- 1 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC-D:1904 WP No. 100522 of 2026 AND CONNECTED MATTERS IN THE HIGH COURT OF KARNATAKA AT DHARWAD DATED THIS THE 9TH DAY OF FEBRUARY 2026 BEFORE THE HON'BLE MRS JUSTICE K.S.HEMALEKHA WRIT PETITION NO.100522 OF 2026 (KLR-CON) C/W WRIT PETITION NO. 100524 OF 2026 (KLR-CON) WRIT PETITION NO. 100625 OF 2026 (KLR-CON) WRIT PETITION NO. 100626 OF 2026 (KLR-CON) WRIT PETITION NO. 100627 OF 2026 (KLR-CON) WRIT PETITION NO. 100628 OF 2026 (KLR-CON) WRIT PETITION NO. 100629 OF 2026 (KLR-CON) WRIT PETITION NO. 100650 OF 2026 (KLR-CON) WRIT PETITION NO. 100658 OF 2026 (KLR-CON) WRIT PETITION NO. 100659 OF 2026 (KLR-CON) WRIT PETITION NO. 100660 OF 2026 (KLR-CON) WRIT PETITION NO. 100661 OF 2026 (KLR-CON) WRIT PETITION NO. 100662 OF 2026 (KLR-CON) WRIT PETITION NO. 100663 OF 2026 (KLR-CON) WRIT PETITION NO. 100664 OF 2026 (KLR-CON) WRIT PETITION NO. 100665 OF 2026 (KLR-CON) WRIT PETITION NO. 100666 OF 2026 (KLR-CON) WRIT PETITION NO. 100667 OF 2026 (KLR-CON) WRIT PETITION NO. 100668 OF 2026 (KLR-CON) WRIT PETITION NO. 100669 OF 2026 (KLR-CON) WRIT PETITION NO. 100670 OF 2026 (KLR-CON) WRIT PETITION NO. 100902 OF 2026 (KLR-CON) WRIT PETITION NO. 100624 OF 2026 (KLR-CON) IN WP No. 100522/2026: BETWEEN: 1. MALLIKARJUN S/O. KALLAPPA BEVOOR AGE: 58 YEARS, OCC: MANAGER, R/O. SUAGANDIPURAM, NEAR LIC OFFICE, SOUNDATTI, DISTRICT: BELAGAVI-591126. 2. MAHABALESHWAR S/O. SHIVAPPA PURADAGUDI AGE: 59 YEARS, OCC: AGRICULTURE, R/O. DESAI GALLI, SOUNDATTI, DISTRICT: BELAGAVI-591126. MANJANNA E Digitally signed by MANJANNA E Location: HIGH COURT OF KARNATAKA DHARWAD BENCH Date: 2026.02.18 10:31:17 +0530 - 2 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC-D:1904 WP No. 100522 of 2026 AND CONNECTED MATTERS 3. MAHANTESH S/O. BASAPPA HAMPANNAVAR AGE: 40 YEARS, OCC: AGRICULTURE, R/O. HEMANTHANAGAR, HUBBALLI, DISTRICT: DHARWAD. …PETITIONERS (BY SRI. MALLIKARJUNASWAMY B.HIREMATH, ADVOCATE) AND: THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER BELAGAVI, DISTRICT: BELAGAVI-590002. …RESPONDENT (BY SMT. NANDINI B.SOMAPUR, AGA) THIS WRIT PETITION IS FILED UNDER ARTICLES 226 AND 227 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING TO ISSUE A WRIT OF CERTIORARI QUASHING THE IMPUGNED ORDER DATED 16.01.2026 BEARING NUMBER NAM/KAMSHA/LNA/VIVA-01/2025-26E-420659 PASSED BY THE RESPONDENT HEREIN WHICH IS PRODUCED AT ANNEXURE-F, IN SO FAR AS IT RELATES TO R.S.NO.238/6 MEASURING 4 ACRES OF MARIKATTI VILLAGE, TQ. BAILHONGAL; AND ETC. IN WP NO. 100524/2026: BETWEEN: 1. MAHABALESHWAR S/O. SHIVAPPA PURADAGUDI AGE: 59 YEARS, OCC: AGRICULTURE, R/O. DESAI GALLI, SOUNDATI, DISRICT: BELAGAVI-591126. 2. MAHANTESH S/O. BASAPPA HAMPANNAVAR OCC: AGRICULTURE, R/O. HEMANTHANAGAR, HUBBALLI, DISTRICT: DHARWAD-580001. 3. MANJULA W/O. SACHIN VANI AGE: 42 YEARS, OCC: HOUSEHOLD WORK, R/O. TALUK SOUNDATTI, DISTRICT: BELAGAVI-590002. ...PETITIONERS (BY SRI. MALLIKARJUNASWAMY B.HIREMATH, ADVOCATE) - 3 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC-D:1904 WP No. 100522 of 2026 AND CONNECTED MATTERS AND: THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER BELAGAVI, DISTRICT BELAGAVI-590002. ...RESPONDENT (BY SMT. NANDINI B.SOMAPUR, AGA) THIS WRIT PETITION IS FILED UNDER ARTICLES 226 AND 227 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING TO ISSUE A WRIT OF CERTIORARI QUASHING THE IMPUGNED ORDER DATED 16.01.2026 BEARING NUMBER NAM/KAMSHA/LNA/VIVA- 01/2025-26E-420659 PASSED BY THE RESPONDENT HEREIN WHICH IS PRODUCED AT ANNEXURE-F, IN SO FAR AS IT RELATES TO R.S.NO.240/3 MEASURING 1 ACRES 22 GUNTAS OF MARIKATTI VILLAGE, TQ. BAILHONGAL; AND ETC. IN WP NO. 100625/2026: BETWEEN: 1. SHIVAYOGI S/O. SADASHIVAPPA AGE: 46 YEARS, OCC: AGRICULTURE, R/O. KUSGAL ROAD, MADURA CHETANA COLONY, BADAMI NAGAR, KESHAVAPURA, DISTRICT: DHARWAD. 2. MALAKANAGOUDA S/O. BAPUGOUDA PATIL AGE: 39 YEARS, OCC: AGRICULTURE, R/O. ATHARGA, TALUK: INDI, DISTRICT: BIJAPUR. 3. SMT. SHRUTI W/O. VISHWAS VAIDYA AGE: 36 YEARS, OCC: AGRICULTURE, R/O. SAUNDATTI, DISTRICT: BELAGAVI. ...PETITIONERS (BY SRI. MALLIKARJUNASWAMY B.HIREMATH, ADVOCATE) AND: 1. THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER BELAGAVI, DIST: BELAGAVI-590002. ...RESPONDENT (BY SMT. NANDINI B.SOMAPUR, AGA) - 4 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC-D:1904 WP No. 100522 of 2026 AND CONNECTED MATTERS THIS WRIT PETITION IS FILED UNDER ARTICLES 226 AND 227 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING TO ISSUE A WRIT OF CERTIORARI QUASHING THE IMPUGNED ORDER DATED 16.01.2026 BEARING NUMBER NAM/KAMSHA/LNA/VIVA-01/ 2025-26E-420659 PASSED BY THE RESPONDENT HEREIN WHICH IS PRODUCED AT ANNEXURE-F ONLY INSOFAR R.S.NO.187/*/9, MEASURING 12 GUNTAS SITUATED AT MARIKATTI VILLAGE, TALUK. BAILHONGAL, DISTRICT. BELAGAVI; AND ETC. IN WP NO. 100626/2026: BETWEEN: DUNDAYYA S/O. RAJASHEKARAYYA YANAGIMATH AGE: 59 YEARS, OCC: FARMER, R/O. NAVI PETH, RAMDURG, DISTRICT: BELAGAVI. ...PETITIONER (BY SRI. MALLIKARJUNASWAMY B.HIREMATH, ADVOCATE) AND: THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER BELAGAVI, DIST: BELAGAVI-590002. ...RESPONDENT (BY SMT. NANDINI B.SOMAPUR, AGA) THIS WRIT PETITION IS FILED UNDER ARTICLES 226 AND 227 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING TO ISSUE A WRIT OF CERTIORARI QUASHING THE IMPUGNED ORDER DATED 16.01.2026 BEARING NUMBER NAM/KAMSHA/LNA/VIVA-01/ 2025-26E-420659 PASSED BY THE RESPONDENT HEREIN WHICH IS PRODUCED AT ANNEXURE-E ONLY INSOFAR AS LAND BEARING R.S.NO.109/*/4 MEASURING 6 ACRE SITUATED AT HIREKOPPA MURGODA HOBLI, TALUK. SAUNDATTI, DISTRICT