copy thereof to the interested persons and where there
is a case of forfeiture, it states that the property forfeited shall stand vested in the State and further prohibits making of certain transfers. After an
Explanation there is a proviso which operates in the cases of tenancy or with regard to surplus lands under any other law or other such matters.
thus excepting the cases of forfeiture where vesting takes place on the date of the announcement of the declaration and imposing bar for transfers,
sub-section (2) in other cases enjoins a procedure preliminary to take possession to the landlord who is held entitled to resume certain lands having
reference to sub-sections (1) (c) of Section 21. Latter part of sub-section (4) proceeds to declare that from the date on which the possession is
taken in the prescribed manner, the State government is deemed to have acquired the land for the purposes of the Act and it shall vest without
further assurance and free from all encumbrances in the state. Land covered by proviso to sub-section (2) is liable to vest after the proceedings
mentioned in sub-section (2) terminate.
13. This shows that upon declaration the stature does not make it possible the legal effect of divesting the land-holder of his property and vesting it
in the State Government. Declaration more or less is an independent stage on the basis of which the Collector is authorised in the prescribed
manner to enter upon the land and take possession. It is only after the possession is so taken, the law declares that the land stands acquired by and
vested in the state. It is obvious therefore that to achieve this far-reaching legal effect there must be a final and conclusive declaration. It cannot be
conceived that a declaration which is liable to be reversed under the provisions of the very same Act will enable the Collector to take such serious
stage of divesting the persons of their estate and further entering of their estate and further entering upon its possession and enjoyment and State
getting the rights of acquisition for the purposes of this Act leading unto its distribution. Looking to the whole scheme of Section 21 it appears
reasonable to hold that excepting the declarations regarding the forfeiture, all other matters of declaration must await final decision in case an
appeal or revision is preferred. In other words, though sub-section (2) opens with the words ""after a declaration under sub-section (1) is made"",
the Collector may proceed to take steps to enter upon the surplus land for taking possession, on the nature of things the declaration under sub-
section (1) is meant the declaration that is final and conclusive under sub-section (3). the effect of filing the appeal u/s 33 is obviously to put the
declaration in jeopardy to the extent the appeal challenges either the whole or part of the declaration. these is no reason to exclude the doctrine of
applying legal maxim of res sub judice to the proceedings under sub-section (1) read with sub-section (3). On the other hand that would further the
obvious intent of the Legislature in providing the remedy of appeal to an aggrieved party.
14. The phraseology of sub-section (3) of Section 21 which makes the declaration final and conclusive subject to appeal or revision indicates that
till the final decision of the appeal the matters are treated still sub judice.
15. This Court had an occasion to consider similar phraseology available in the provisions of Section 14 (3) of the Bombay Rents, Hotel and
Lodging House Rates (Control) Act of 1944, and a Division Bench of this Court in Indra Singh Vs. Shiavax Cawasji Cambata, relying on the Privy
Council decision in AIR 1931 263 (Privy Council) and Nilvaru v. Nilvaru ILR (1881) Bom 110 found that once the appeal is filed , the finality of
the order made by the original authority disappears and it is the decision of the appellate authority that becomes final and operative. The principle
underlying that decision equally applies to the provisions of sub-section (3) of Section 21. In other words, once the appeal is filed u/s 33 the
declaration made by the Collector under sub-section (1) to the extent challenged in appeal loses its finality and it will be the decision of the
Maharashtra Revenue Tribunal, i.e., the appellate authority, which would become final and operative and therefore, under sub-section (2) and sub-
section (4) the Collector will have to work out or give effect to that decision.
16. It was contended for the State that sub-sections (3) and (4) have been recast by the amending Acts and there is departure from the earlier
scheme, in that before the amendment under sub-section (4) there was express mention that Collector would proceed to take possession after final
decision in appeal or revision. the deletion of that clause, however, does not affect the provisions of sub-section (1) and sub-section (3), for, in
spite of such a clause, it would be obvious that finality and conclusiveness is attached to the ultimate order that can with jurisdiction be made by the
authorities created by the statute.
