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3. The facts leading to the case are under:

The petitioners claim to be agriculturists owning land in Krishnapur Village and Kamalapur Village. The petitioners claim that they are totally dependent on the income generated from these petition lands. The petitioners, however, admit that petition lands are proximate to the Hampi historical monuments and fall within the protected area of Hampi monuments and remains in Karnataka.
The grievance of the petitioners before this Court is that respondent No.5 along with other official respondents have been arbitrarily acquiring lands in the areas surrounding the Hampi Historical monuments. The petitioners claim that these acquisitions are made without verifying the existence of sculptures and carvings. The petitioners also claim that under the garb of protection of ancient artifacts, respondent No.5 has acquired vast extent of land. It is also claimed that respondent No.5 till this date has not carried out any excavation to identify the existence of any historical monuments underneath. Though respondents under the garb of apprehending ancient and historical monuments and archeological sites have been arbitrarily acquiring vast lands, no justifiable reasons are indicated and by invoking urgency clause under Section 17(4), the petitioners' lands are acquired. The petitioners claim that notifications are issued by the competent authority contrary to Section 20 of Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 (for short 'AMASR Act, 1958').