Quick Summary: In a recent decision, the Bombay High Court sided with the Kungulwar family, saying that the plan for the land in Solapur has expired, allowing the family to use it as they want.
The case was between Dr. Dattatray Baburao Kungulwar and his family from Solapur, Maharashtra, and the State of Maharashtra and the Solapur Municipal Corporation. The decision was made by Judges M. S. Karnik and Ajit B. Kadethankar on November 25, 2025.
The land in Solapur was originally set aside for public use as part of a plan from 1997 to 2017. The Kungulwar family owned this land, which was supposed to be taken over by the authorities within a certain period.
Kungulwar Family: Said the plan expired because the authorities didn’t act. They turned down offers to swap development rights and wanted compensation instead.
State and Municipal Corporation: Said the Purchase Notice was not correct because it was missing documents. They offered a swap of development rights, which the family refused.
The court looked into whether the Purchase Notice was valid and if offering a swap of development rights was enough. They decided the notice was valid, and since the land wasn't taken over in time, the plan expired.
The court decided in favor of the Kungulwar family, stating:
The court's decision emphasizes the need for authorities to act on time when acquiring land and supports landowners' rights when deadlines are not met.
