Question

Under section 18 of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 which of the following officers is empowered to refer the matter to the court

• A. The Tahsildar
• B. The Sub Collector
• C. The Deputy Collector
• D. The Collector

Hint:

While the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 has been repealed, it's important for exams to know its key provisions (like role of Collector, sections on award, reference, and compensation) as many principles are carried over and it's a foundational law.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question is about the authority empowered to make a reference to the court regarding a land acquisition award under the (now repealed) Land Acquisition Act, 1894. (Note: This Act has been replaced by the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, but questions on the old Act can still appear).

Step 2: Key Legal Provision:
Section 18(1) of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894, states: "Any person interested who has not accepted the award may, by written application to the Collector, require that the matter be referred by the Collector for the determination of the Court, whether his objection be to the measurement of the land, the amount of the compensation, the persons to whom it is payable, or the apportionment of the compensation among the persons interested."

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
The text of Section 18 clearly specifies that the application for reference is made to the Collector, and it is the Collector who is required to refer the matter to the Court for determination. The definition of "Collector" under the Act includes the Collector of a district and any officer specially appointed by the appropriate Government to perform the functions of a Collector under this Act. Among the given options, "The Collector" is the specific authority named in the section.

Step 4: Final Answer:
Under Section 18 of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894, the Collector is the officer empowered to refer the matter to the court.