The State Of Rajasthan vs Madan Lal S/O Ramniwas on 23 July, 2026

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    Rajasthan High Court – Jaipur

    The State Of Rajasthan vs Madan Lal S/O Ramniwas on 23 July, 2026

    [2026:RJ-JP:26139]
    
    
    
            HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE FOR RAJASTHAN
                        BENCH AT JAIPUR
    
                         S.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 229/2014
                               URN: CW / 393U / 2014
    
    The State of           Rajasthan       through        Tehsildar Jamwaramgarh,
    District Jaipur.
                                                                            ----Petitioner
                                            Versus
     1.    Madan     Lal,    S/o   Ramniwas,  R/o   Andhi,   Tehsil
     Jamwaramgarh, District Jaipur.
     2.    Laduram,       S/o    Moolchand,  R/o   Andhi,    Tehsil
     Jamwaramgarh, District Jaipur.
     3.    Hanuman,       S/o    Moolchand,  R/o   Andhi,    Tehsil
     Jamwaramgarh, District Jaipur.
     4.    Laxminarayan, S/o Moolchand, R/o Andhi, Tehsil
     Jamwaramgarh, District Jaipur.
     5.    Girraj Prasad, S/o Ram Kishore Sharma, R/o Andhi, Tehsil
     Jamwaramgarh, District Jaipur.
     6.    Radhey Shyam, S/o Ramji Lal Sharma, R/o Andhi, Tehsil
     Jamwaramgarh, District Jaipur.
     7.    Om Prakash S/o Sh. Ramjilal Sharma, R/o Bhagwanpura,
     Tehsil Jamwaramgarh, District Jaipur.
     8.    Smt. Gulabdevi, W/o Bhanwar Lal Sharma, (since
     deceased) through her legal heir.
     8/1. Jagdish S/o Bhanwar Lal Sharma, R/o Plot No. A-25
     Laxminarainpuri, Jaipur.
     9. Suresh Chandra S/o Sh. Harinarayan Sharma, R/o
     Bhagwanpura, Tehsil Jamwaramgarh, District Jaipur.
     10. Choganlal Sharma (since deceased) through his legal heir-
     Kajodmal, S/o Chougan Lal
     Radhey Shyam, S/o Chougan Lal
     Siyaram
     All sons of Chougan Lal, R/o Nayabas Jamwaramgarh, District
     Jaipur.
     11. Board of Revenue Rajasthan, Ajmer.
     12. Revenue Appellate Authority, Jaipur.
     13. Gram Panchayat Phutalao, Tehsil Jamwaramgarh, District
     Jaipur through its Sarpanch Shri Jitendra Sharma, S/o Shri Ram
     Swaroop Sharma
                                                                         ----Respondents
    
    
    For Petitioner(s)              :    Mr. G.S. Gill, AAG with
                                        Mr. Manoj Choudhary,
    
    
    
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                                       Mr. Yadvendra Patel and
                                       Ms. Ritu Mishra
       For Respondent(s)          :    Mr. Ajeet Bhandari, Sr. Adv. assisted
                                       by Mr. Rakshit Jain,
                                       Mr. Raghavendra Singh Khichi
                                       Mr. Sandeep Pathak with
                                       Mr. Utkarsh Meena
                                       Mr. Arnav Singh
                                       Mr. Jitendra Mishra with
                                       Mr. Sanjay Sharma for
                                       Mr. Himanshu Sogani
                                       Mr. Sanjay Sharma
                                       Mr. Rajesh Kumar Parashar
                                       Mr. Krishan Sharma with
                                       Mr. Pawan Sharma and
                                       Mr. Vaibhav Pancholy
    
    
    
                     HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE ANAND SHARMA
    
                                        Judgment
    
    REPORTABLE
       Date of conclusion of arguments                 ::                 09.07.2026
       Date on which judgment was reserved ::                             09.07.2026
       Whether the full judgment or only the
       operative part is pronounced          ::                         Full Judgment
       Date of pronouncement                 ::                           23.07.2026
    
    
       1.           By way of filing this writ petition, the petitioner- State
    
       of Rajasthan has challenged judgment dated 16.04.2013 passed
    
       by the Board of Revenue, whereby appeal filed by the petitioner
    
       against judgment dated 24.10.2002 passed by the Revenue
    
       Appellate Authority, Ajmer has been dismissed. Petitioner has
    
       further prayed for upholding order dated 22.05.2002 passed by
    
       the Additional Collector-III, Jaipur for cancelling mutation Entry
    
       No.25 dated 12.04.1961.
    
       2.           Facts in brief are that land bearing Khasra No.2 Rakba
    
       7.02 Bigha, Khasra No.3 Rakba 4.10 Bigha, Khasra No.9 Rakba
    
       4.18 Bigha, Khasra No.24 Rakba 08.18 Bigha, Khasra No.25 Rakba
    
       8.13 Bigha, Khasra No.27 Rakba 10.08 Bigha, Khasra No.28 Rakba
    
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    4.12 Bigha, Khasra No.39 Rakba 4.17 Bigha, Khasra No.30 Rakba
    
    8.05 Bigha, Khasra No.46 Rakba 9.07 Bigha, Khasra No.47 Rakba
    
    3.11 Bigha, Khasra No.48 Rakba 10.08 Bigha total Kita 12 Rakba
    
    91 Bigha 05 Biswa is situated in Village Phutolao, Tehsil
    
    Jamwaramgarh, District Jaipur. Khatedari rights in respect of
    
    aforesaid land were granted in favour of respondent- Madan Lal on
    
    12.04.1961. Allegations of the petitioner are i.e. on 12.04.1961,
    
    the respondent- Madan Lal was a minor, ageing 10 years, and his
    
    father was patwari in the Revenue Department.
    
    3.           A   complaint        was       made       in    respect       of   several
    
    irregularities       committed         in      making          different        revenue
    
    entries/allotments in Village Phutolao, Tehsil Jamwaramgarh,
    
    District Jaipur. State Government constituted Justice B.P. Beri
    
    Commission to conduct enquiry into the matter. After examining
    
    the record, Beri Commission gave its report dated 28.01.1995
    
    with the opinion that such allotments and khatedari rights were
    
    illegal, and accordingly recommendation was made to cancel such
    
    allotment by undertaking exercise under Rule 14(4) of the
    
    Rajasthan Land Revenue (Allotment of Agricultural Land) Rules,
    
    1970 (hereinafter to be referred as 'the Rules of 1970'), after
    
    affording opportunity of hearing to the concerned person.
    