17. Reference to rules, i.e., the Distribution Rules above stated and particularly sub-rules (2) and (3) of Rule 7 would indicate that the authorised
officer is precluded from handling over the possession of the lands to the allottees if it comes to his notice that any land included in the final
statement has not been finally declared surplus land or in an appeal appellate authority or competent authority had issued a stay against the
distribution on proceedings. This sub-rule (3) by itself indicates that even the rule-making authority contemplates final declaration of surplus land
and receipt of orders from the appellate authority against distribution proceedings. That obviously shows that if the authorised officer is apprised of
the fact that there is no final declaration of surplus land, the rule contemplates a stay by him with regard to handing over of possession of the land in
favour of the allottees. If the possession has already been taken the rule contemplates clearly that further distribution proceedings can be subjected
to stay by the appellate or any other competent authority and the authorised officer is enjoyed to obey those stay orders. Scheme of sub-rule (3) is
clearly indicative of the intention underlying remedy of appeal and its legal effect. Further proceedings, in that once it is thought to the notice of the
authorised that there is no final declaration with regard to the surplus land, he is disabled to hand over the possession to the allottees. That itself
shows that once the declaration with regard to surplus land made by the Collector or Surplus land Tribunal under sub-section (1) is subjected to
appeal under sub-section (3), all further proceedings must await the result of such an appeal.
18. The provisions regarding the appeal may briefly be noted to find out whether there is any substance in the submissions of the State drawing
support from the Regulations and Order 41, rule 5, of the code of civil Procedure. Appeals are the creation of the statute. They are to be provided
by the substantive law. there is a distinction between the procedure in appeals and the appeals themselves and right thereto. It is from the
provisions of a given statute the Court is required to find out whether the appeal provided is a continuation of the initial proceeding or it is merely a
supervisory form that is enacted for. As stated earlier, in the contemplation of the ceiling law and particularly in the structural part of Section 21,
reading sub-sections (1) and (3) together, appeal has been provided as a continuation of the original proceeding initiated either upon notice or
upon filing of the return. The matters of declaration mentioned in sub-section (1) (1) to (e) can be effectively reviewed and adjudicated upon in the
process f these appeals. Provisions of Section 33 with regard to appeals u/s 21 thus create a substantive form of judicial review. the jurisdiction,
therefore, is conferred in favour of the Maharashtra Revenue Tribunal by the plenty provisions of Section 33 and not by the Regulations nor by the
Code of Civil Procedure. Sub-section (3) of Section 33 merely deals with the procedure and not with the jurisdiction of the appellate Tribunal.
Relying upon sub-section (3), the procedural part of the CPC may be available for appropriate exercise of the powers which flow from sub-
section (1) of Section 33. It is not left to doubt as to what power the Tribunal can effectively exercise in exercise of the appellate jurisdiction.
Section 34 declares that the appellate Tribunal may confirm modify or rescind the decision, order, declaration or award which is brought before it
u/s 33. Section 35 makes a special provision with regard to limitation for appellate thus the format of Sections 33, 34 and 35 indicates a self-
contained creation of jurisdiction permitting over the decisions which are enumerated in sub-section 33. The scope cannot be enlarged nor can be
curtailed by reference to the Regulations or to the Code of Civil Procedure.
19. Even the declarations of the stature which permit appeals may in given cases indicate that once the appeal may in given cases indicate that once
the appeal is filed the whole matter becomes res sub judice and the order subjected to appeal loses its finality and conclusiveness. That should be
the normal effect of providing for effective judicial review by the appellate Court. To avoid the doctrine of jeopardy as well as to clarify sometimes
the principles of merger , provisions are enacted which declare, as is done by rule 5 of Order 41 of the Code of civil Procedure, that filing of
appeal shall not operate as stay. It is a matter of intention of the statute to be gathered from several provisions and particularly in want of any such
declaration to infer whether filing of an appeal shall operate or not as a stay of the order, declaration or decision which is subjected to appeal by
the statute.
20. It appears that advisedly having eliminated the right of representation by legal counsel, the amending provisions of the Ceiling Act have kept a
right of appeal available to aggrieved party. In the very nature of things it is difficult to follow that a declaration which is capable of being modified,
decimated or reversed in an appeal after its filing should still be available to the collector for taking possession and should ensure to the benefit of
the State for vesting of that property for the purposes of the Ceiling Act and to pass the said property in the process of equitable distribution
contemplated by this law. Several of the working complications stare in the face if the look is taken to some other provisions of this Act.
21. By Section 21-A a person or the family unit that possesses surplus land is obliged to pay compensation for the use and occupation of the
surplus land to be determined by the Collector from the year following the year in which surplus was found till the possession is taken. Sub-section
(4) of Section 21 declares that as soon as the possession is taken the land is deemed to have vested in the State without further assurance and free
from all encumbrances. this has to be followed by the distribution of these land acquired of this land acquired by the State under chapter IX
wherein the interests of several persons would come up with regard to this land. this is a salutary scheme underlying the provisions of the high
objectives with which this law has been enacted and presumably no exception can be taken to its basic terms.
