Case brief
What is this about?
Chhattisgarh High Court (Bilaspur), SA No. 195 of 2016, decided 02/02/2026 by Bibhu Datta Guru, J. (judgment reserved 28/01/2026). Plaintiff-widow Smt. Jaibun Nisha, undisputed Class-I heir of late Abdul Sattar Lodhiya (d. 19.05.2004), sought declaration of exclusive title over Khasra No. 1045/3 (pleaded as 0.004 acre/eight dismil) with the house thereon at Village Korba, Patwari Halka No. 4, Tahsil & District Korba; defendant No.1 Mohd. Sikandar (son of the deceased's brother, claiming foster-son status) relied on a Will dated 27.04.2004 (Ex.D/1) bequeathing the entire property. Trial Court (Civil Suit No. 20-A/2014, judgment/decree 07.02.2015) and First Appellate Court (Civil Appeal No. 12-A/2015, judgment/decree 28.01.2016) dismissed the suit. On the admitted substantial questions of law, the High Court held: (i) the propounder of a Will bequeathing the entire property bears the onus to prove compliance with Sections 117 and 118, Principles of Mahomedan Law, and both Courts erred in shifting that burden to the plaintiff; (ii) consent must be free, conscious and post-death — silence, delay and handing over of the Will are not consent, and no witness proved express consent to a bequest exceeding one-third; (iii) dismissing the suit in toto against an undisputed heir who claimed exclusive ownership, instead of moulding relief, is a grave legal error. Second Appeal allowed; both judgments and decrees set aside; parties to bear own costs. Relied on: Noorunissa v. Rahaman Bi (2001) 3 MLJ 141; Sri. Mohammed Ashraf v. Smt. Tabbasum ILR 2014 Kar 6861; Sulaxani v. Sattar Ali 2022 SCC OnLine Chh 803. Referred within quoted passages: Bayabai v. Bayahai A.I.R. 1942 Bom. 328(2); Yasim Imambhai Shaikh v. Hajarabi A.I.R. 1986 Bom. 357; Valashiyil Kunhi Avulla v. Eengayil Peetikayil Kunhi Avulla A.I.R. 1964 Ker. 200; Rahumath Ammal v. Mohammed Mydeen Rowther (1978) 2 M.L.J. 499.