BELAGAVI; AND ETC. IN WP NO. 100627/2026: BETWEEN: SURESH S/O. LACHCHAPPA KOLEKAR AGE: 74 YEARS, OCC: FARMER, R/O. PINJAR GALLI, - 5 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC-D:1904 WP No. 100522 of 2026 AND CONNECTED MATTERS BAILHONGAL TALUK, DISTRICT: BELAGAVI. ...PETITIONER (BY SRI. MALLIKARJUNASWAMY B.HIREMATH, ADVOCATE) AND: THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER BELAGAVI, DIST: BELAGAVI-590002. ...RESPONDENT (BY SMT. NANDINI B.SOMAPUR, AGA) THIS WRIT PETITION IS FILED UNDER ARTICLES 226 AND 227 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING TO ISSUE A WRIT OF CERTIORARI QUASHING THE IMPUGNED ORDER DATED 16.01.2026 BEARING NUMBER NAM/KAMSHA/LNA/VIVA-01/ 2025-26E-420659 PASSED BY THE RESPONDENT HEREIN WHICH IS PRODUCED AT ANNEXURE-E ONLY INSOFAR AS LAND R.S.NO.370 MEASURING 1 ACRE SITUATED AT INCHAL VILLAGE MURGOD HOBLI, TALUK. SUNDATTI, DISTRICT. BELAGAVI; AND ETC. IN WP NO. 100628/2026: BETWEEN: 1. BASAVARAJ S/O. HANAMANTH ARAMANI AGE: 40 YEARS, OCC: AGRICULTURE, R/O. MARIKATTI VILLAGE, BAILHONGAL TALUK, DISTRICT: BELAGAVI. 2. MALLANAGOUDA S/O. ANNAPPA KORI AGE: 40 YEARS, OCC: AGRICULTURE, R/O. MARIKATTI VILLAGE, BAILHONGAL TALUK, DISTRICT: BELAGAVI. ...PETITIONERS (BY SRI. MALLIKARJUNASWAMY B.HIREMATH, ADVOCATE) AND: 1. THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER BELAGAVI, DIST: BELAGAVI-590002. ...RESPONDENT (BY SMT. NANDINI B.SOMAPUR, AGA) - 6 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC-D:1904 WP No. 100522 of 2026 AND CONNECTED MATTERS THIS WRIT PETITION IS FILED UNDER ARTICLES 226 AND 227 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING TO ISSUE A WRIT OF CERTIORARI QUASHING THE IMPUGNED ORDER DATED 16.01.2026 BEARING NUMBER NAM/KAMSHA/LNA/VIVA-01/ 2025-26E-420659 PASSED BY THE RESPONDENT HEREIN WHICH IS PRODUCED AT ANNEXURE-F ONLY INSOFAR AS LAND R.S. NO.177/*/1, MEASURING 10 GUNTHAS SITUATED AT MARIKATTI VILLAGE BAILHONGAL TALUK, BELAGAVI DISTRICT; AND ETC. IN WP NO. 100629/2026: BETWEEN: 1. SHIVAYOGI S/O. SADASHIVAPPA AGE: 46 YEARS, OCC: AGRICUTLURE, R/O. KUSGAL ROAD, MADURA CHETANA COLONY, BADAMI NAGAR, KESHAVAPURA, DISTRICT: DHARWAD. 2. MALAKANAGOUDA S/O. BAPUGOUDA PATIL AGE: 39 YEARS, OCC: AGRICULTURE, R/O. ATHARGA, TALUK: INDI, DISTRICT: BIJAPUR. 3. SMT. SHRUTI W/O. VISHWAS VAIDYA AGE: 36 YEARS, OCC: AGRICULTURE, R/O. SAUNDATTI, DIST: BELAGAVI-590002. ...PETITIONERS (BY SRI. MALLIKARJUNASWAMY B.HIREMATH, ADVOCATE) AND: THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER BELAGAVI, DIST: BELAGAVI-590002. ...RESPONDENT (BY SMT. NANDINI B.SOMAPUR, AGA) THIS WRIT PETITION IS FILED UNDER ARTICLES 226 AND 227 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING TO ISSUE A WRIT OF CERTIORARI QUASHING THE IMPUGNED ORDER DATED 16.01.2026 BEARING NUMBER NAM/KAMSHA/LNA/VIVA-01/ 2025-26E-420659 PASSED BY THE RESPONDENT HEREIN WHICH IS PRODUCED AT ANNEXURE-F; AND ETC. - 7 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC-D:1904 WP No. 100522 of 2026 AND CONNECTED MATTERS IN WP NO. 100650/2026: BETWEEN: DUNDAVVA W/O. APPAYYA HALEMANI AGE: MAJOR, OCC: HOUSEHOLD, R/O. BELAGAVI, REPRESENTED BY GPA HOLDER, MAHANTESH S/O. VEERAPPA UPPIN, AGE: 51 YEARS, OCC: AGRICULTURE, R/O. TALLUR, TALUK: YARAGATTI, DISTRICT: BELAGAVI. ...PETITIONER (BY SRI. MALLIKARJUNASWAMY B.HIREMATH, ADVOCATE) AND: THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER BELAGAVI, DIST: BELAGAVI-590002. ...RESPONDENT (BY SMT. NANDINI B.SOMAPUR, AGA) THIS WRIT PETITION IS FILED UNDER ARTICLES 226 AND 227 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING TO ISSUE A WRIT OF CERTIORARI QUASHING THE IMPUGNED ORDER DATED 16.01.2026 BEARING NUMBER NAM/KAMSHA/LNA/VIVA-01/ 2025-26E-420659 PASSED BY THE RESPONDENT HEREIN WHICH IS PRODUCED AT ANNEXURE-E ONLY INSOFAR AS LAND BEARING R.S.NO.188/*/14 MEASURING 1.19.8.00 ACRES SITUATED AT MARIKATTI VILLAGE, NESARGI HOBLI BAILHONGAL TALUK, DISTRICT. BELAGAVI; AND ETC. IN WP NO. 100658/2026: BETWEEN: SMT. SHRUTI W/O. VISHWAS VAIDYA AGE: 36 YEARS, OCC: AGRICULTURE, R/O. SAUNDATTI, DIST: BELAGAVI. ...PETITIONER (BY SRI. MALLIKARJUNASWAMY B.HIREMATH, ADVOCATE) AND: 1. THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER - 8 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC-D:1904 WP No. 100522 of 2026 AND CONNECTED MATTERS BELAGAVI, DIST: BELAGAVI-590002. ...RESPONDENT (BY SMT. NANDINI B.SOMAPUR, AGA) THIS WRIT PETITION IS FILED UNDER ARTICLES 226 AND 227 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING TO ISSUE A WRIT OF CERTIORARI QUASHING THE IMPUGNED ORDER DATED 16.01.2026 BEARING NUMBER KAMSHA/LNA/VIVA-01/2025-26E- 420659 PASSED BY THE RESPONDENT HEREIN WHICH IS PRODUCED AT ANNEXURE-F ONLY INSOFAR AS LAND BEARING R.S.NO.185/*/2, MEASURING 1 ACRES 12 GUNTHAS SITUATED AT MARIKATTI VILLAGE, TALUK BAILHONGAL DISTRICT BELAGAVI; AND ETC. IN WP NO. 100659/2026: BETWEEN: 1. VEENA W/O. BABU HIREMATH AGE. 60 YEARS, OCC. HOUSEHOLD WORK, R/O. GANIKOPPA, TALUK. BAILHONGAL, DISTRICT. BELAGAVI. 2. SAVITA W/O. PRADEEPKUMAR HIREMATH AGE: 39 YEARS, OCC: HOUSEHOLD WORK, R/O. HUBBALLI, DISTRICT: DHARWAD. 3. KAVITA D/O. BABU HIREMATH AGE: 38 YEARS, OCC. HOUSEHOLD WORK, R/O. GANIKOPPA, TALUK: BAILHONGAL, DISTRICT: BELAGAVI. 