Adverse possession is a legal principle that allows a person to claim ownership of a property if they have occupied it continuously and openly for a specified period without the permission of the rightful owner. In India, this principle is governed by the Limitation Act, 1963, which sets specific conditions under which adverse possession can be claimed.
Understanding Adverse Possession
Adverse possession arises when a person occupies another’s property without legal title and continues to do so for a prolonged period. If the original owner does not take legal action to reclaim the property within the prescribed time, the occupant may gain legal ownership.
Legal Provisions Under the Limitation Act, 1963
According to Section 27 and Article 65 of the Limitation Act:
- If a person possesses a property continuously for 12 years (for private property) or 30 years (for government land) without interruption, they can claim ownership through adverse possession.
- The possession must be hostile, exclusive, and continuous, meaning the occupant must treat the property as their own and the true owner must not have exercised their rights over it.
Key Conditions for Claiming Adverse Possession
To establish a claim, the following conditions must be met:
✔ Continuous Possession – The claimant must occupy the property for 12 uninterrupted years.
✔ Hostile Possession – The possession must be without the permission of the legal owner.
✔ Exclusive and Open Use – The possession must be obvious to the public and not hidden.
✔ No Legal Action by the Owner – If the rightful owner does not object or take legal action, the claimant’s position strengthens.
Can Adverse Possession Be Challenged?
Yes, the rightful owner can challenge adverse possession by:
- Filing a legal suit before the 12-year period expires.
- Proving that the occupant was using the property with permission (such as tenancy or lease agreements).
- Demonstrating that the possession was interrupted at any point.
Landmark Supreme Court Judgments on Adverse Possession
- K.K. Verma vs. Union of India (1954) – The Supreme Court clarified that mere possession does not confer ownership unless all legal conditions are met.
- Hemaji Waghaji Jat vs. Bhikhabhai Khengarbhai Harijan (2009) – The court emphasized that adverse possession should not be misused as a tool to encroach upon someone’s rightful property.
How to Protect Your Property from Adverse Possession?
✔ Regularly inspect and maintain your property to prevent unauthorized occupation.
✔ Issue legal notices if someone occupies your land without permission.
✔ Initiate eviction proceedings before the 12-year period expires.
✔ Pay property taxes and utility bills as proof of ownership.
Adverse possession is a significant legal doctrine in India that allows individuals to claim ownership of property if they meet strict legal conditions. However, property owners must remain vigilant to avoid unintended loss of land due to negligence. Understanding the law and taking proactive legal steps can help safeguard property rights.
