NEW DELHI: In a case that brought to life several forgotten aspects of the country's legal and sociopolitical history, the Supreme Court on Wednesday quashed a claim to take back a piece of land gifted 70 years ago on grounds of non-compliance with an unusual condition: lifelong, unpaid service.
The verdict, delivered by justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and PB Varale, not only upheld the rights of the recipients but also struck down the condition as a blatant violation of constitutional protections against exploitation and "slavery".
The dispute, which had its origins in 1953, revolved around a unique oral gift deed executed by a Punjab landlord, Rai Bahadur Randhir Singh. Singh had gifted 38 bighas and 8 biswas of land to Sanwalia, Ratiram and Sheochand, sons of one Chhailu, in recognition of their services. The gift came with a peculiar condition -- the recipients and their heirs were to continue serving the donor and his descendants for life.
For decades, the arrangement appeared unchallenged. However, in 1998, Singh's heirs, dissatisfied with the cessation of services, filed a suit seeking to revoke the gift and reclaim the land.
The Supreme Court firmly rejected the plea, stating that the clause for perpetual service amounted to forced labour, prohibited under Article 23 of the Constitution. The bench observed that such conditions, which demanded unpaid service across generations, were not only illegal but also unconstitutional.
Esta historia es de la edición December 13, 2024 de Hindustan Times Haryana.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición December 13, 2024 de Hindustan Times Haryana.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
ONOP will test govt's ability to muster up two-thirds majority
NEW DELHI: The NDA government's ambitious plan for simultaneous national and state polls could be a test of its ability to muster the requisite numbers as it doesn't have a two-thirds majority needed to push through a Constitution amendment under Article 368 in the Lok Sabha.
BJP govts to soon bring UCC in every state: Shah
NEW DELHI: The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) implemented by Uttarakhand is a model law that will be debated widely and then the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) governments will bring a common civil code in all states,
ONOP will test govt's ability to muster up two-thirds majority
NEW DELHI: The Union government on Tuesday introduced in the Lok Sabha two bills aimed at ushering in simultaneous state and national elections amid loud protests by the Opposition - taking the first step towards implementing sweeping changes in the way polls are conducted in the world's largest democracy.
'One election' bill tabled in LS, to be sent to JPC
NEW DELHI: The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, was formally introduced in the Lok Sabha after a division of votes.
Shah slams Cong in Constitution debate
Asserting that India's democracy is deep-rooted, Union home minister Amit Shah said on Tuesday that the people of the country through the Constitution have given an appropriate response to those who used to say that India will not become powerful economically.
How the challenge of batting in Oz changed
KOOKABURRA RELEASED A REDESIGNED BALL FOR TESTS IN 2021 THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO MAKE THE GAME MORE EXCITING, BUT IT HAS ONLY MADE BATTING MORE DIFFICULT
Grit in the tail frustrates the hosts, India avoid follow-on
Like in 2021, there was defiance in the damp air of Gabba as Deep and Bumrah steer India towards a likely draw on Day 4
Jhulan Goswami stand: Another historic moment at Eden Gardens
KOLKATA: At 6.58pm on a misty winter evening near the Eden Gardens change rooms, Jhulan Goswami took the stage. And said she was speechless.
PRITHVI SHAW NOW AXED FROM MUMBAI VIJAY HAZARE SQUAD
MUMBAI: In a forgettable season, Prithvi Shaw received another jolt when the Mumbai selectors ignored his superb record in List A cricket by dropping him from the squad for the upcoming 50-over Vijay Hazare Trophy tournament.
DDCA head Jaitley calls it mandate for hard work
Newly elected president of Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) Rohan Jaitley on Tuesday promised to build a new cricket stadium in the capital and address the selection controversies surrounding the senior and age-group teams.
