available as a matter of record, to show that the possession of the land was taken over. We may observe, and in fact, a judicial notice of the state of affairs can very well be taken of such a situation, as we have come across several land acquisition petitions, being heard by us, where acquisitions though are very old, we have been shown on behalf of the State, documents to name some of them like Panchanama, compensation receipt, possession receipt etc. We, therefore, find it difficult to persuade ourselves to accept the contention of the respondents, that the documents to show that the possession of the land was taken are not available. Accepting such stand would definitely result into a serious situation not only affecting the State's interest but would jeopardize the valuable legal rights of property of the citizens. We, therefore, reject this contention as urged on behalf of the respondents. The State cannot be heard to say that the documents pertaining to the acquisition are destroyed after one year. In the circumstances, as a larger legal issue is involved and being an issue of vital public interest, we direct the Principal Secretary (Revenue) to conduct an inquiry on the stand taken in para 4 of the reply affidavit and file a report on the record of this petition on the correct position of preservation or maintaining the documents and more particularly in view of the modern digital/electronic advancement. A report to that effect be placed on record of this petition within eight weeks.
