Union & Tripura Govts Settle Dispute Over Assam Rifles Land; Supreme Court Disposes Of Suit

In a land dispute (The Assam Rifles Ground) between the Union of India and the State of Tripura, the Apex Court was informed today (on February 2) that a settlement has been reached between the parties. Accordingly, the Division Bench of Justices Hrishikesh Roy and Prashant Kumar Mishra disposed of the matter.

Pertinently, the land is in possession of the Assam Rifles. It may be noted that Assam Rifles comes under the Ministry of Defence, Union of India. However, the Revenue Entries concerning this land were corrected and recorded as “Tripura Sarkar” by Tripura's Revenue Department. 

Consequently, the Union approached the Supreme Court by filing an original suit under Article 131 of the Indian Constitution. Among others, the permanent injunction against the State of Tripura from taking over the title of Suit Land was sought.

It is the Union's stance that the land of 'Tripura Rifles' was given to 'Assam Rifles', in the year 1951, via a Presidential Order. Thus, the State authorities, acting in quasi-judicial authority, had no jurisdiction to change revenue entries.

Per contra, Tripura contended it was within statutory power to correct the Revenue entries. Besides this, it also assailed the maintainability of the suit. The State argued that a land dispute cannot be adjudicated under Article 131 of the Constitution.

Nevertheless, a settlement has now been reached between the parties. As per the terms of this settlement, the Government of Tripura will be allowed to hold Ceremonial Functions (Republic Day Parade, Independence Day Celebrations, etc.) and other important functions/events on this ground. However, a request for the same will have to be made by the State government.

Furthermore, the necessary correction in the Revenue records in the name of Assam Rifles will have to be made within three months.

Thus, given this settlement between the parties, the Supreme Court disposed of the suit.

Case Title: UNION OF INDIA vs. STATE OF TRIPURA., Diary No.- 11922 - 2015

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