In Brief
This case concerns a land dispute involving the Karnataka Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prohibition of Transfer of Certain Lands) Act, 1978. Land granted to Shri Ranga in 1946 was sold to the appellants' predecessor in 1969. In 1992, a person claiming relation to the original grantee sought restoration under Section 5 of the Act. The Supreme Court held that the application was barred by delay and laches, being filed over 20 years after the transfer. The Court also found the applicant lacked locus standi as a non-descendant, and that the sale was valid as it occurred after the non-alienation period specified in the original grant document had expired. The appeal was allowed and prior orders set aside.
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