    4.           Petitioner has set up a case that in view of the
    
    recommendation given by the Beri Commission, Case No.48/95
    
    was registered by the Court of Additional District Collector-III,
    
    Jaipur under Rule 14(4) of the Rules of 1970. However, during the
    
    proceedings, the Additional Collector-III noticed that it was not a
    
    case of allotment under the Rules of 1970 and rather khatedari
    
    rights were conferred upon Madan Lal by virtue of Section 15 of
    
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    the Rajasthan Tenancy Act, 1955, hence, no action can be taken
    
    against the concerned Khatedar under the allotment Rules of
    
    1970; however, the Additional Collector-III came to the conclusion
    
    that since at the time of conferment of                          khatedari rights,
    
    respondent- Madan Lal was a minor, aging 10 years and his father
    
    Ram Prasad was patwari in Revenue Department, therefore, the
    
    Mutation Entry No.25 dated 12.04.1961 was cancelled.
    
    5.           Thereafter, the affected persons filed appeal before the
    
    Revenue Appellate Authority under Section 75 of the Rajasthan
    
    Land Revenue Act, 1956. The Revenue Appellate Authority allowed
    
    the appeal and quashed order dated 22.05.2002 passed by the
    
    Additional Collector-III.
    
    6.           Feeling aggrieved, the petitioner filed second appeal
    
    under Section 76 of the Rajasthan Land Revenue Act, 1956 for
    
    assailing the judgment dated 24.10.2002 passed by the Revenue
    
    Appellate Authority. However, the second appeal filed by the
    
    petitioner has been dismissed by the Board of Revenue vide
    
    judgment dated 16.04.2013.
    
    7.           Mr. G.S. Gill, learned Additional Advocate General, at
    
    the outset submitted that the Revenue Appellate Authority as well
    
    as Board of Revenue have utterly failed to appreciate that order
    
    dated 22.05.2002 was passed by the Additional Collector-III in the
    
    capacity of Land Record Officer, therefore, such order could have
    
    been challenged only before the Director, Land Records and not
    
    before the Revenue Appellate Authority. Hence, judgment dated
    
    24.10.2002 passed by the Revenue Appellate Authority was
    
    without jurisdiction, and this aspect was also not properly
    
    appreciated by the Board of Revenue. Learned AAG submitted that
    
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    the question of jurisdiction, although not raised by the petitioner
    
    before the Revenue Appellate Authority, goes to the root of the
    
    matter, it could have been raised by the petitioner at any stage.
    
    Hence, it was rightly raised by the petitioner at the stage of
    
    second appeal before the Board of Revenue. The Board of Revenue
    
    could not have avoided decision over the question of jurisdiction of
    
    the First Appellate Authority. Consequently, the judgment dated
    
    24.10.2002 passed by the Revenue Appellate Authority as well as
    
    judgment dated 16.04.2013 passed by the Board of Revenue,
    
    Ajmer are suffering from serious error of law and jurisdiction.
    
    Learned AAG placed reliance upon judgment of Supreme Court in
    
    Harshad Chimanlal Modi Vs. DLF Universal Ltd. & Anr., AIR
    
    2006 SC 646.
    
    8.           Learned AAG reiterated the pleadings that after inquiry,
    
    Beri Commission recommended for cancellation of khatedari rights
    
    of respondents on account of the fact that in the year 1961, when
    
    mutation was opened, the beneficiary was a minor and his father
    
    was patwari, who had used his influence to open the mutation in
    
    favour of his minor son. Learned AAG submits that as such
    
    apparent     illegality      have      been      committed            by   the   Revenue
    
    Authorities while opening mutation in favour of the respondents,
    
    which was rightly cancelled by the Additional Collector-III, but
    
    without properly examining the legal provisions order passed by
    
    the Additional Collector has wrongly been quashed by Revenue
    
    Appellate Authority and such illegal order of Revenue Appellate
    
    Authority have been upheld by the Board of Revenue.
    
    9.           The writ petition was opposed by the respondents.
    
    Learned Senior Counsel, Mr. Ajeet Bhandari, appearing for the
    
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    respondents submitted that learned Revenue Appellate Authority
    
    as well as Board of Revenue have passed the impugned judgments
    
    after duly appreciating facts of the case, material on record and
    
    law prevailing at the relevant time, and there is no infirmity or
    
    illegality in the impugned judgments. There are concurrent
    
    findings of facts of two Courts against the petitioner, who has
    
    utterly failed to point out any perversity in the impugned
    
    judgments. Hence, the writ petition filed by the petitioner is liable
    
    to be rejected.
    
    10.          Learned Senior counsel appearing for the respondents
    
    

    submitted that at this stage, the question of jurisdiction of

    Revenue Appellate Authority to entertain appeal against order

    SPONSORED

    dated 22.05.2002 passed by the Additional District Collector-III

    cannot be raised by the petitioner- State, and even otherwise such

    objection is totally misconceived and baseless. It is emphasized

    that bare perusal of order dated 22.05.2002 would make it clear

    that such order has been passed while exercising powers under

    Rule 14(4) of the Rules of 1970.

    11. The aforesaid order dated 22.05.2002 passed by the

    Additional District Collector-III also refers to recommendation

    made by Beri Commission to take legal action in the matter, and it

    is also evident from the recommendation of Beri Commission

    dated 28.01.1995, that the Commission specifically recommended

    for taking action for cancellation of allotment/regularisation after

    giving notice under Rule 14(4) of the Rules of 1970. Learned

    Senior counsel also submits that as per statutory scheme, remedy

    of appeal against an order passed under Rule 14(4) of the Rules of

    1970 admittedly lies before the Court of Revenue Appellate

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    Authority and on filing appeal by the respondents before the

    Revenue Appellate Authority, notices were issued to the petitioner-

    State Government, which contested the matter on merits, without

    raising any objection whatsoever with regard to lack of jurisdiction

    by the Revenue Appellate Authority. Although, such objection was

    later raised by the State Government in second appeal filed before

    the Board of Revenue by the State Government, yet such

    objection of the State Government has rightly been rejected by

    the Board of Revenue with a cogent finding that the question with

    regard to maintainability of appeal before the Revenue Appellate

    Authority cannot be raised at this stage of second appeal,

    especially since it was never raised by the petitioner before the

    concerned Revenue Appellate Authority.