4. ABHISHEK S/O. BABU HIREMATH AGE: 31 YEARS, OCC: AGRICULTURE, R/O. GANIKOPPA, TALUK: BAILHONGAL, DISTRICT: BELAGAVI. ALL REPRESENTED BY GPA HOLDER, MAHANTESH S/O. VEERAPPA UPPIN, AGE: 51 YEARS, OCC: AGRICULTURE, R/O. TALLUR, TALUK: YARAGATTI, DISTRICT: BELAGAVI. ...PETITIONERS (BY SRI. MALLIKARJUNASWAMY B.HIREMATH, ADVOCATE) - 9 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC-D:1904 WP No. 100522 of 2026 AND CONNECTED MATTERS AND: THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER BELAGAVI, DIST: BELAGAVI-590002. ...RESPONDENT (BY SMT. NANDINI B.SOMAPUR, AGA) THIS WRIT PETITION IS FILED UNDER ARTICLES 226 AND 227 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING TO ISSUE A WRIT OF CERTIORARI QUASHING THE IMPUGNED ORDER DATED 16.01.2026 BEARING NUMBER NAM/KAMSHA/LNA/VIVA-01/ 2025-26E-420659 PASSED BY THE RESPONDENT HEREIN WHICH IS PRODUCED AT ANNEXURE-E ONLY INSOFAR AS LAND BEARING R.S.NO.189/*/6, MEASURING 2.01 ACRES SITUATED AT MARIKATTI VILLAGE, NESARGI HOBLI, BAILHONGAL TALUK, DISTRICT BELAGAVI; AND ETC. IN WP NO. 100660/2026: BETWEEN: 1. SMT. SHRUTI W/O. VISHWAS VAIDYA AGE: 36 YEARS, OCC: AGRICULTURE, R/O. SAUNDATTI, DISTRICT: BELAGAVI. 2. SHRISHAIL S/O. MAHABALESHWAR PURADGUDI AGE: 25 YEARS, OCC: AGRICULTURE, R/O. SAUNDATTI TALUK, DISTRICT: BELAGAVI. 3. VINOD S/O. PUTTAPPA SAVAKKANNAVAR AGE: 51 YEARS, OCC: AGRICULTURE, R/O. KESHAVAPUR, HUBBALLI, DISTRICT: DHARWAD. ...PETITIONERS (BY SRI. MALLIKARJUNASWAMY B.HIREMATH, ADVOCATE) AND: 1. THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER BELAGAVI, DIST: BELAGAVI-590002. ...RESPONDENT (BY SMT. NANDINI B.SOMAPUR, AGA) - 10 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC-D:1904 WP No. 100522 of 2026 AND CONNECTED MATTERS THIS WRIT PETITION IS FILED UNDER ARTICLES 226 AND 227 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING TO ISSUE A WRIT OF CERTIORARI QUASHING THE IMPUGNED ORDER DATED 16.01.2026 BEARING NUMBER NAM/KAMSHA/LNA/VIVA-01/ 2025-26E-420659 PASSED BY THE RESPONDENT HEREIN WHICH IS PRODUCED AT ANNEXURE-F ONLY INSOFAR AS LAND R.S.NO.197/*/21, MEASURING 26 GUNTHAS SITUATED AT MARIKATTI VILLAGE, TALUK. BAILHONGAL, DISTRICT. BELAGAVI; AND ETC. IN WP NO. 100661/2026: BETWEEN: BABASAHEB S/O. DEVANGOUDA PATIL AGE: 53 YEARS, OCC. AGRICULTURE, R/O. NEGINHAAL, BAILHONGAL TALUK, DISTRICT: BELAGAVI. ...PETITIONER (BY SRI. MALLIKARJUNASWAMY B.HIREMATH, ADVOCATE) AND: THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER BELAGAVI, DIST: BELAGAVI-590002. ...RESPONDENT (BY SMT. NANDINI B.SOMAPUR, AGA) THIS WRIT PETITION IS FILED UNDER ARTICLES 226 AND 227 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING TO ISSUE A WRIT OF CERTIORARI QUASHING THE IMPUGNED ORDER DATED 16.01.2026 BEARING NUMBER KAMSHA/LNA/VIVA-01/2025-26E- 420659 PASSED BY THE RESPONDENT HEREIN WHICH IS PRODUCED AT ANNEXURE-F ONLY INSOFAR AS LAND R.S. NO.196/*/15, MEASURING 33 GUNTAS SITUATED AT MARIKATTI VILLAGE, TALUK. BAILHONGAL, DISTRICT. BELAGAVI; AND ETC. IN WP NO. 100662/2026: BETWEEN: 1. SHIVAYOGI S/O. SADASHIVAPPA HALLURA AGE: 46 YEARS, OCC: AGRICULTURE, R/O. KUSGAL ROAD, MADURA CHETANA COLONY, BADAMI NAGAR, KESHAVAPUR, DISTRICT: DHARWAD. - 11 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC-D:1904 WP No. 100522 of 2026 AND CONNECTED MATTERS 2. MALAKANAGOUDA S/O. BAPUGOUDA PATIL AGE: 39 YEARS, OCC: AGRICULTURE, R/O. ATHARGA, TALUK: INDI, DIST: BIJAPUR. 3. SMT. SHRUTI W/O. VISHWAS VAIDYA AGE: 36 YEARS, OCC: AGRICULTURE, R/O. SAUNDATTI, DIST: BELAGAVI. ...PETITIONERS (BY SRI. MALLIKARJUNASWAMY B.HIREMATH, ADVOCATE) AND: THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER BELAGAVI, DIST: BELAGAVI-590002. ...RESPONDENT (BY SMT. NANDINI B.SOMAPUR, AGA) THIS WRIT PETITION IS FILED UNDER ARTICLES 226 AND 227 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING TO ISSUE A WRIT OF CERTIORARI QUASHING THE IMPUGNED ORDER DATED 16.01.2026 BEARING NUMBER KAMSHA/LNA/VIVA-01/2025-26E- 420659 PASSED BY THE RESPONDENT HEREIN WHICH IS PRODUCED AT ANNEXURE-F ONLY INSOFAR AS LAND BEARING R.S.NO.186/*/9, MEASURING 20 GUNTAS SITUATED AT MARIKATTI VILLAGE, TALUK. BAILHONGAL, DISTRICT. BELAGAVI AND ETC. IN WP NO. 100663/2026: BETWEEN: 1. SMT. SHRUTI W/O. VISHWAS VAIDYA AGE: 36 YEARS, OCC: AGRICULTURE, R/O. SAUNDATTI, DISTRICT: BELAGAVI. 2. SHRISHAIL S/O. MAHABALESHWAR PURADGUDI AGE: 25 YEARS, OCC: AGRICULTURE, R/O. SAUNDATTI, DISTRICT: BELAGAVI. 3. DR. RAJASHEKAR S/O. PANDURANGA DYABERI AGE: 49 YEARS, OCC: AGRICULTURE, R/O. VIDYANAGAR, HUBBALLI, DISTRICT: DHARWAD. ...PETITIONERS (BY SRI. MALLIKARJUNASWAMY B.HIREMATH, ADVOCATE) - 12 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC-D:1904 WP No. 100522 of 2026 AND CONNECTED MATTERS AND: THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER BELAGAVI, DIST: BELAGAVI-590002. ...RESPONDENT (BY SMT. NANDINI B.SOMAPUR, AGA) THIS WRIT PETITION IS FILED UNDER ARTICLES 226 AND 227 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING TO ISSUE A WRIT OF CERTIORARI QUASHING THE IMPUGNED ORDER DATED 16.01.2026 BEARING NUMBER KAMSHA/LNA/VIVA-01/2025-26E- 420659 PASSED BY THE RESPONDENT HEREIN WHICH IS PRODUCED AT ANNEXURE-F ONLY INSOFAR AS LAND BEARING R.S.NO.192/*/9, MEASURING 25 GUNTAS SITUATED AT MARIKATTI VILLAGE, TALUK. BAILHONGAL, DISTRICT. BELAGAVI; AND ETC. IN WP NO. 100664/2026: BETWEEN: 1. BABASAHEB S/O. DEVANGOUDA PATIL AGE: 53 YEARS, OCC: AGRICULTURE, R/O. NEGINAHAAL, BAILHONGAL TALUK, DISTRICT: BELAGAVI. 