Supreme Court on Dadra and Nagar Haveli: Forfeiture of Alwara Lands for Failure to Cultivate Upheld, Status Quo Vacated

The Supreme Court vacated an interim status quo order concerning Alwara lands in Dadra and Nagar Haveli that had been forfeited by the administration due to failure of cultivation. The case revolved around grants of agricultural land given on the condition that the grantees cultivate it within a prescribed period. The authorities found that the land was not cultivated as required and ordered forfeiture. The Supreme Court upheld this action, stressing that such conditional grants are enforceable and failure to comply with conditions results in reversion of land to the government. The Court noted that public land resources must be used productively and cannot be held idle by private parties. By dismissing the petitions challenging forfeiture, the Court reinforced the principle that land grants with cultivation requirements are subject to strict compliance. The decision highlights the judiciary’s support for efficient use of public lands and underscores that non-compliance with agricultural conditions justifies state repossession.