    12. Learned Senior counsel further submitted that such

    objection with regard to maintainability of appeal before the

    Revenue Appellate Authority is being raised by the respondent-

    State, solely on the ground that although the application was filed

    by the State Government under Rule 14(4) of the Rules of 1970

    before the Additional District Collector-III, yet instead of

    exercising powers under the aforesaid Rules, the Additional

    District Collector on his own allegedly assumed jurisdiction under

    Section 15 and order was passed by him in the capacity of Land

    Record Officer.

    13. Learned Senior counsel submitted that the moment, the

    Additional District Collector realised that the application under

    Rule 14(4) of the Rules of 1970 filed by the State Government was

    not maintainable under the Rules, he could have rejected the

    same by granting liberty to the State to move proper application

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    under the relevant Rules. Once, the application was entertained by

    the Additional Collector under Rule 14(4) of the Rules of 1970 and

    order was passed thereupon, the only remedy before the private

    respondents was to approach the Appellate Authority established

    for hearing appeals against order passed under Rule 14(4) of the

    Rules of 1970. It has not been disputed by the State Government

    that the appeal against an order passed under Rule 14(4) of the

    Rules of 1970 is maintainable before the Revenue Appellate

    Authority, which has got right to entertain and adjudicate such

    appeals on merits. At the cost of repetition, it was submitted that

    since, no objection with regard to maintainability of appeal before

    the Revenue Appellate Authority was raised by the State

    Government, hence, such appeal has rightly been decided by the

    Revenue Appellate Authority on merits.

    14. Learned Senior counsel further submitted that ground

    for cancellation of mutation, as given in order dated 22.05.2002

    by the Additional District Collector, is that at the relevant time,

    Madan Lal, was a minor aging only ten years and his father since,

    was holding the post of Patwari in the respondent- Revenue

    Department, might have influenced the proceedings with regard to

    opening of mutation No.25 dated 12.04.1961. Learned Senior

    counsel further submits that the documents with regard to age of

    Madan Lal were placed on record showing his date of birth as

    31.10.1941 on the basis of certificate issued by the Head Master

    of Government Middle School, Andhi, and in case, age of Madan

    Lal is calculated on the basis of aforesaid date of birth, then as on

    the date of opening of mutation entry, Madan Lal had completed

    age of around 19 and half years. Thus, it is evident from the

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    record that on the date of mutation entry, Madan Lal was not a

    minor.

    15. Learned Senior counsel further submitted that

    assuming for a moment that as on the date of opening of

    mutation, Madan Lal was minor and had not attained age of

    majority, even then in the instant case, where mutation was

    opened under Section 15 which is nothing but conferment of

    khatedari rights by operation of law in favour of the tenants, and

    under such provision or anywhere in the Rajasthan Tenancy Act,

    1955 (hereinafter to be referred as ‘the Act of 1955’) there is no

    prohibition whatsoever regarding conferment of khatedari rights

    upon a minor. Hence, viewing it from any angle, the ground for

    cancellation of mutation entry vide order dated 22.05.2002 was

    totally misconceived and against the provisions of law.

    16. Learned Senior counsel further submitted that so far as

    allegation that father of Madan Lal was a Patwari is concerned, a

    categorical statement was made by learned Senior Counsel that it

    is not disputed that father of Madan Lal was holding the post of

    Patwari, yet the correct facts are that he was not holding the

    charge of concerned Patwar Halka (concerned area). Hence, he

    was having no control whatsoever over the functioning of revenue

    authorities of that particular revenue village in respect of which

    mutation entry No.25 dated 12.04.1961 was made. Learned

    Senior counsel further submits that no evidence whatsoever has

    been placed on record so as to infer any kind of influence of father

    of Madan Lal, which might have affected the mutation

    proceedings. Merely, the fact that father of Khatedar was an

    official in the Revenue Department, ipso facto, does not lead to

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    any adverse inference on the basis of fake assumptions, and

    otherwise also there is no prohibition under law in conferring

    khatedari rights even to those persons, whose family members

    are employed in respondent- Revenue Department.

    17. Learned Senior counsel also submitted that the time

    gap between opening of mutation entry dated 12.04.1961 and

    cancellation thereof vide order dated 22.05.2002 is of more than

    40 years, and assuming for a moment that there is no prescribed

    limitation for cancelling the mutation entry under the Act of 1955,

    yet such action even if, not directly affected by law of limitation,

    can be permitted to be taken within a reasonable time and by no

    stretch of imagination a gap of more than 40 years between the

    sanction of mutation entry and cancellation thereof can be said to

    be a reasonable time.

    18. Mr. Sandeep Pathak, learned counsel appearing for

    some of the contesting respondents while adopting the arguments

    raised by Mr. Ajeet Bhandari, learned Senior counsel present for

    co-respondents submitted that the entire exercise undertaken by

    the Additional District Collector under Rule 14(4) of the Rules of

    1970 in order to cancel a mutation entry opened by virtue of

    Sections 15 of the Act of 1955, was without authority of law and

    jurisdiction; hence, no illegality or infirmity whatsoever has been

    committed by the Revenue Appellate Authority as well as the

    Board of Revenue in quashing the order passed by the Additional

    District Collector-III dated 22.05.2002.

    19. It was also pointed out by learned counsel for the

    respondents that at the relevant time there was no process in the

    then State of Jaipur for maintaining jamabandis and making

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    entries therein. For the purpose of record, Khasra Girdawari used

    to be regularly maintained, and in the Khasra Girdawari prepared

    for the period prior to mutation entry dated 12.04.1961 name of

    Madan Lal was there as tenant of land in question, hence, in view

    of Section 15 of the Act of 1955 read with Section 19, no mistake

    whatsoever has been committed in opening mutation in favour of

    Madan Lal, who was in cultivatory possession before the

    commencement of the Act of 1955.