2. BABU S/O. SHINGAPPA METI AGE: 34 YEARS, OCC: AGRICULTURE, R/O. CHIKKABAGEWADI, TALUK: BAILHONGAL, DIST: BELAGAVI. ...PETITIONERS (BY SRI. MALLIKARJUNASWAMY B.HIREMATH, ADVOCATE) AND: THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER BELAGAVI, DIST: BELAGAVI-590002. ...RESPONDENT (BY SMT. NANDINI B.SOMAPUR, AGA) THIS WRIT PETITION IS FILED UNDER ARTICLES 226 AND 227 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING TO ISSUE A WRIT OF CERTIORARI QUASHING THE IMPUGNED ORDER DATED 16.01.2026 BEARING NUMBER KAMSHA/LNA/VIVA-01/2025-26E- 420659 PASSED BY THE RESPONDENT HEREIN WHICH IS - 13 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC-D:1904 WP No. 100522 of 2026 AND CONNECTED MATTERS PRODUCED AT ANNEXURE-F ONLY INSOFAR AS LAND R.S. NO.193/*/6, MEASURING 15 GUNTAS SITUATED AT MARIKATTI VILLAGE, TALUK. BAILHONGAL, DISTRICT. BELAGAVI; AND ETC. IN WP NO. 100665/2026: BETWEEN: 1. SHIVAYOGI S/O. SADASHIVAPPA HALLURA AGE: 46 YEARS, OCC: AGRICULTURE, R/O. KUSGAL ROAD, MADURA CHETANA COLONY, BADAMI NAGAR, KESHAVAPURA, DISTRICT: DHARWAD. 2. MALAKANAGOUDA S/O. BAPUGOUDA PATIL AGE: 39 YEARS, OCC: AGRICULTURE, R/O. ATHARGA, TALUK: INDI, DISTRICT: BIJAPUR. 3. SMT. SHRUTI W/O. VISHWAS VAIDYA AGE: 36 YEARS, OCC: AGRICULTURE, R/O. SAUNDATTI, DISTRICT: BELAGAVI. ...PETITIONERS (BY SRI. MALLIKARJUNASWAMY B.HIREMATH, ADVOCATE) AND: THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER BELAGAVI, DIST: BELAGAVI-590002. ...RESPONDENT (BY SMT. NANDINI B.SOMAPUR, AGA) THIS WRIT PETITION IS FILED UNDER ARTICLES 226 AND 227 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING TO ISSUE A WRIT OF CERTIORARI QUASHING THE IMPUGNED ORDER DATED 16.01.2026 BEARING NUMBER NAM/KAMSHA/LNA/VIVA-01/ 2025-26E-420659 PASSED BY THE RESPONDENT HEREIN WHICH IS PRODUCED AT ANNEXURE-F ONLY INSOFAR AS LAND BEARING R.S.NO.186/*/3 MEASURING 30 SITUATED AT MARIKATTI VILLAGE, TALUK. BAILHONGAL, DISTRICT. BELAGAVI; AND ETC. - 14 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC-D:1904 WP No. 100522 of 2026 AND CONNECTED MATTERS IN WP NO. 100666/2026: BETWEEN: 1. SHIVAYOGI S/O. SADASHIVAPPA HALLURA AGE: 46 YEARS, OCC: AGRICULTURE, R/O. KUSGAL ROAD, MADURA CHETANA COLONY, BADAMI NAGAR, KESHAVAPURA, DISTRICT: DHARWAD. 2. MALAKANAGOUDA S/O. BAPUGOUDA PATIL AGE: 39 YEARS, OCC: AGRICULTURE, R/O. ATHARGA, TALUK: INDI, DISTRICT: BIJAPUR. 3. SMT. SHRUTI W/O. VISHWAS VAIDYA AGE: 36 YEARS, OCC: AGRICULTURE, R/O. SAUNDATTI, DISTRICT: BELAGAVI. ...PETITIONERS (BY SRI. MALLIKARJUNASWAMY B.HIREMATH, ADVOCATE) AND: THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER BELAGAVI, DIST: BELAGAVI-590002. ...RESPONDENT (BY SMT. NANDINI B.SOMAPUR, AGA) THIS WRIT PETITION IS FILED UNDER ARTICLES 226 AND 227 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING TO ISSUE A WRIT OF CERTIORARI QUASHING THE IMPUGNED ORDER DATED 16.01.2026 BEARING NUMBER NAM/KAMSHA/LNA/VIVA-01/ 2025-26E-420659 PASSED BY THE RESPONDENT HEREIN WHICH IS PRODUCED AT ANNEXURE-F; AND ETC. IN WP NO. 100667/2026: BETWEEN: 1. SMT. SHRUTI W/O. VISHWAS VAIDYA AGE: 36 YEARS, OCC: AGRICULTURE, R/O. SAUNDATTI, DISTRICT: BELAGAVI. 2. SHRISHAIL S/O. MAHABALESHWAR PURADGUDI AGE: 25 YEARS, OCC: AGRICULTURE, - 15 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC-D:1904 WP No. 100522 of 2026 AND CONNECTED MATTERS R/O. SAUNDATTI TALUK, DISTRICT: BELAGAVI. 3. VINOD S/O. PUTTAPPA SAVAKKANNAVAR AGE: 51 YEARS, OCC: AGRICULTURE, R/O. KESHAVAPUR, HUBBALLI, DISTRICT: DHARWAD. ...PETITIONERS (BY SRI. MALLIKARJUNASWAMY B.HIREMATH, ADVOCATE) AND: THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER BELAGAVI, DIST: BELAGAVI-590002. ...RESPONDENT (BY SMT. NANDINI B.SOMAPUR, AGA) THIS WRIT PETITION IS FILED UNDER ARTICLES 226 AND 227 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING TO ISSUE A WRIT OF CERTIORARI QUASHING THE IMPUGNED ORDER DATED 16.01.2026 BEARING NUMBER NAM/KAMSHA/LNA/VIVA-01/ 2025-26E-420659 PASSED BY THE RESPONDENT HEREIN WHICH IS PRODUCED AT ANNEXURE-F ONLY INSOFAR AS LAND BEARING R.S.NO.192/*/3B, MEASURING 25 GUNTHAS SITUATED AT MARIKATTI VILLAGE, TALUK. BAILHONGAL, DISTRICT. BELAGAVI; AND ETC. IN WP NO. 100668/2026: BETWEEN: 1. PRABU S/O. BASAPPA PRABUNAVAR AGE: 52 YEARS, OCC: AGRICULTURE, R/O. SOUNDATTI, DISTRICT: BELAGAVI. 2. MANJUNATH S/O. VITTAL PANCHANGI AGE: 37 YEARS, OCC: AGRICULTURE, R/O. SOUNDATTI, DISTRICT: BELAGAVI. 3. SURESH S/O. CHANNAPPA BUDHIHAL AGE: 36 YEARS, OCC: AGRICULTURE, - 16 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC-D:1904 WP No. 100522 of 2026 AND CONNECTED MATTERS R/O. SOUNDATTI, DISTRICT: BELAGAVI. ...PETITIONERS (BY SRI. MALLIKARJUNASWAMY B.HIREMATH, ADVOCATE) AND: THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER BELAGAVI, DIST: BELAGAVI-590002. ...RESPONDENT (BY SMT. NANDINI B.SOMAPUR, AGA) THIS WRIT PETITION IS FILED UNDER ARTICLES 226 AND 227 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING TO ISSUE A WRIT OF CERTIORARI QUASHING THE IMPUGNED ORDER DATED 16.01.2026 BEARING NUMBER NAM/KAMSHA/LNA/VIVA-01/ 2025-26E-420659 PASSED BY THE RESPONDENT HEREIN WHICH IS PRODUCED AT ANNEXURE-F ONLY INSOFAR AS LAND R.S. NO.179/*/1, MEASURING 18 GUNTHAS SITUATED AT MARIKATTI VILLAGE, TALUK. BAILHONGAL, DISTRICT. BELAGAVI; AND ETC. IN WP NO. 100669/2026: BETWEEN: BABASAHEB S/O. DEVANGOUDA PATIL AGE: 53 YEARS, OCC: AGRICULTURE, R/O. NEGINHAAL, BAILHONGAL TALUK, DISTRICT: BELAGAVI. ...PETITIONER (BY SRI. MALLIKARJUNASWAMY B.HIREMATH, ADVOCATE) AND: THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER BELAGAVI, DIST: BELAGAVI-590002. ...RESPONDENT (BY SMT. NANDINI B.SOMAPUR, AGA) - 17 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC-D:1904 WP No. 100522 of 2026 AND CONNECTED MATTERS THIS WRIT PETITION IS FILED UNDER ARTICLES 226 AND 227 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING TO ISSUE A WRIT OF CERTIORARI QUASHING THE IMPUGNED ORDER DATED 16.01.2026 BEARING NUMBER NAM/KAMSHA/LNA/VIVA-01/ 2025-26E-420659 PASSED BY THE RESPONDENT HEREIN WHICH IS PRODUCED AT ANNEXURE-F ONLY INSOFAR AS LAND R.S. NO.196/*/14, MEASURING 12 GUNTHAS SITUATED