(a) In a condemnation proceeding under this chapter, if no hearing has begun to determine the compensation to be paid for a piece of property and the plaintiff has not acquired the title or a lesser interest in or taken possession thereof, the plaintiff may dismiss the action as to that property, without an order of the Court, by filing a notice of dismissal setting forth a brief description of the property as to which the action is dismissed.
(b) Before the entry of any award or possession of property is taken by the plaintiff, the action may be dismissed, in whole or in part, without an order of the Court, as to any property by filing a stipulation of dismissal by the plaintiff and the defendant affected thereby, and, if the parties so stipulate, the Court may vacate any award that has been entered.
(c) At any time before compensation for a piece of property has been determined and paid and, after motion and hearing, the Court may dismiss the action as to that party, except that it shall not dismiss the action as to any part of the property of which the plaintiff has taken possession, or in which the plaintiff has taken title or a lesser interest, but shall award just compensation for the possession, title or lesser interest so taken. The Court at any time may drop a defendant unnecessarily or improperly joined.
(d) Except as otherwise provided in the notice or stipulation of dismissal, or order of the Court, any dismissal is without prejudice.
48 Del. Laws, c. 271, § 9; 10 Del. C. 1953, § 6109.