    20. Learned Senior counsel for the respondents relied upon

    the judgments of Surajmal Vs. State of Rajasthan (1959 RRD

    173), Abdul Hameed Khan Vs. Board of Revenue (2006 (1)

    RLW (RJ) 52), Mor Mukut Singh Vs. Board of Revenue

    (2015 0 Supreme (Raj.) 374), Deepa Vs. State of Rajasthan

    & Ors. (1996 RRD 535), State of Rajasthan Vs. Prem

    Shankar (2001 (1) DNJ 248), Niranjan Singh Vs. State of

    Rajasthan (AIR 1975 Raj. 93), Brij Lal Vs. Board of Revenue

    (1994 AIR (SC) 1128), Radha Kishan Vs. State of Rajasthan

    (2016 (2) WLC 96), Tara & Ors. Vs. State of Rajasthan &

    Anr. (2015 SCC OnLine Raj. 1332) and Santoshkumar

    Shivgonda Patil and Ors. Vs. Balasaheb Tukaram Shevale &

    Ors.

    20. Final arguments advanced by learned counsel for both

    the parties, were heard by this Court on 09.07.2026, and after

    conclusion of arguments, the matter was closed and judgment

    was reserved on that day itself.

    21. Thereafter, photocopy of an application under Article

    226 of the Constitution of India read with Section 151 CPC for

    taking additional documents on record was supplied to the office

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    of this Court and on enquiry, it was found that although the

    arguments were concluded by both the parties on 09.07.2026 and

    in their presence the judgment was reserved, without seeking

    prior permission of this Court, the said application has been filed

    by the petitioner in Registry on 13.07.2026. It is settled

    proposition of law that after conclusion of the arguments and

    moreso, when judgment has been reserved, rights of both the

    parties with regard to filing of any additional documents of

    pleadings also stand closed and the Court is required to deliver the

    judgment on the basis of pleadings, documents and material

    already on record as well as on the basis of arguments advanced

    by both the parties. The reason behind such proposition is that the

    proceedings of the case cannot be allowed to continue for an

    uncertain period and must come to an end, insofar as filing of

    pleadings and documents are concerned, as soon as the judgment

    is reserved by the Court.

    22. This Court finds that even otherwise the said

    application dated 13.07.2026 filed by the petitioner- State

    Government is malicious in nature, for the reason that on perusal

    of different order-sheets of this case, it would reveal that earlier

    on so many occasions, last opportunity was granted to the

    petitioner place documents on record and to argue the matter. On

    07.08.2025, the Co-ordinate Bench of this Court passed the

    following order:-

    “Again a request has been made by the counsel for
    the petitioner to defer the matter for some other day.

    Counsel for the respondents opposed the prayer
    and submitted that every time, the same request is made
    whenever the matter is listed before this Court.

    By way of last opportunity, list on 18.08.2025.

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    It is made clear that no further request for
    adjournment would be entertained on the next date.”

    23. When despite the order dated 07.08.2025 making it

    clear that no request for adjournment would be entertained in

    future, again on 18.08.2025, a similar request was made

    thereupon, whereby the Court passed the following order:-

    “Counsel for the petitioner seeks time to argue the
    matter.

    Counsel for the respondent opposed the prayer.
    By way of last opportunity, list this matter on
    26.08.2025.

    It is made clear that no further request for
    adjournment would be entertained on the next date.”

    24. Thereafter on 09.09.2025, while observing the conduct

    of the petitioner, following order was passed by the Co-ordinate

    Bench of this Court:-

    “Again a request has been by counsel appearing on
    behalf of the petitioner to defer the matter for some other
    day.

    Counsel for the respondent opposed the prayer and
    submitted that this petition is lying pending for
    adjudication before this Court since 2014 and every time,
    time has been sought.

    Counsel submits that on last occasion also last
    opportunity was granted to the counsel for the petitioner
    to argue the matter. Counsel submits that looking to the
    issue involved in this matter, the matter requires urgent
    hearing.

    In the interest of justice, last and final opportunity
    is granted to the counsel for the petitioner to argue the
    matter.

    List this matter in next week.

    In case, similar request is made on the next date,
    appropriate orders would be passed.”

    25. Thereafter, when the matter was listed on 19.09.2025,

    learned counsel for the petitioner- State sought time to file

    relevant documents and such prayer was seriously opposed by

    learned Senior counsel for the respondents, still in the interest of

    justice by way of granting last opportunity, the matter was posted

    on 14.10.2025 with clear instructions that no further request for

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    adjournment would be entertained. On 19.09.2025, following

    order was passed by the Co-ordinate Bench of this Court:-

    “Counsel for the State-petitioner again needs some
    time to produce relevant documents on the record.
    Counsel submits that while preparing the matter, some
    facts have come into notice, which are required to be
    taken on record by way of filing appropriate application.

    Counsel appearing on behalf of the respondents
    opposed the prayer and submitted that concurrent finding
    has been recorded against the petitioner. This petition is
    lying pending before this Court since 2014 and the case
    has been deferred from one date to another. Counsel
    submits that looking to the issue involved in the matter,
    the case requires urgent hearing, therefore the case be
    not deferred.

    By way of last opportunity, list this matter again on
    14.10.2025.

    It is made clear that no further request for
    adjournment would be entertained on the next date.”

    26. The aforesaid orders clearly show that despite granting

    so many opportunities, referring the same to be last opportunities,

    petitioner- State always avoided to argue the matter, and in order

    to cause delay even a request was made to produce relevant

    documents, which allegedly came to notice of learned counsel for

    the petitioner during preparation of the case. Accordingly, on

    19.09.2025, last opportunity was given to the petitioner- State.

    27. Thereafter, even after a lapse of long time period of

    more than four months, no document whatsoever was filed by the

    petitioner- State, then on 03.02.2026 after recording the earlier

    orders, following order dated 03.02.2026 was passed by the Co-

    ordinate Bench of this Court:-

    “Attention of this Court has been drawn to the
    order dated 07.08.2025, vide which a last opportunity
    was granted to the petitioner to argue the matter with a
    further observation that no request for adjournment
    would be made thereafter.