AT MARIKATTI VILLAGE, BAILHONGAL TALUK, BELAGAVI DISTRICT; AND ETC. IN WP NO. 100670/2026: BETWEEN: VEDA W/O. SATISH CHIKKMATH AGE: 41 YEARS, OCC: FARMER, R/O. HIREKOPPA VILLAGE, BAILHONGAL TALUK, DISTRICT: BELAGAVI. ...PETITIONER (BY SRI. MALLIKARJUNASWAMY B.HIREMATH, ADVOCATE) AND: THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER BELAGAVI, DIST: BELAGAVI-590002. ...RESPONDENT (BY SMT. NANDINI B.SOMAPUR, AGA) THIS WRIT PETITION IS FILED UNDER ARTICLES 226 AND 227 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING TO ISSUE A WRIT OF CERTIORARI QUASHING THE IMPUGNED ORDER DATED 16.01.2026 BEARING NUMBER NAM/KAMSHA/LNA/VIVA-01/ 2025-26E-420659 PASSED BY THE RESPONDENT HEREIN WHICH IS PRODUCED AT ANNEXURE-E ONLY INSOFAR AS LAND BEARING R.S.NO.109/*/2, MEASURING 1 ACRE 25 GUNTHAS SITUATED AT HIREKOPPA VILLAGE, MURGOD HOBLI, TALUK. SAUNDATTI, DISTRICT BELAGAVI; AND ETC. - 18 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC-D:1904 WP No. 100522 of 2026 AND CONNECTED MATTERS IN WP No. 100902/2026: BETWEEN: ADIVEPPA MALLAPPA TAVAGAD AGE: 55 YEARS, OCC: AGRICULTURE, R/O. GANIKOPPA VILLAGE, BAILHONGAL TALUK, DIST: BELAGAVI-591125. …PETITIONER (BY SRI. SHREEVATSA S. HEGDE, ADVOCATE) AND: 1. THE NATIONAL HIGHWAYS AUTHORITY OF INDIA (NHAI), REP. BY PROJECT MANAGER, VEERABHADRESHWAR NILAYA, PLOT NO. 15-C SECTOR-73, 2ND CROSS, NAVANGAR (UNIT-2), BAGALKOT-587103. 2. THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER BELAGAVI DISTRICT COURT COMPOUND NEAR RANI CHANNAMMA CIRCLE, SANGOLLI RAYANNA ROAD, BELAGAVI-590001. 3. THE TAHASILDAR OFFICE BAILHONGAL, MURGOD ROAD, BELAGAVI-591102. …RESPONDENTS (BY SMT. NANDINI B.SOMAPUR, AGA FOR R2 AND R3) THIS WRIT PETITION IS FILED UNDER ARTICLES 226 AND 227 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING TO ISSUE A WRIT OF CERTIORARI QUASHING THE ACTION OF THE RESPONDENTS NO.2 AND 3 IN ENDORSEMENT BEARING NO.PÀA±Á/¯Áå/«ªÀ-01/2025-26 E- 420659 DATED 16.01.2026 AND J¯ïJ£ï.r:£ïJ:«ªÀ:25-26 DATED 21.01.2026 CANCELLING THE NON-AGRICULTURAL (NA) PERMISSION GRANTED IN RESPECT OF THE PETITIONERS LAND; ISSUE A WRIT OF MANDAMUS DIRECTING THE RESPONDENTS TO CONSIDER AND DETERMINE COMPENSATION BY TREATING THE LAND AS NON-AGRICULTURAL LAND IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW; AND ETC. - 19 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC-D:1904 WP No. 100522 of 2026 AND CONNECTED MATTERS IN WP NO. 100624/2026: BETWEEN: 1. DEVENDRA S/O. FAKKIRAPPA CHAVADAPPANAVAR, AGE: 44 YEARS, OCC: FARMER, R/O. SHIVANAND BHARATI NAGAR, KRUSHI MARG, TALUK: BAILHONGAL, DISTRICT: BELAGAVI. 2. SHRISHAIL S/O. FAKKIRAPPA CHAVADAPPANAVAR, AGE: MAJOR, OCC: FARMER, R/O. SHIVANAND BHARATI NAGAR, KRUSHI MARG, TALUK: BAILHONGAL, DISTRICT: BELAGAVI. ...PETITIONERS (BY SRI. MALLIKARJUNASWAMY B.HIREMATH, ADVOCATE) AND: THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER BELAGAVI, DIST: BELAGAVI-590002. ...RESPONDENT (BY SMT. NANDINI B.SOMAPUR, AGA) THIS WRIT PETITION IS FILED UNDER ARTICLES 226 AND 227 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA PRAYING TO ISSUE A WRIT OF CERTIORARI QUASHING THE IMPUGNED ORDER DATED 16.01.2026 BEARING NUMBER NAM.KAMSHA/LNA/VIVA-01/ 2025-26E-420659 PASSED BY THE RESPONDENT HEREIN WHICH IS PRODUCED AT ANNEXURE-E ONLY INSOFAR AS LAND BEARING R.S.NO.371/*/* MEASURING 1 ACRE 12 GUNTHAS SITUATED AT MARIKATTI VILLAGE, TALUK. BAILHOINGAL, DISTRICT. BELAGAVI; AND ETC. THESE PETITIONS COMING ON FOR PRELIMINARY HEARING IN ‘B’ GROUP THIS DAY, ORDER WAS MADE THEREIN AS UNDER: CORAM: HON'BLE MRS JUSTICE K.S.HEMALEKHA - 20 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC-D:1904 WP No. 100522 of 2026 AND CONNECTED MATTERS ORAL ORDER 1. All these Writ Petitions are taken up together as involve the common question of law and facts and hence, disposed of by a common order. 2. Brief facts: IN WP No.100522/2026 The petitioners claim to be the absolute owners of the agricultural land bearing Sy.No.238/6, measuring 4 acres, situated at Malikatti Village, Tq. Bailhongal. The petitioners filed an application seeking conversion of the said land for non-agricultural purposes on 27.05.2025. The respondent–Deputy Commissioner, after considering the application, passed an order of conversion on 05.06.2025. IN WP No.100524/2026 The petitioners claim to be the absolute owners of the agricultural land bearing Sy.No.240/*/3, measuring 1 acre 22 guntas, situated at Marikatti Village, Tq. Bailhongal. The petitioners filed an application seeking conversion of the said land for non-agricultural purposes on 27.05.2025. The respondent–Deputy Commissioner, after considering the application, passed an order of conversion on 05.06.2025. - 21 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC-D:1904 WP No. 100522 of 2026 AND CONNECTED MATTERS IN WP No.100625/2026 The petitioners claim to be the absolute owners of the agricultural land bearing Sy.No.187/*/9, measuring 12 guntas, situated at Marikatti Village, Taluk Bailhongal, District Belagavi. The petitioners filed an application seeking conversion of the said land for non-agricultural purposes on 15.04.2025. The respondent–Deputy Commissioner, after considering the application, passed an order of conversion on 13.05.2025. IN WP No.100626/2026 The petitioner claim to be the absolute owner of the agricultural land bearing Sy.No.109/*/4, measuring 6 acres, situated at Hirekoppa Village, Murgod Hobli, Saundatti Taluk, District Belagavi. The petitioner filed an application seeking conversion of the said land for non- agricultural purposes on 16.09.2025. The