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ORISSA HIGH COURT
DR. S.K. PANIGRAHI, J
Divine University Satsang Common – Appellant
Versus
State of Odisha – Respondent
| Table of Content |
|---|
| 1. factual background of land dispute (Para 1 , 2 , 3 , 4) |
| 2. petitioner's claims and historical significance (Para 5 , 6) |
| 3. legal standing and criteria for eviction (Para 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17) |
| 4. conclusion affirming legality of eviction (Para 18 , 19 , 20) |
JUDGMENT :
1. In W.P.(C) No.9238 of 2025, the Petitioner seeks to quash the order dated 06.03.2025 passed by the Collector, Dhenkanal, directing the eviction of the Petitioner from Plot No. 2722, corresponding to Khata No.1245 of village Talabarkote, Mouza Talabarkote, under Tahasil Dhenkanal Sadar, District Dhenkanal.
3. Since both the cases are interlinked in terms of the subject matter and prayer, the same were heard together and are being disposed of by this common judgment.
4. The brief facts of the case are as follows:
(ii) The organization was formally registered as a trust in the year 2023. In the same year, it applied for settlement of land bearing Plot No. 2722, under Khata No. 1245, located in village Talabarkote, Mouza Talabarkote, under Tahasil Dhenkanal Sadar, invoking the provisions of Rule 5(2) of the Odisha Government Land Settlement Rules, 1983.
(iv) Challenging the said notice
Continuous possession of government land does not confer ownership rights without legal entitlement; legal title is essential for adverse possession claims.
Continuous possession for over thirty years under Section 8A of the Orissa Prevention of Land Encroachment Act establishes entitlement, overriding procedural missteps by revenue authorities.
Only the designated authority under the Orissa Prevention of Land Encroachment Act can initiate eviction proceedings, and unauthorized occupants cannot claim legal rights to public land.
Long-term possession does not confer ownership rights on encroached temple land as eviction under statutory provisions is valid.
Eviction orders concerning disputed land must defer to ongoing civil proceedings, establishing land ownership is a matter for the civil court, not administrative authorities.
Adverse possession claims over government land require substantial evidence; mere long-standing possession does not confer title, particularly where public interest is involved.
The Odisha Prevention of Land Encroachment Act allows lawful eviction of unauthorized occupants, without conferring title, emphasizing adherence to procedural fairness and the validity of eviction or....
Unauthorized occupation of government land does not confer entitlement to settlement unless criteria specified by government policies are met.
Unauthorized occupation of government land cannot create rights, and mere communal use does not justify settlement under the OPLE Act, especially when the land is earmarked for public developmental p....
Writ courts will not intervene in eviction disputes lacking legal entitlement; mere assertions of property rights without proof do not justify relief against eviction threats.
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