    Again on 18.08.2025, a last opportunity was
    granted to the petitioner with the direction that no further
    adjournment would be entertained, yet again on
    09.09.2025, a last and final opportunity was granted to
    the petitioner to argue the matter.

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    Further, even on 19.09.2025, on the pretext of the
    State requiring to file certain documents, a last
    opportunity was granted with the further mandate that no
    further adjournment would be entertained.

    Today again, time is being sought for filing
    documents.

    In the facts obtained, there is no occasion
    whatsoever for granting any further time to file any
    document.

    List the matter on 17.02.2026, on the assurance
    made learned counsel for the petitioner that he will be
    arguing the matter on the next date.”

    28. Bare perusal of the order dated 03.02.2026 would

    reveal that since despite granting so many opportunities,

    documents, if any, were not filed by the petitioner- State,

    therefore, by way of passing specific order dated 03.02.2026, the

    Co-ordinate Bench of this Court closed the opportunity of the

    petitioner- State to file any further document, and the matter was

    posted on 17.02.2026 on the assurance of learned counsel for the

    petitioner to argue the matter on the next date. After so many

    adjournments in between on 07.07.2026, the matter was listed

    before this Court, and in quite surprising manner on 07.07.2026

    also, adjournment was sought by the learned counsel appearing

    for the petitioner- State. Thereupon, following order was passed

    by this Court on 07.07.2026:-

    “Last opportunity is granted to learned counsel for
    the petitioner to argue the matter and, in case, learned
    counsel for the petitioner does not choose to argue the
    matter on the next date, the matter shall be decided after
    hearing learned counsel for the respondents.

    Let the matter be listed on 9th July, 2026.”

    29. The matter was posted for hearing on 09.07.2026.

    Thereafter, on 09.07.2026 both the counsels advanced their

    arguments in detail and after conclusion of their arguments, the

    judgment was reserved. Thus, it is clear that so many

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    opportunities earlier granted to the petitioner were not availed and

    despite the fact that this petition was filed away back in the year

    20.12.2013 and all opportunities to file any further documents

    were also closed by this Court by way of passing specific order,

    after conclusion of arguments and when the judgment was

    reserved on 09.07.2026, in quite shocking and surprising manner,

    one application dated 13.07.2026 has been filed seeking

    permission to place additional documents on record.

    30. In the case of Arjun Singh Vs. Mohinder Kumar &

    Ors., AIR 1964 SC 993, the Hon’ble Supreme Court, while

    dealing with a situation where after closure of arguments and

    reserving the judgment, an application under Order 9 Rule 7 CPC

    was filed by one of the defendant, it was observed that where the

    parties have completed arguments and judgment is reserved,

    there remains no further rights and privileges of the parties to file

    any further application. It is only for the convenience of the Court

    that Order XX Rule 1 CPC permits judgment to be delivered after

    an interval after the hearing is completed. The Apex Court further

    observed that there is no hiatus between the two stages of

    reservation of judgment and pronouncing the judgment.

    31. Following the aforesaid judgment of the Supreme

    Court, Division Bench of this Court in the case of Pujya Sindhi

    Panchayat Vs. C.L. Mishra, MANU/RH/0293/2002, which

    deals with a similar situation has held that after the judgment was

    reserved then any further application would have no effect and it

    would be treated as if no such application was filed. Relevant part

    of the judgment is being quoted as under:-

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    “Where hearing is completed the parties have no further
    rights or privileges in the matter and it is only for the
    convenience of the Court that Order 20 Rule 1 permits
    Judgment to be delivered after an interval after the
    hearing is completed. It would, therefore, follow that after
    the judgment is re served there remains no stage in any
    case. Thus, there is no hiatus (break) between the two
    stages of reservation of Judgment and pronouncing it. For
    that, the decision of the Hon’ble Supreme Court in Arjun
    Singh v. Mohindra Kumar MANU/SC/0013/1963
    : AIR 1964
    SC 993 may he referred t to.

    Since in the present case, the judgment was reserved by
    the division Bench of this Court on 16-3-2000 and the
    application under Article 226 of the Constitution of India
    read with Order 1 Rule 10 CPC was filed on 22-3-2000 i.e.
    after the judgment was reserved, therefore, the said
    application would have no effect and it would be treated
    as if no such application was filed before the Division
    Bench of this Court.”

    32. In the light of aforesaid facts and circumstances and

    different orders passed by the Co-ordinate Benches of this Court

    as well as by this Court, it is clear that there were no

    extraordinary circumstances, which prevented the petitioner from

    filing the additional documents during the course of proceedings of

    this case, this Court does not find it just and proper to permit the

    petitioner- State to file application even after the judgment is

    reserved. Hence, the application filed by the petitioner dated

    13.07.2026 for placing the additional documents on record is

    hereby dismissed.

    While dismissing the application, this Court is constrained to

    deprecate the actions of officers of petitioner- State Government,

    who ought to have acted in a more responsible and vigilant

    manner, yet by way of filing the present application on 13.07.2026

    despite the fact that on 09.07.2026 after completion of argument

    the judgment was reserved, is nothing but a sheer attempt to

    interfere in the process of dispensation of justice.

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    33. Coming to merits of this case, this Court finds that the

    issue involved in this writ petition revolves around Section 15 of

    the Rajasthan Tenancy Act, 1955 as well as Rule 14 of the

    Rajasthan Land Revenue (Allotment of Land for Agricultural

    Purposes) Rules, 1970. Hence, the aforesaid provisions are

    reproduced as under:-

    “15. Khatedar tenants – (1) Subject to the provisions of
    section 16 and clause (d) of sub-section (1) of section
    180 every person who, at the commencement of this Act,
    is a tenant of land otherwise than as a sub-tenant or a
    tenant of Khudkasht or who is, after the commencement
    of this Act, admitted as a tenant otherwise than a sub-
    tenant or tenant of Khudkasht or an allottee of land
    under, and in accordance with, rules made under section
    101
    of the Rajasthan Land Revenue Act, 1956 (Rajasthan
    Act 15 of 1956) or who acquries Khatedari rights in
    accordance with provisions of this Act or of the Rajasthan
    Land Reforms and Resumption of Jagir Act, 1952

    (Rajasthan Act VI of 1952) or of any other law for the
    time being in force shall be a Khatedar tenant and shall,
    subject to the provision of this Act be entitled to all the
    rights conferred; and be subject to all the liabilities
    imposed on Khatedar tenants by this Act:

    Provided that no Khatedari rights shall accrue under this
    section to any tenant, to whom land is or has been let out
    temporarily in Gang Canal, Bhakra, Chambal or Jawai
    project area or any other area notified in this behalf by
    the State Government.

