Chikkasiddappa v. the Deputy Commissioner
Case brief
What is this about?
The High Court of Karnataka allowed a writ petition under Articles 226 and 227 of the Constitution, quashing orders of the Assistant Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner that directed resumption of land (Sy.No.36, New Sy.No.88, 3 guntas in Nallandahalli Village). The land was granted in 1964 and sold in 1970, but resumption proceedings were initiated only in 2010. The court held that the authorities failed to consider the nearly 40-year delay and the doctrine of laches, relying on a Division Bench decision in W.A.No.1035/2025 which clarified that laches is a primary requirement in land resumption cases. The impugned orders were set aside and revenue authorities were directed to restore the petitioners' names in the revenue records.
What did the court decide?
Writ of certiorari issued; orders of Assistant Commissioner dated 29.08.2024 and Deputy Commissioner dated 18.02.2025 quashed; revenue authorities directed to restore petitioners' names in revenue records.