In an interesting case that showcases morality, a Patel family in Ahmedabad has received Rs. 98 lakh for cultivable land owned by the forefather. The family was not aware about the land.
According to a newspaper report, great grandfather of Harivanshbhai Patel held a piece of cultivable land in Daskroi taluka near Ahmedabad.
Since his children were young and they could not cultivate the land, he gave the piece of land to his friends to maintain and he in turn used to get a certain amount. Interestingly, there was no legal document that was executed when the land was handed over.
After Patel’s death in 1980, Kishanbhai Padodara continued to cultivate the land since the family was not aware about the land. As time passed, Patel’s family moved to Naroda and the families lost touch.
In 2024, he decided to sell off the land as he was getting a good price. He started looking out for Patel’s family on the moral grounds of giving money (compensating them) for the land.
Padodara then made representations to the Collectorate and the revenue records. The exact size of the land could not be found. He, however, then presented one document and the property remained instead of going in the possession of the government.
The land was sold for Rs 2.76 crore after the government transferred the land in his name. Patels argued when Padodara approached them to give the money. The dispute then found its way to the Lok Adalat of Gujarat High Court.
The High Court observed that they should not doubt with suspicion a person who has come after 45 years to return the amount. The High Court also observed that the family was not even aware about the land.
Finally, after deducting the maintenance, it was decided to give Rs 98 lakh to the Patels
Also Read: Do Bigha Zameen: In Gujarat’s Bavla, 2 Widows Take On Patriarchy, Archaic Rules on Land Ownership https://www.vibesofindia.com/do-bigha-zameen-in-gujarats-bavla-2-widows-take-on-patriarchy-archaic-rules-on-land-ownership/
