2019 Supreme(MP) 409

IN THE HIGH COURT OF MADHYA PRADESH
Rajeev Kumar Dubey, J.
Vishwanath Singh v. Munni Bai Kewat & another
First Appeal No. 846 of 2012 (Jabalpur); against the judgment and decree dated 1.8.2012 passed by the I Additional District Judge, District Shahdol in Civil Suit No. 08A/2011;
Decided on 12.9.2019

Headnote:

(1) Practice -- evidence -- discrepancy -- effect -- suit for declaration of title -- plaintiff deposed she is daughter of Sarju Kewat -- corroborated by witness -- even defendant witness admitted this -- she clarified that she was nurtured by Goje Kevat so name of her father in revenue record is mentioned as Goje Kevat -- this discrepancy has no effect -- on that basis, statement of plaintiff cannot be disbelieved. [Para 13]

(2) Registration Act, 1908 -- S.17 -- deed of conveyance -- is compulsorily registrable -- transfer of immovable property by way of sale can only be by deed of conveyance (sale deed) -- in absence of deed of conveyance (duly stamped and registered as required by law), no right, title or interest in immovable property can be transferred. AIR 2009 SC 3077 followed. [Para 16]

(3) Adverse Possession -- mere possession, howsoever long it may be, does not necessarily mean that it is adverse to true owner -- requirement of acquisition of title by adverse possession is that such possession is in denial of true owners' title. (2004)10 SCC 65 and (2006)7 SCC 570 followed. [Para 19]

(4) Adverse Possession -- proving title over immovable property on basis of adverse possession -- has to be proved that defendant is in hostile possession of suit land continuously for 12 years in knowledge of true owner of property. [Para 22]

(5) Adverse Possession -- defendant denied that plaintiff is owner of suit land -- question of his being in hostile possession and question of denying title of true owner (plaintiff), do not arise. [Para 22]

(6) Title -- defendant averred that he purchased suit land and got possession -- since then he is in possession of suit land -- did not plead that after getting possession of suit land by consent of owner, when his possession became adverse against true owner of suit land -- merely on basis of long possession, it cannot be said that defendant became owner of suit land on basis of adverse possession. (2004)10 SCC 65 (2006)7 SCC 570 followed. [Para 22]

(7) Limitation Act, 1963 -- Art. 65 -- Possession -- claim for possession of immovable property on basis of title -- Art. 65 of Limitation Act will apply -- suit for possession of immovable property or any interest therein based on title can be instituted within a period of twelve years calculated from date when possession of defendant becomes adverse to plaintiff -- defendant failed to prove that his possession over suit land is adverse against true owner of suit land and he is in hostile possession of suit land continuously for 12 years in knowledge of true owner of property -- trial Court did not commit any mistake in holding that suit of plaintiff is within time. (2004)10 SCC 65 followed. [Para 24]

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