Quick Summary: On November 25, 2024, the High Court of Madras rejected Chandrasekar's appeal, confirming that Latchmi is the rightful owner of a disputed piece of land in Cuddalore. The court verified that the land, known as "Grama Natham," belongs to her.
This case has been going on since 2004, when Latchmi filed a case in Cuddalore. She wanted the court to officially recognize her as the owner and give her back the land in Pathirikuppam Village, Cuddalore Taluk. The land originally belonged to her late husband, Kuppusamy, and his father, Kannappa Padayatchi.
Chandrasekar argued that the land was passed down in his family. He claimed that the land record given to Latchmi was not valid and that he had been using the land for his cattle and garden. He also said he had gained ownership by using the land for a long time without any challenge.
Both sides showed different documents to back up their claims. Latchmi provided a land record called natham patta and other papers like a family card and voter list records. Chandrasekar showed a different land record in his name from 2002.
"The trial court relied on the patta issued in the plaintiff's name and found that the plaintiff had proven her right and ownership over the land in question."
The first court decided in favor of Latchmi, saying her documents showed she had the right to the land. Chandrasekar's land record was found to be not valid. He appealed, but the first appellate court also agreed with Latchmi, confirming that Chandrasekar had taken over the land without permission.
On November 25, 2024, the High Court of Madras, led by Justice T.V. Thamilselvi, dismissed Chandrasekar's second appeal. The court confirmed that the property is classified as "Grama Natham," which is meant for village use, and rightfully belongs to Latchmi.
"The evidence and documents indicated that the land is classified as grama natham, which is meant for the people of the village to live on and not owned by the government."
The court's final decision confirmed that Latchmi is the rightful owner of the land, ending a long dispute over who owns the property in Cuddalore.