respondent– Deputy Commissioner, after considering the application, passed an order of conversion on 17.10.2025. IN WP No.100627/2026 The petitioner claim to be the absolute owner of the agricultural land bearing Sy.No.370/*/*, measuring 1 acre, situated at Inchal Village, Murgod Hobli, Saundatti Taluk, District Belagavi. The petitioner filed an application - 22 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC-D:1904 WP No. 100522 of 2026 AND CONNECTED MATTERS seeking conversion of the said land for non-agricultural purposes on 02.12.2025. The respondent–Deputy Commissioner, after considering the application, passed an order of conversion on 09.12.2025. IN WP No.100628/2026 The petitioners claim to be the absolute owners of the agricultural land bearing Sy.No.177/*/1, measuring 10 guntas, situated at Marikatti Village, Taluk Bailhongal, District Belagavi. The petitioners filed an application seeking conversion of the said land for non-agricultural purposes on 24.06.2025. The respondent–Deputy Commissioner, after considering the application, passed an order of conversion on 16.07.2025. IN WP No.100629/2026 The petitioners claim to be the absolute owners of the agricultural land bearing Sy.No.187/*/10, measuring 16 guntas, situated at Marikatti Village, Taluk Bailhongal, District Belagavi. The petitioners filed an application seeking conversion of the said land for non-agricultural purposes on 15.04.2025. The respondent–Deputy Commissioner, after considering the application, passed an order of conversion on 13.05.2025. - 23 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC-D:1904 WP No. 100522 of 2026 AND CONNECTED MATTERS IN WP No.100650/2026 The petitioner claim to be the absolute owner of the agricultural land bearing Sy.No.188/*/14, measuring 1 acre 19 guntas, situated at Marikatti Village, Taluk Bailhongal, District Belagavi. The petitioner filed an application seeking conversion of the said land for non- agricultural purposes on 03.09.2025. The respondent– Deputy Commissioner, after considering the application, passed an order of conversion on 17.10.2025. IN WP No.100658/2026 The petitioner claim to be the absolute owner of the agricultural land bearing Sy.No.185/*/2, measuring 1 acre 12 guntas, situated at Marikatti Village, Taluk Bailhongal, District Belagavi. The petitioner filed an application seeking conversion of the said land for non-agricultural purposes on 26.05.2025. The respondent–Deputy Commissioner, after considering the application, passed an order of conversion on 09.07.2025. IN WP No.100659/2026 The petitioners claim to be the absolute owners of the agricultural land bearing Sy.No.189/*/6, measuring 02 acres 01 guntas, situated at Marikatti Village, Nesargi Hobli, Bailhongal Taluk, District Belagavi. The petitioners - 24 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC-D:1904 WP No. 100522 of 2026 AND CONNECTED MATTERS filed an application seeking conversion of the said land for non-agricultural purposes on 12.05.2025. The respondent– Deputy Commissioner, after considering the application, passed an order of conversion on 19.06.2025. IN WP No.100660/2026 The petitioners claim to be the absolute owners of the agricultural land bearing Sy.No.197/*/21, measuring 26 guntas, situated at Marikatti Village, Taluk Bailhongal, District Belagavi. The petitioners filed an application seeking conversion of the said land for non-agricultural purposes on 10.04.2025. The respondent–Deputy Commissioner, after considering the application, passed an order of conversion on 13.05.2025. IN WP No.100661/2026 The petitioner claim to be the absolute owner of the agricultural land bearing Sy.No.196/*/15, measuring 33 guntas, situated at Marikatti Village, Taluk Bailhongal, District Belagavi. The petitioner filed an application seeking conversion of the said land for non-agricultural purposes on 26.05.2025. The respondent–Deputy Commissioner, after considering the application, passed an order of conversion on 09.07.2025. - 25 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC-D:1904 WP No. 100522 of 2026 AND CONNECTED MATTERS IN WP No.100662/2026 The petitioners claim to be the absolute owners of the agricultural land bearing Sy.No.186/*/9, measuring 20 guntas, situated at Marikatti Village, Taluk Bailhongal, District Belagavi. The petitioners filed an application seeking conversion of the said land for non-agricultural purposes on 10.04.2025. The respondent–Deputy Commissioner, after considering the application, passed an order of conversion on 13.05.2025. IN WP No.100663/2026 The petitioners claim to be the absolute owners of the agricultural land bearing Sy.No.192/*/9, measuring 25 guntas, situated at Marikatti Village, Taluk Bailhongal, District Belagavi. The petitioners filed an application seeking conversion of the said land for non-agricultural purposes on 26.05.2025. The respondent–Deputy Commissioner, after considering the application, passed an order of conversion on 09.07.2025. IN WP No.100664/2026 The petitioners claim to be the absolute owners of the agricultural land bearing Sy.No.193/*/6, measuring 15 guntas, situated at Marikatti Village, Taluk Bailhongal, District Belagavi. The petitioners filed an application - 26 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC-D:1904 WP No. 100522 of 2026 AND CONNECTED MATTERS seeking conversion of the said land for non-agricultural purposes on 15.07.2025. The respondent–Deputy Commissioner, after considering the application, passed an order of conversion on 31.07.2025. IN WP No.100665/2026 The