    (2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1)
    Khatedari rights shall not accrue there under to any
    person to whom land had been let out before the
    commencement of this Act by the State Government in
    furtherance of the Grow More Food Campaign or under
    some special order subject to some specified conditions or
    in pursuance of some statutory or non-statutory rules and
    who shall have, before such commencement, made a
    default in securing the objective of such campaign or a
    breach of any such order, condition or rule.
    (3) Any person referred to in sub-section (2) may, within
    three years from the date of commencement of this Act
    and on payment of a court-fee of twenty five naye paise
    apply to the Assistant Collector having jurisdiction praying
    for a declaration that acquired Khatedari right under sub-
    section (1) in the land held by him.

    (4) Such application may be made on any of the following
    grounds, namely:

    (a) that the land held by him was let out to him after the
    commencement of this Act.

    (b) that it was not let out to him in any of the
    circumstances specified in sub-section (2).

    (c) that when the land was so let out to him he was not
    apprised of such circumstances.

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    (d) that he had, before such commence ment made no
    default or breach of the nature specified in sub-section
    (2).

    (5) The Assistant Collector shall, upon the presentation of
    an application under sub-section (3), make inquiry in the
    prescribed manner and afford reasonable opportunity to
    the applicant of being heard and shall, if he does not
    reject the application, declare the applicant to have
    become Khatedar tenant of his holding in accordance with
    and subject to the provisions of the sub-section (1).

    Rule 14. Condition of Allotment. – (i) The allotment of
    land under these rules shall be on a Gair Khatedari
    tenancy with a right to ultimate conferment of Khatedari
    rights after the expiry of [3 years] provided the allottee
    fulfill during this period the terms and conditions of
    allotment until Khatedari rights are conferred. The allottee
    shall have all the rights and be subjected to all liabilities
    of a Gair Khatedar tenant under the Tenancy Act:

    [Provided also that the allotment of land may be
    cancelled at any stage by the Collector before the expiry
    of a period [3 years], if the land is required for public
    purpose:

    Provided further that no such order to the prejudice
    of such person shall be passed without giving him an
    opportunity of being heard.]
    [xxx]
    [(1-a) In case where allotment of land is made to a
    married agriculturist, the allotment shall be made in the
    joint names of husband and wife and the allottees, in such
    case, shall be deemed to be joint allottees.]
    (2) Rent at the sanctioned rent rate applicable to
    the land, or if the land applied for and allotted is
    unassessed, at the lowest class of Barani land in the
    village for irrigated land at the Chahi or Nehri rates, as
    the case may be, for Chahi or Nehri irrigated lands of the
    village shall be payable from the first year of allotment.

    [(3) The allottee shall have to bring the land under
    cultivation and shall utilise it properly.]
    Provided that this period may be extended by the
    Tehsildar by one year if, due to unforeseen causes over
    which the allottee had no control, he was unable to
    cultivate the land within the stipulated period.

    (4) The Collector shall have the power to cancel
    any allotment made by a Sub-Divisional Officer [or a
    Tehsildar under the rules repealed by Rule 21 of the
    rules] either suo moto or on the application of any person
    in case the allotment has been secured through fraud or
    misrepresentation or has been made against rules or in
    case the allottee has committed breach of any of the
    conditions of allotment:

    Provided that no such order to the prejudice of any
    person shall be passed without giving such person an
    opportunity of being heard.

    (5) The allottee shall pay to the State Government
    the price of the wells and permanent structures if any,
    existing on the land, as also the price of trees standing on
    the land at rates prescribed by rules made under Section
    80
    and 81 of the Tenancy Act.

    (6) Before acquisition of Khatedari rights the
    allottee shall not construct any permanent structures or
    buildings other than a tank, well or dwelling a house

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    within the meaning of an “improvement” as defined by
    clause (19) of Section 5 of the Tenancy Act.

    (7) In case of land situated within a radius of 10
    miles of Jaipur City, the allottee shall also pay the price of
    trees at rate of Fifteen rupees and 25 paisa per bigha:

    Provided that no such price shall be charged if the
    number of trees standing in a bigha of land is less than
    five.

    (8) The land shall be liable to be resumed by the
    State Government without payment of compensation if-

    (a) it is not brought under cultivation strictly in
    accordance with the condition of allotment and it is not
    properly utilised;

    (b) it is sub-let or transferred in contravention of
    the provisions of Tenancy Act applicable to Gair Khatedar
    tenants;

                  (c)    it is found that the allottee was not a
           [landless agriculturist];
                  (d)    the allottee makes default in the timely
    

    payment of the price referredto in clause 5 of the rule
    and/or the annual rent; or (e) the allottee makes
    construction on the land in contravention of the allotment
    rules.

    [(9) In case the land allotted is grass land or
    subject to erosion, the allottee shall have to undertake
    the work of soil conservation as and when directed by an
    Officer of the Agriculture Department authorised in this
    behalf.]”

    34. It is undisputed that the mutation entries were opened

    in favour of the respondent- Madan Lal on 12.04.1961. The

    petitioner has come out with the case that to ascertain

    irregularities in allotment of land pointed out in so many cases,

    the petitioner- State Government appointed Beri Commission to

    examine the alleged irregularities and to give it’s report. As per

    the petitioner, report was given by the Commission on

    28.01.1995, wherein two irregularities were pointed out; first, at

    the time of mutation entry dated 12.04.1961, respondent- Madan

    Lal was minor, aging only ten years and second, his father was

    holding the post of Patwari in Revenue Department.

