In a case that involved several forgotten aspects of the country's legal and political history, the Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered the return of land that had been gifted 70 years ago, citing non-compliance with a crucial condition: life-long service.
The judgment, delivered by Justices Dhulia and PB Suresh, not only upheld the rights of the recipients but also characterized the condition as a violation of constitutional provisions against "slavery."
The case revolved around a land deed executed in 1953 by the landlord, Rai Bahadur Harnam Singh. Singh gifted 8 bighas and 8 biswas of land in Sanwalia, Rati-Rampur, to the sons of one Harbans Lal, in recognition of their life-long service. This gift came with a condition -- the recipients and their heirs were to serve the donor and his family for life.
Despite this arrangement, the matter remained unchallenged. However, in 1998, Singh's heirs filed a suit seeking to terminate the agreement and reclaim the land.
The Supreme Court firmly rejected the plea, stating that the condition amounted to perpetual service and forced labor, prohibited under Article 23 of the Constitution. The bench noted that such conditions, which entailed unpaid service across generations, were not only unconstitutional but also unacceptable.
Esta historia es de la edición December 13, 2024 de Hindustan Times Mumbai.
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 Mumbai.
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
'OTT is now about stars, comebacks'
Actor Divya Dutta made a cameo appearance recently in the OTT film Sikandar Ka Muqaddar, which has led fans to believe maybe she will have a bigger role in a potential sequel.
Seal it with a Marquise!
Actor-singer Selena Gomez recently surprised her fans when she announced her engagement to music producer Benny Blanco.
Zakir Hussain matlab tabla: Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia on Ustad's death
Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, the legendary classical flautist and music director, is unable to believe that Ustad Zakir Hussain has passed away at \"such a young age\", he tells HT City.
WHY INDIA LOVES BRAND AYUSHMANN KHURRANA
Actor Ayushmann Khurrana is considered one of India's most relatable youth icons, something that is reflected in the diverse brands he endorses.
When Chay flew to Mumbai
Following their wedding on December 4, actor-couple Naga Chaitanya and Sobhita Dhulipala have opened up about their relationship for the first time.
New Zealand crush England by 423 runs to send retiring Southee out on a high
HAMILTON: New Zealand tore through England's batting on Tuesday to crush the visitors by 423 runs in the third Test and send Tim Southee into retirement on a triumphant note.
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 6.58 pm on a misty winter evening near the Eden Gardens change rooms, Jhulan Goswami took the stage. And said she was speechless.
DEVESH HITS 64 TO LEAD MODERN ENGLISH'S CHASE IN HARRIS FINAL
MUMBAI: Modern English School have put themselves in a good position after scoring 263/8 at stumps on Day 2 of the Harris Shield final against Anjuman I-Islam Allana School, at the Brabourne Stadium.
Hayley shines, WI level Series with big Victory
The visiting skipper hit a 47-ball 85* after taking 2 wickets to help the Caribbean women level the 3-match T20 series
