Section 12: Preparation and publication of draft statement as regards land in excess of ceiling area

(1) On the basis of the return furnished under section 10 and on the basis of the return or the additional particulars furnished under sub-section (1) of section 11 or on the basis of the information obtained by him under sub- section (2) of section 11, the authorised officer shall, after making such particulars as may be prescribed a draft statement in respect of each person holding land in excess of the ceiling area: Provided that if the authorised officer is satisfied that the return is correct and complete, he shall, instead of preparing a draft statement, proceed under section 13 to declare the ceiling area applicable to the person concerned and the surplus land held by him and shall prepare, serve and publish a final statement as provided therein. (2) The draft statement shall be served on the persons concerned and on all other persons who, in the opinion of the authorised officer, are interested in the land to which such draft statement relates, together with a notice stating that any objection to the draft statement shall be preferred within fifteen days from the date of service of such notice. (3) The authorised officer shall consider any objection received within the period specified in the notice referred to in sub- section (2) from the person on whom a copy of the draft statement has been served under that sub-section or from any other person interested in the land and shall, after giving the objector a reasonable opportunity of being heard, decide the objections by an order in writing.