7. Determination of compensation.

(1) Any land-owner whose rights have been distinguished under section 6 may, within six months from the date of the order of assignment made by the Collector, apply to the Collector, in such form as may be prescribed, for the determination of the amount of compensation payable to him by the concerned inhabitants of the village:

Provided that the Collector may entertain the application after the expiry of the said period of six months, if he is satisfied that the applicant was prevented by the sufficient cause from filing the application in time.

1. Proviso inserted by Act XIV of 1981, s-2. 2. Proviso and the explanation added ibid, s-2.

(2) On receipt of an application under Sub-section (1) the Collector shall, after giving the applicant an opportunity of being heard and after making such enquiry as may be prescribed, make an award determining the amount of compensation payable in accordance with the provisions of section 8.

(3) Where there is any dispute as to the person or persons who are entitled to the compensation, the Collector shall decide such dispute, and if he finds that more than one person is entitled to compensation, he shall apportioned the amount thereof amongst such persons.

(1) Where the compensation is payable to a minor or to a person having a limited interest, the Collector may make such arrangements as may be equitable having regard to the interest of the minor, the parties concerned and their reversioners.