Statutory Tenancy Rights on Tiller's Day Override Subsequent Trust Registrations and Wakf Jurisdictions

sketch of the Bombay High Court
Case
CHANDBI MARDA MAJAR KHA MOMIN AND OTHERS v. NIMBA ARJUN MALI MAHAJAN (Bombay High Court, 28-09-2026)
Law
Maharashtra Public Trusts Act, Maharashtra Tenancy and Agricultural Lands Act.

Highlights of the Judgment:

  • Examination of statutory ownership acquired by a tenant under Section 32 of the Maharashtra Tenancy and Agricultural Lands Act on the tiller's day.
  • Interpretation of the effect of subsequent registration of a public trust under the Maharashtra Public Trusts Act on pre-existing tenancy rights.
  • Analysis of deemed tenancy under Section 4, emphasizing that lawful cultivation supersedes the necessity of formal lease agreements or rent receipts.
  • Assessment of the applicability of tenancy laws to Inam Class-III Devasthan lands under Section 88CA.
  • Evaluation of jurisdictional boundaries between the Wakf Tribunal and Tenancy Authorities regarding agricultural tenancy disputes.