petitioners claim to be the absolute owners of the agricultural land bearing Sy.No.186/*/3, measuring 30 guntas, situated at Marikatti Village, Taluk Bailhongal, District Belagavi. The petitioners filed an application seeking conversion of the said land for non-agricultural purposes on 10.04.2025. The respondent–Deputy Commissioner, after considering the application, passed an order of conversion on 13.05.2025. IN WP No.100666/2026 The petitioners claim to be the absolute owners of the agricultural land bearing Sy.No.187/*/3A, measuring 1 acre, situated at Marikatti Village, Taluk Bailhongal, District Belagavi. The petitioners filed an application seeking conversion of the said land for non-agricultural purposes on 16.04.2025. The respondent–Deputy Commissioner, after considering the application, passed an order of conversion on 13.05.2025. - 27 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC-D:1904 WP No. 100522 of 2026 AND CONNECTED MATTERS IN WP No.100667/2026 The petitioners claim to be the absolute owners of the agricultural land bearing Sy.No.192/*/3B, measuring 25 guntas, situated at Marikatti Village, Taluk Bailhongal, District Belagavi. The petitioners filed an application seeking conversion of the said land for non-agricultural purposes on 26.05.2025. The respondent–Deputy Commissioner, after considering the application, passed an order of conversion on 09.07.2025. IN WP No.100668/2026 The petitioners claim to be the absolute owners of the agricultural land bearing Sy.No.179/*/1, measuring 18 guntas, situated at Marikatti Village, Taluk Bailhongal, District Belagavi. The petitioners filed an application seeking conversion of the said land for non-agricultural purposes on 05.08.2025. The respondent–Deputy Commissioner, after considering the application, passed an order of conversion on 04.09.2025. IN WP No.100669/2026 The petitioner claim to be the absolute owner of the agricultural land bearing Sy.No.196/*/14, measuring 12 guntas, situated at Marikatti Village, Taluk Bailhongal, District Belagavi. The petitioner filed an application - 28 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC-D:1904 WP No. 100522 of 2026 AND CONNECTED MATTERS seeking conversion of the said land for non-agricultural purposes on 26.05.2025. The respondent–Deputy Commissioner, after considering the application, passed an order of conversion on 09.07.2025. IN WP No.100670/2026 The petitioner claim to be the absolute owner of the agricultural land bearing Sy.No.109/*/2A, measuring 1 acre 25 guntas, situated at Hirekoppa Village, Murgod Hobli, Saundatti Taluk, District Belagavi. The petitioner filed an application seeking conversion of the said land for non-agricultural purposes on 16.09.2025. The respondent– Deputy Commissioner, after considering the application, passed an order of conversion on 17.10.2025. IN WP No.100902/2026 The petitioner claim to be the absolute owner of the agricultural land bearing Sy.No.196/*/9 measuring 1 acre 28 guntas and 196/*/11 measuring 1 acre 28 guntas and 35 guntas respectively situated at Marikatti Village, Taluk Bailhongal, District Belagavi. The petitioners filed an application on 06.05.2025 seeking conversion of the said land for non-agricultural purposes on 19.06.2025. - 29 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC-D:1904 WP No. 100522 of 2026 AND CONNECTED MATTERS IN WP No.100624/2026 The petitioners claim to be the absolute owners of the agricultural land bearing Sy.No.371/*/* situated at Marikatti Village, Taluk Bailhongal, District Belagavi. The petitioners filed an application seeking conversion of the said land for non-agricultural purposes on 02.12.2025. The respondent–Deputy Commissioner, after considering the application, passed an order of conversion on 09.12.2025. 3. The respondent-Deputy Commissioner upon the applications filed by the petitioners, granted conversion orders of the said lands for non- agricultural/commercial purposes on various dates under Section 95 of the Karnataka Land Revenue Act, 1964 (for short ‘KLR Act’). 4. The respondent-Deputy Commissioner conducted proceedings and along with the officers of the National Highways Authority of India (for short ‘NHAI’) and Special Land Acquisition Officer, Bagalkot, (for short ‘SLAO’), unilaterally cancelled the earlier conversion orders granted in favour of - 30 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC-D:1904 WP No. 100522 of 2026 AND CONNECTED MATTERS the petitioners without issuing notice or affording an opportunity of hearing. Under the National Highways Act, 1956, a notification was issued by the SLAO under Section 3A(i) of the National Highways Authority of India Act, 1988 proposing acquisition of the petitioners lands for NH 748-A by publication dated 05.01.2026, which was published in the official gazette on 08.01.2026. 5. The petitioners aggrieved by the impugned cancellation of the conversion orders granted in favour of the petitioners, are before this Court in these writ petitions. 6. Heard learned counsel for the petitioners and learned Additional Government Advocate for the respondent-State. 7. Learned counsel for the petitioners would vehemently submit that the conversion orders were validly granted under Section 95 of the KLR - 31 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC-D:1904 WP No. 100522 of 2026 AND CONNECTED MATTERS Act. It is contended that the Deputy Commissioner became functus officio after passing the conversion orders and that there is no statutory power of review under Section 95 enabling recall of such orders. It is contended that even assuming alleged false affidavits under Section 95 (2) (iii) of the KLR Act, no notice or opportunity was given. It is submitted that the impugned cancellation order violates the principles of natural justice, particularly audi alteram partem. 