ABRAHAM MATHAl vs SUB-COLLECTOR (LAND ACQ. OFFICER) AND ORS.

The Supreme Court upheld the High Court's dismissal of a writ petition challenging the declaration under Section 6 of the Kerala Land Acquisition Act, 1961, asserting that the requisition was initiated by a private school and not by the Education Department. The Court found no violation of Rule 5(b) and (c) of the Kerala Land Acquisition Rules, 1963, stating that the failure to issue notice to the Education Officer did not infringe upon the principles of natural justice. The Court affirmed that the school was responsible for the costs associated with the land acquisition, thus validating the public purpose of the requisition.