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SC: Law on adverse possession needs change
The Supreme Court has recommended to the Union government to suitably amend the law of adverse possession as it puts premium on dishonesty by legitimising possession of a rank trespasser on the land at the cost of the rightful owner.
A bench comprising Justices Dalveer Bhandari and Harjit Singh Bedi, while upholding the judgement of the Gujarat High Court dismissed the appeal of a trespasser Hemaji Waghaji Jat and also imposed a cost of Rs 25,000 on him for forcibly possessing the land of Bhikha Bhai Khengar Bhai Harijan and others for over a half century.
The trial court had held that Jat had purchased six acres of land for Rs 75 in 1925 from one Gama Bhai Gala Bhai and was in possession of the land for seventy years and at the same time also recorded a finding that Jat took forcible possession of the land in 1960.
The trial court judgement was set aside by the District Judge Palanpur, Gujarat and the High Court also dismissed the petition of the appellant.
The apex court in its judgement noted, “Before parting with this case, we deem it appropriate to observe that the law of adverse possession which ousts and owner on the basis of inaction within limitation is irrational, illogical and wholly disproportionate.” The law, as it exists, is extremely harsh for the true owner and a windfall for a dishonest person who had illegally taken possession of the property of true owner, the bench noted.
“The law ought not to benefit a person who in a clandestine manner takes possession of the property of the owner in contravention of law. This in substance would mean that the law give seal of approval to the illegal action or activities of a rank trespasser or who had wrongfully taken possession of the property of the true owner,” the bench added.
Justice Bhandari, writing for the bench in the 23-page judgement also observed,” We fail to comprehend why the law should place premium on dishonesty by legitimising possession of a rank trespasser and compelling the owner to loose its possession only because of his inaction in taking back the possession within limitation.” The apex court concluded by saying, ”In our considered view there is an urgent meet of fresh look regarding the law on adverse possession. We recommend the Union of India to seriously consider and make suitable changes in the law of adverse possession. A copy of this judgement be sent to the Secretary Minisrty of Law and Justice, Department Legal Affairs and Government of India for taking appropriate steps in accordance with the law.” The Supreme Court has also said the Right to Property is now part of Human Rights.
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P.K.Haridasan
wrote on 26 February 2010
Somany muscle men taking advantage of adverse possession. People with no money and political backing missing their legitimate claim or right over the property only due to time factor.
Ashutosh Jayaswal
wrote on 10 February 2010
very humanistic observation, touched the bottom of the heart. I know a person owns 45 acres of ancestral precious agricultural land, sleeps in footpath and depend on others. Since all his land has been occupied by the mighty people.
this law should be abolished as early as possible, also land belonging to the true owners should be restored thro' special court. Also land grabbing and trespasser must be dealt with tough punishments. A special court should be there for this matter for speedy disposal.
R.K.SUNDERRAJ
wrote on 09 January 2010
Good judgement, We have seen that many innocent have been unable to repossess their land and property from the powerful person,and there are also many people who inspite of owning the property are residing in the rented houses paying huge rents. Therefore it is a welcome decision to the weaker section of the society.
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