1974 Supreme(Raj) 213
RAJASTHAN HIGH COURT
S.N.Modi, J.
The State of Rajasthan - Appellant
Versus
Nanu Lal and another - Respondent
S.B. Civil First Appeal No. 4 of 1972.
Decided On : 24-01-1974
The allotment of khudkast land to ex-jagirdars under the Rajasthan Land Reforms and Resumption of Jagirs Act, 1952, was not a gratuitous grant, and the ex-jagirdars had a right to claim khudkast land subject to the availability of the land.
Headnote:
DAMAGES - ALLOTMENT OF KHUDKAST LAND - RAJASTHAN LAND REFORMS AND RESUMPTION OF JAGIRS ACT, 1952 - SECTION 14, 19(2) - LIMITATION ACT, 1963 - ARTICLE 72, 113 - RIGHT TO KHUDKAST LAND - AVAILABILITY OF LAND - GRATUITY - COMPENSATION - QUANTUM - LIMITATION - APPLICABILITY OF ARTICLES.
Fact of the Case:
Plaintiffs, former jagirdars, were allotted khudkast land under Section 14 of the Rajasthan Land Reforms and Resumption of Jagirs Act, 1952. However, the State Government withheld possession of the land, leading to a writ petition by the plaintiffs, which was allowed by the High Court. The plaintiffs then filed a suit for damages for withholding possession of the land.
Finding of the Court:
The court held that the plaintiffs were entitled to damages for the period preceding three years from the date of the suit, as the suit was governed by Article 113 of the Limitation Act, 1963. The court also held that the allotment of khudkast land was not a gratuitous grant and that the plaintiffs had a right to claim khudkast land subject to the availability of the land.
Issues: 1. Whether the plaintiffs were entitled to damages for withholding possession of the allotted land. 2. Whether the suit was barred by limitation. 3. Whether the allotment of khudkast land was a gratuitous grant.
Ratio Decidendi: 1. The court held that the plaintiffs were entitled to damages for withholding possession of the allotted land, as the State Government had no justification to withhold possession. 2. The court held that the suit was not barred by limitation, as Article 72 of the Limitation Act, 1963, which applies to acts done or omitted to be done in pursuance of a statutory duty, was not applicable in this case. The court held that Article 113 of the Limitation Act, 1963, the residuary article, was applicable, and the suit was filed within the prescribed period. 3. The court held that the allotment of khudkast land was not a gratuitous grant, as the ex-jagirdars had a right to claim khudkast land subject to the availability of the land.
Final Decision: The court dismissed the appeal filed by the State Government and the cross-objection filed by the plaintiffs, leaving both parties to bear their own costs.
| 1. | Rs. 3700/- | realised by the defendant from sale of grass from 1961 to 1968. |
| 2. | Rs. 11000/- | as damages on account of loss of income which the plaintiffs would have derived by cultivation of the land had its possession been handed over to them in time. |
| Rs. 14,700/- |
1. Whether the defendant realised Rs. 3700/- from the sale of grass during the period from 12-10-61 to July 1968 and the plaintiffs are entitled to receive this amount from the defendant?
2. Whether the plaintiffs are entitled to realise Rs. 11,000/- from the defendant as damages for loss of income?
3. Whether the claim for the period 12-10-61 to July 1965 in not maintainable and is also barred by limitation?
4. Whether Kapoorchand is a necesseary party to the suit?
5. Relief.
The learned District Judge after evidence came to the conclusion that during period from 1961 to 1968 the State had realised income of Rs. 10948/- by auction of grass pertaining to 270 bighas out of which the plaintiffs and Kapoorchand were allotted 120 bighas. The learned District Judge further held that the suit was governed by Article 113 of the Limitation Act, 1963 and the plaintiffs were entitled to damages for preceding three years from the date of the suit that is, from 1-6-66 He assessed the damages at Rs. 2750/-. The other issues wer