West Pakistan Land Revenue Act, 1967 — section 44

44. Determination of disputes. (1) If during the making, revision or preparation of any record, or in the course of any inquiry under this Chapter, a dispute arises as to any matter of which an entry is to be made in a record or in a register of mutations, a Revenue Officer may of his own motion, or on the application of any party interested, but subject to the provisions of section 45, and after such inquiry as he thinks fit, determine the entry to be made as to that matter and record his reasons therefor.

(2)If in any such dispute, the Revenue Officer is unable to satisfy himself as to which of the parties thereto is in possession of any property to which the dispute relates, he shall

(a)if he be not below the rank of Assistant Collector of the first grade, ascertain, after an inquiry in which an opportunity shall be given to all the parties, to the dispute of being heard and adducing evidence in support of their claims, who is the person best entitled to the property, and shall by written order direct that the person be put in possession thereof, and that entry in accordance with that order be made in the record or register; and

(b)if he be below the rank of Assistant Collector of the first grade, report the matter to the Assistant Collector of the first grade, who shall thereupon proceed in the manner provided in clause (a).

(2)A direction under sub-section (3) shall be subject to any decree or order which may be subsequently passed by any Court of competent jurisdiction.