In Brief
The appellant and respondents were co-owners of an agricultural plot where a pitch road had been constructed. During consolidation proceedings, the Assistant Consolidation Officer allotted chaks (consolidated plots) to all parties on the pitch road. The respondents' objection was allowed by the Consolidation Officer, who instead allocated the respondents' chaks on the road and relegated the appellant's chak away from it. The Settlement Officer reversed this, ensuring all co-sharers got road frontage. The High Court set aside the Settlement Officer's order based on possession. The Supreme Court held that until holdings are legally partitioned, all co-sharers have equal rights. The Settlement Officer's equitable allotment, made after spot inspection, ensuring each party got road access while respecting existing structures, could not be interfered with by the High Court. The appeals were allowed and the High Court's judgment set aside."
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