Supreme Court of India issued notice on PIL seeking revenue judicial service and legal qualifications. Bench of Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi heard plea by Ashwini Upadhyay.
The Supreme Court of India has issued notice to the Union government and other stakeholders on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking the creation of a dedicated revenue judicial service and the introduction of minimum legal qualifications for officials handling land disputes.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi passed the order after hearing a petition filed by advocate Ashwini Upadhyay.
The petition raises concerns over the existing system of adjudication of land and revenue matters in India, where disputes relating to property are often decided by revenue officials who may not possess formal legal education or judicial training. It highlights that land disputes form a significant portion of litigation in the country and argues that the absence of trained judicial personnel at the revenue level contributes to delays and inconsistencies in decision-making.
Upadhyay’s PIL points out that a large percentage of civil litigation is linked to land issues, stating that nearly two-thirds of such cases arise from property-related disputes. The plea contends that entrusting these matters to officials lacking legal expertise results in flawed outcomes and increases the burden on higher courts through appeals and prolonged litigation.
The petition alleges that the present system allows untrained personnel to decide complex issues such as title, succession, inheritance, and possession. It argues that this leads to arbitrary and inconsistent rulings, causing long-term uncertainty over property rights. The plea also refers to earlier directions issued by the Allahabad High Court on similar concerns, claiming that such directions have not been effectively implemented.
Further, the petition asserts that this systemic issue adversely impacts citizens by increasing litigation costs and delaying justice. It argues that uncertainty in land ownership affects the transfer and productive use of property, thereby hindering economic and social stability. According to the petitioner, such consequences amount to a violation of fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution.
ALSO READ: Court Dismisses 66-Year-Old Land Dispute Case in Delhi
The PIL seeks comprehensive reforms in the adjudication of land disputes. Among its key prayers, it urges the Court to “direct and declare that adjudication of title, succession, inheritance, possession and other property rights by public servants without formal legal education and judicial training is legally impermissible.” It also requests that such adjudication be placed under judicial oversight, asking the Court to “direct and declare that adjudication of title, succession, inheritance, possession and other property rights shall be supervised and monitored by the respective high court.”
Additionally, the petition calls for the establishment of a structured framework requiring minimum legal qualifications for revenue officers and the introduction of a judicial training module to be developed in consultation with the High Courts. This, the petitioner argues, would ensure uniformity, accountability, and greater adherence to principles of natural justice in land-related adjudication.
Taking note of the issues raised, the Supreme Court has sought responses from the Union of India, the Law Commission, and other concerned authorities. The matter is expected to examine whether structural reforms are required in the existing revenue adjudication system and whether a specialised revenue judicial service should be established.
FOLLOW US FOR MORE LEGAL UPDATES ON YOUTUBE