In Brief
The State of Kerala appealed against a High Court decision that recognised Mohammed Basheer's title to forest land based on a certificate of purchase issued by the Land Tribunal under the Land Reforms Act. The Supreme Court held that such certificates are conclusive proof of ownership and possession of a cultivating tenant. Since the certificate was issued after proper enquiry and no appeal was filed against it, it became final. The land—measuring 2 acres and within the ceiling limit—qualified for exemption from vesting under the Kerala Private Forests Act. The Court dismissed the State's appeals, holding that the respondent's title and right to the land were established.
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