    35. Bare perusal of order dated 16.04.2013 passed by the

    Board of Revenue, Ajmer would reveal that after examining the

    documents placed on record on behalf of the respondents, a

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    categorical finding has been given that date of birth of

    respondent- Madan Lal was 31.10.1941, which shows that as on

    12.04.1961 i.e. the date of opening mutation entry in his favour,

    evidently he had attained the age of majority. Thus, the first

    irregularity pointed out by the Commission, which is the basis of

    order of cancellation of mutation entry, is against the record and is

    not tenable.

    36. As regards, the second irregularity pointed out by the

    petitioner- State on the basis of report of Beri Commission is that

    at the relevant time father of the respondent- Madan Lal was

    working as Patwari in the Revenue Department, and he could have

    influenced the proceedings of recording mutation entry in favour

    of respondent- Madan Lal. This Court finds that nothing has been

    placed on record by the petitioner- State to show that father of

    respondent- Madan Lal was Patwari of the concerned Patwar Halka

    (revenue village), where the land in question was situated and in

    respect of which disputed mutation entry was opened in favour of

    respondent- Madan Lal. Whereas, a categorical statement has

    been extended by learned Senior Counsel for respondents that

    father of respondent- Madan Lal, although holding the post of

    Patwari, yet was never posted in the concerned Patwar Halka

    (revenue village).

    37. In addition to above, no iota of evidence of any kind

    whatsoever has been placed on record to infer any kind of

    influence of father of the respondent in opening mutation entry in

    favour of the respondent- Madan Lal. Even otherwise, admittedly

    such mutation entries are entered in the Revenue Record after

    approval of the same by higher officers.

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    38. It is quite significant to mention here that the

    Rajasthan Tenancy Act, 1955 came into force on 14.03.1955,

    which lays down the provisions for conferment of khatedari rights.

    As per Section 15 of the Act of 1955, every person who was a

    tenant at the commencement of the Act, shall be admitted as

    tenant as under the Act of 1955.

    39. Section 19 of the Act of 1955 also provides for the

    eventualities under which khatedari rights can be conferred and

    one of such provision is that every person, whose name at the

    commencement of the Act of 1955 was entered in annual register

    as sub-tenant or Khudkasht, then khatedari rights can be

    conferred upon him.

    40. The land in question, admittedly, is situated in District

    Jaipur. Learned Senior counsel for the respondents emphasized

    the fact that prior to enforcement of the Rajasthan Tenancy Act,

    1955 and during the erstwhile State regime, jamabandis were not

    maintained in State of Jaipur, and instead thereof Khasra

    Girdawari was considered to be record of rights. By relying upon

    Khasra Girdawari for the relevant period in respect of land in

    question, learned Senior counsel for the respondents pointed out

    that name of respondent- Madan Lal was existing as tenant of the

    land in question much prior to enforcement of the Act of 1955,

    therefore, under such circumstances, it can be held that by virtue

    of and in the light of Section 15 and 19 of the Act of 1955, the

    khatedari rights would be conferred automatically upon

    respondent- Madan Lal by operation of law.

    41. In the case of Surajmal (supra), while considering

    question of annual register maintained in former Jaipur State, this

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    Court has observed that Khasra Girdawari maintained in former

    Jaipur State was an annual register and creates a presumption

    that the entries made therein were true. Para-7 of the above

    judgment is relevant and is quoted as under:-

    “It was next contended that the existence of the entry in
    the Girdawari is not proof of its correctness. The point
    came up for decision in Mala vs Board of Revenue (D. B. C
    Writ Petition No. 185 of 1953, decided on 1st February,
    1956). The case came up from Jaipur, and by reference to
    the revenue laws of the former Jaipur State, which were
    then in force, it was held that Khasra Girdawari was an
    annual register, and the law laid down a presumption that
    the entries made therein were true.”

    42. Similarly, in the case of Abdul Hameed Khan

    (supra), ‘Khasra Girdawari’ was considered to be an annual

    register and in Para-4 following observations were given:-

    “The point as to whether entry in the khasra girdawari
    under revenue laws of former Jaipur State was a proof of
    its correctness or not?, came up for consideration in Mala
    vs. Board of Revenue (DBC Writ Petition No. 185/1953,
    decided on February 1,1955). It was held that Khasra
    Girdawari was an annual register as per the revenue laws
    of former Jaipur State which were then in force, and the
    law down a presumption that the entries made therein
    were true.”

    43. In a subsequent judgment delivered by this Court in the

    case of Mor Mukut Singh (supra), after considering Division

    Bench judgment of this Court, again the similar proposition was

    reiterated that Khasra Girdawari at the relevant time was

    considered as an annual register, raising presumption of

    correctness of entries made therein. Para-25 of the above

    judgment is quoted as hereunder:-

    “A division bench of this court in Mala Vs. Board of
    Revenue – Writ Petition No. 185/1953, decided vide
    judgment dated 01.02.1956, in reference to the revenue

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    laws of the former Jaipur State, which were then in force,
    held that ‘khasra girdawari’ was an annual register, and
    the law raised a presumption that the entries made
    therein were true. A coordinate bench of this court in
    Suraj MÃ¥l, supra, held that the girdawari is relevant under
    Section 35 of the Evidence Act and no formal proof is
    required by production of the Officer who prepared it. A
    presumption would arise as to correctness of the
    document.”

    44. Similar is the decision laid down by this Court in the

    case of Deepa (supra), wherein in Para-4 following observations

    have been made:-

    “Shri Sharma, appearing for the appellant, contended,
    and rightly. that respondent himself having accepted the
    appellant as tenant in the first proceeding, a stand
    different from that could not be taken in the present
    proceeding. He then urged that Khasra Gridawari, which
    has now been put on record, clearly shows that the name
    of the appellant had been recorded as cultivator by
    Samvat 2012, because of which the land could not be
    regarded as khudkasht of the Jagirdar which would make
    Sec. 10 of the Jagirs Act inopera-tive, and so, the
    respondent’s name could not be recorded as khatedar
    tenant. As to this submission, the learned counsel for this
    respondent submitted that though the land was shown in
    the Khasra Gridawari under appellant’s cultiva-tion, that
    was not as a tenant but as an employee of the
    respondent. This stand is untenable because from the
    impugned judgment of the Board of Revenue in the
    present proceeding it appears that the case of this
    respondent was that Deepa’s father had been given the
    land for cultivation on “Panti Basis”, that is, on share
    basis, which would clearly show that the land was
    tenanted to Deepa’s father and in lieu of cash he was to
    pay in kind.”