22. However, assuming that the declaration of surplus land is effectively set aside in appeal by the Maharashtra Revenue Tribunal which is
obviously permissible because of Section 34 read within Section 21 (1), there is no express provision permitting retake of the land from the
persons who are called allottees and there is no further provision of declaration that the State Government shall stand divested of the land nor there
is any provision which will permit grant of compensation to the person deprived of that land during the pendency of the appeal. Reliance was
placed on Section 39 for the State and upon the inherent powers of the appellate Court, i.e., the Maharashtra Revenue Tribunal to do justice by
applying the principles of restitution . the provisions of Section 39 really do not call for interpretation in the present proceedings but ex facie these
indicate that they provide for the execution of the orders as is provided for in Section 21 of the Mamlatdar''s Courts Act and even in a given case
State may claim immunity from Section 39 because of the statutory declaration as is available in sub-section (4) of Section 21 of the Ceiling Act
that it possesses the land free from encumbrance. In other words, the effect of this declaration would be that in spite of the appeal which by its own
nature is a sort of challenge to the right of the State, law assumes that State holds of the State, law assumes that State holds the land as a free-hold
and it is doubtful whether the effect of this declaration can be curtailed by an implication. Undoubtedly retributive processes are the part of the
effective exercise of judicial power but whether those processes which are available to the Courts of universal jurisdiction would be available to the
Tribunals of limited powers statutorily defined is a question that raises a debate by itself which need not be resolved in this controversy. suffice it to
say that the provisions to which reference has already been made indicate that as soon as an appeal is filed under sub-section (3) of Section 21,
the finality is lost to the extent the matter under sub-section (1) of Section 21 is under challenge. It is only upon the final and conclusive decision is
made in appeal the Collector under sub-section (2) read with sub-section *(4) can effectively take steps to possess the surplus land followed by
the statutory declaration of acquisition and vesting.
23. Reference to the provisions of Section 45 of the Ceiling Act also indicates that this is the inherent scheme of this legislation. Under sub-section
(2) of Section 45 revisional jurisdiction is conferred upon the State Government. It is meant to be exercised as and when occasion arises. That
jurisdiction operates upon the enquiry and proceedings right from the stage of Section 17 to Section 21. It will take in the declarations made under
sub-section (1) of Section 21. Proviso to sub-section (2) of Section 45 indicates the conditions of that jurisdiction and those being, firstly, where
an appeal against any such declaration or part thereof has not been filed within the period provided for such an appeal ; secondly the possession of
such land has not been taken under sub-section (4) of Section 21; and thirdly the period of three years from the date of such declaration or part
thereof has not elapsed. All these conditions have to exist cumulatively. The second condition is of primary importance and throws light on the
intention of the Legislature. If the possession is taken immediately because there is a final and conclusive declaration nude sub-section (1) as was
contended for, then by very reason of the proviso the condition No. 2 Shall never be satisfied and though the legislature in terms created a
jurisdiction in favor of the State Government meant to be exercised it in the ends of justice and further the objects of the statute, the proviso itself
will lose its force and will be rendered nugatory.
24. The cumulative effect of these provisions i.e., sub-sections (1) and (3) of Section 21 reading together, sub-section (2) of Section 21 being
executory in nature leading unto serious consequences indicated by sub-section (4) of that section; their being a pecuniary liability statutorily
fastened u/s 21-A and there being no similar provision to compensate the surplus holder deprived of the possession during the pendency of the
appeal the reading the reading of the rule 7 (3) of Distribution officer has to stay further proceedings if intimated about the appeal having been filed;
and looking to the nature, jurisdiction and the relief that can be given in an appeal or revision, it appears fair, wholesome, just and proper to hold
that filing of an appeal operates as stay of taking possession and of vesting the surplus land in favour of the State. If before the appeal is filed
possession is taken, then the provisions of Rule 7 (3) read with the provisions of CPC as well as the Regulations on which reliance was placed on
behalf of the State indicate that the distribution proceedings can be effectively stayed in appropriate cases by the Maharashtra Revenue Tribunal .
As far as taking of possession and vesting is concerned filing of appeal operates is lost, the aggravated party is not without remedy to the extent
indicated above.
25. That being the position of law, it has to be held as each of the petitioners has filed the appeal that operates as a stay disabling the Collector
from taking possession and vesting the property in favour of the State. To such declarations the petitioners in each of these four petitions are
entitled. The orders made do not affect the rights of the petitioners to remain in possession during the pendency of the appeal. As soon as appeals
are decided as stated in the body of the judgment, the provisions enabling the Collector to enter upon the land come into effect and if the
possession is taken the land shall stand vested in favour of the State. It is not necessary expressly to set aside these orders in view of the legal
position indicated above. In fact upon the view I have taken, these orders are infructuous.
26. Petitions thus succeed and are allowed. However, there would be no orders as to costs in any of them.
27. Petitions allowed.
