The Orissa High Court rejected a family’s claim to temple land, finding that decades of cultivation under annual leases did not establish adverse possession.
Judge / Bench — Justice Dr. Sanjeeb K. Panigrahi.
In Ghuturam Bagh (through legal representatives) v Commissioner of Endowments (2026:OHC:259, 30 October 2026), the court said a deity’s status as a perpetual minor does not create an exemption from limitation. The family did not show when its occupation became hostile to the deity’s title. The court dismissed the second appeal, clarifying that its ruling did not authorise eviction by force.
Advocates appearing — Appellants: Manoj Mishra, Senior Advocate, with unnamed associates; Tanmay Mishra. Respondents: Prabhu Prasanna Behera, ASC; Pratyusha Naidu.