17, 1973 and were concluded on June 30, 1976 (Annexure P.1). Perusal of order, referred to above, clearly indicates that when surplus area in the hands of respondent Nos. 8 and 9 was determined, area to the extent 2.40.85 hectares (first quality), which had already been declared surplus, was excluded from the holding of the big land owners. After making calculations of the remaining area, in their hands, area to the extent of 3.18.62 hectares (first quality) was declared surplus. Contention of counsel for the petitioners that vide order Annexure P.1 as the land in dispute was not included and shown in area declared surplus, it can reasonably be presumed that the same was left as a part of permissible area of the land owners, is devoid of any justification. Perusal of files pertaining to declaration of surplus area under the Punjab Security of Land Tenures Act, 1953 (for short the Old Act) and the new Act clearly indicates that the land in dispute bearing area declared surplus under the old Act and the same was excluded when calculations were made afresh for determination of surplus area under the new Act. Records reveal that with the declaration form filed by respondent Nos. 8 and 9, they had shown land in dispute bearing Khasra No.95//19 and 96//5 as their ownership. However, when area, was calculated, as per order Annexure P.1 area already declared surplus was excluded from the
