In Brief
In this interim application under the Karnataka Land Reforms Act, 1961, the Supreme Court vacated a status-quo order that had prevented the respondent from taking possession of disputed agricultural land. The petitioner claimed he was the actual cultivator and should retain possession. However, the Court found that official records (RTC extracts) showed the respondent's predecessor as the true cultivator, with only stray entries favouring the petitioner. Applying the balance of convenience test, the Court held that even if the petitioner's tenant claim succeeded on merits, monetary compensation would adequately protect his interests. The vacation of the status-quo order was accordingly allowed, subject to the final outcome of the Special Leave Petition."
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