Jharkhand High Court Grants Land Mutation to Company After 22-Year Wait

Land Dispute Resolved: Company Receives Mutation After 22-Year Delay

Ranchi, June 25 – The Jharkhand High Court has ruled in favor of M/s Indian Colour Sheets Private Limited, ordering the Namkum Circle Officer to grant them mutation rights for 17.51 acres of land in Ranchi. This decision, delivered after a 22-year wait, stems from a 2000 application that was initially rejected. The court cited a lack of proper justification for the denial.

Key Findings & Legal Rationale: The court determined the company possessed both legal title and actual control over the land, citing early official reports confirming occupation and the absence of mining leases. Critically, the court rebuked the revenue office for their vague finding of ‘no clear possession’, stating that disputed possession requires identifying the actual occupier.

Historical Context: The land’s ownership history dates back to 1959 when it was settled in favour of H.C. Holm. Subsequent transfers, including sales to the Rungta family, culminated in the company’s purchase in the late 1980s. Despite a period of cancelled revenue records, the company’s mutation request in 2000 was repeatedly rejected.

Significance: This ruling underscores the importance of genuine evidence of ownership and challenges bureaucratic overreach. The court emphasized that vague administrative assertions without supporting details are insufficient for denying mutation requests. This decision sets a precedent for landowners seeking to secure their mutation rights.