5A envisions a modus of deliberation and consultation, which must therefore be construed to be mandatory, akin to a right.2 14. Objections under Section 5A of the 1894 Act most often proceed in four distinct stages: i. The filing stage: Landowners can file objections within thirty days of the notification issued under Section 4 of the 1894 Act;3 ii. The hearing stage: The Collector must provide an oral hearing to the objecting landowners, either in person or through a pleader/authorized representative;4 iii. The recommendation stage: The Collector—after hearing objections and upon further inquiry—makes a report to the 2 Women's Education Trust v. State of Haryana, (2013) 8 SCC 99, para 1. 3 Section 5A (1), 1894 Act. 4 NOIDA v. Darshan Lal Bora, 2024 INS 508. 10appropriate government containing their recommendations; and iv. The decision stage: The appropriate government considers the Collector’s report and takes a final decision on the objections. 15. Reverting to the case in hand,