8. Per contra, the learned Additional Government Advocate for the State sought to justify the order of cancellation and submits that the cancellation was necessitated in light of the acquisition proceedings initiated by NHAI. It is submitted that the conversion was obtained on alleged false declaration and the Deputy Commissioner was justified in cancelling the order to protect public interest. - 32 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC-D:1904 WP No. 100522 of 2026 AND CONNECTED MATTERS 9. This Court has carefully considered the rival submissions and perused the material on record. 10. The point that arises for consideration is: “Whether the Deputy Commissioner has a statutory power to recall or cancel the conversion order granted under Section 95 of the KLR Act?” 11. Section 95 (2) (iii) of the KLR Act reads as follows: “95. Uses of agricultural land and the procedure for use of agricultural land for other purpose (1) Xxx xxx [(2) If any occupant of a land assessed or held for the purpose of agriculture wishes to divert such land or any part thereof to any other purpose, he shall submit an affidavit along with an application to the Deputy Commissioner in the manner as may be prescribed and if the diversion is sought,- (i) Xxx xxx (ii) xxx xxx (iii) If any diversion is obtained with a false or wrong declaration or affidavit under this section, in addition to the criminal liabilities, the same shall be null and void upon order in this regard by the Deputy Commissioner. The conversion fee, if - 33 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC-D:1904 WP No. 100522 of 2026 AND CONNECTED MATTERS remitted, shall stand forfeited to the Government. The land whose diversion for non-agriculture use was obtained by a false affidavit, the Deputy Commissioner may also issue an order for forfeiture of the said land to the Government.” 12. Section 95 of the KLR Act provides the mechanism for diversion of agricultural land. Section 95 (2) of the KLR Act, provides that if an occupant of agriculture land wishes to divert such land for non- agriculture purpose, he shall submit an affidavit along with the application to the Deputy Commissioner and Section 95 (2) (iii) further provides that the diversion is obtained with the false and wrong declaration or affidavit, the same shall be null and void upon order passed by the Deputy Commissioner and conversion fee shall stand forfeited. 13. Section 95 does not expressly confer any power of review or recall upon the Deputy Commissioner and the settled principle that ‘where a statute - 34 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC-D:1904 WP No. 100522 of 2026 AND CONNECTED MATTERS does not confer review power, such power cannot be assumed as inherent. Therefore, after granting conversion, the Deputy Commissioner becomes functus officio. 14. As stated supra, Section 95 (2)(iii) contemplates cancellation in cases of false declaration or affidavit, however: (i) The impugned order does not record a specific finding of false affidavit. (ii) No independent enquiry was conducted. (iii) No notice was issued to the petitioners. 15. Thus, the statutory condition precedent for invoking Section 95 (2) (iii) is absent. The cancellation orders were passed unilaterally. Even assuming statutory authority existed, cancellation of a vested right without notice is impermissible. The principle of audi alteram partem squarely applies and the impugned orders therefore suffer from lack of jurisdiction, absence of statutory - 35 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC-D:1904 WP No. 100522 of 2026 AND CONNECTED MATTERS review power and violation of natural justice. The pendency of acquisition proceedings under the National Highways Act, does not ipso facto invalidate the conversion order already granted under Section 95 of the KLR Act. The compensation issues are governed by the acquisition Law and not by unilateral cancellation of conversion. The Deputy Commissioner has no jurisdiction to recall the conversion order and the impugned orders dated 16.01.2026 are ultra vires of Section 95 of the KLR Act and violative of natural justice and does not fall under Section 95 (2) (iii) of the KLR Act. 16. Looking from any angle, the order passed by the Deputy Commissioner is beyond jurisdiction and the power of review having not provided under the statute explicitly, cannot be read as part of the inherent powers of such an authority. Therefore, the impugned orders passed by the Deputy - 36 - HC-KAR NC: 2026:KHC-D:1904 WP No. 100522 of 2026 AND CONNECTED MATTERS Commissioner canceling the orders of conversion granted in favour of the petitioners, are unsustainable in law and accordingly, the point framed for consideration is answered and this Court pass the following: ORDER i. The writ petitions are allowed. ii. The impugned order dated 16.01.2026 passed by respondent-Deputy Commissioner canceling the conversion orders granted in favour of the petitioners, is hereby quashed. iii. It is clarified that this order shall not preclude the competent authority from proceeding in accordance with law, if any action is otherwise permissible under statute after affording due opportunity to the petitioners. Sd/- JUSTICE K.S.HEMALEKHA AM/- Ct:VH List No.: 1 Sl No.: 75