    45. In the case of State of Rajasthan Vs. Prem Shankar

    (supra), Division Bench of this Court has held that being sub-

    tenant on the date of commencement of the Act of 1955, the

    petitioners automatically acquired khatedari rights. Para-7 of the

    judgment is relevant, which is laid down as under:-

    “Section 19 of the Rajasthan Tenancy Act provides the
    procedure for acquiring khatedari rights. Section 19(1A)
    was added to remove the difficulties. This is one of the
    major land reform introduced by the Act to confer
    khatedari rights on sub-tenants and tenants of Kasht. The

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    persons falling in this category acquire the khatedari
    rights automatically without any step being taken by
    them. In view of this, the learned Single Judge has
    committed error in relegating the respondents-writ
    petitioners to alternate remedy before the competent
    court. The contention of the appellant for extinguishment
    of the rights of holding under Section 63 of the Act is
    wholly misconceived. It has no application to the facts of
    the case. In view of the continuous possession over the
    subject land of the writ petitioners prior to year 1946 and
    they being sub-tenant on the date of commencement of
    the Rajasthan Tenancy Act, 1955, have automatically
    acquired khatedari rights.”

    46. In another judgment, in the case of Niranjan Singh

    (supra), while considering the fact of Section 15 of the Act of

    1955, this Court has held that, in case, name of any person was

    shown as tenant in the Revenue Records prior to enforcement of

    the Act of 1955, then conferment of khatedari rights under the Act

    of 1955 are automatic by operation of law. Para-31 of the above

    judgment is relevant and is reproduced hereunder:-

    “1 am unable to agree with the above contention of the
    learned counsel as Section 15 of the Rajas than Tenancy
    Act
    itself makes a distinction between the two classes of
    persons – one consisting of persons who were tenants of
    land on the date of the commencement of the Rajasthan
    Tenancy Act namely, October 15, 1955 and upon whom
    Khatedari rights are automatically conferred by the
    aforesaid provision and the other consisting of persons
    who are to be admitted as tenants after the aforesaid
    date or who acquire Khatedari rights in accordance with
    the provisions of the Rajasthan Tenancy Act or the
    Rajasthan Land Reforms and Resumption of Jagir Act or
    any other law for the time being in force. In the case of
    the first category of persons mentioned above they
    automatically became Khatedar tenants on the coming
    into force of the Rajasthan Tenancy Act on October 15,
    1955 but in the case of the othe r category of persons
    they have to acquire Khatedari rights on being admitted
    as tenants after the said date in accordance with the
    procedure prescribed by the aforesaid Act or they have to
    acquire Khatedari rights in accordance with any other law
    as mentioned in Section 15 of the Rajasthan Tenancy Act.
    In this view of the matter, such persons form two distinct
    and well-demarcated classes and while the persons in
    possession of land as tenants on October 15, 1955 have
    nothing else to do but they automatically become
    Khatedar tenants with effect from the aforesaid date yet
    the other class of persons have to acquire Khatedari
    rights by following certain procedure and in some
    cases by making certain payments according to the

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    Rajasthan Tenancy Act or the Rajasthan Land Revenue
    Act
    or the Rajasthan Land Reforms and Resumption of
    Jagirs Act
    or any other law. Thus it cannot be said that
    there is no basis for distinction between the aforesaid two
    classes of persons, rather there is a reasonable basis for
    the classification of temporary tenants into the aforesaid
    two different categories and to deal with them differently
    in the matter of extent of allotment of land as well as the
    payment of price of land so allotted to them.”

    47. In the instant case, the mutation entries opened in the

    year 1961 were cancelled by initiating proceedings in the year

    1995, which culminated vide order dated 22.05.2002, while

    dealing with a matter of cancellation of allotment in the case of

    Brij Lal (supra), the Division Bench of this Court has observed as

    under:-

    “It is not disputed before us that the appellant is in
    cultivating possession of the land since 1970. It would be
    travesty of justice to dispossess the appellant from the
    land which he is nourishing for over a period of two
    decades.”

    48. In the case of Radha Kishan (supra), the Co-ordinate

    Bench of this Court was dealing with cancellation of allotment

    under Rule 14(4) of the Rules of 1970, where the allotments were

    cancelled after lapse of 24 years. The Court observed that

    although, there is no limitation provided for initiating cancellation

    provided under the Rules of 1970, yet the power is required to be

    exercised within a reasonable time and a delay of 24 years in the

    said case was treated to be an inordinate delay. In the present

    case in hand, the delay in initiating the proceedings is of around

    34 years, therefore, the judgment of Radha Kishan (supra), is

    also applicable in the facts and circumstances of the present case,

    where in under Para-15, 17 and 18, following observations have

    been made:-

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    “15. Although it is true that in subsequent division bench
    judgement of this Court in Sohan Kanwar v. Board of
    Revenue & Ors.
    , 2002 (1) WLC (Raj) 415 and Mangla
    Son of Hema v. State & Ors., 2007 (1) WLC (Raj)
    234, it has been held that if any allotment has been
    made on the strength of fraud or misrepresentation,
    notwithstanding conferment of khatedari rights on
    completing ten years, the allotment can be cancelled, but
    here in the present case, it has not been shown as to
    what fraud was played by the petitioner in securing the
    allotment. It is not in dispute that the allotment has been
    made on the recommendation of the Land Advisory
    Committee, which is headed by SDO and consequential
    order has been passed by the Tehsildar. The Tehsildar
    and the Land Advisory Committee were satisfied that land
    in dispute was in cultivatory possession of the petitioner
    for almost eight years prior to the date of allotment. They
    also concluded that on ground no “Nadi” was present and
    it was a plain land, which was being cultivated by the
    petitioner. In these facts, this Court does not find any
    justification for the Collector to entertain the application
    of cancellation of allotment at the instance of strangers
    i.e. respondent nos.4 to 6, filed 24 years after the
    allotment.

    17. The Larger Bench has also relied on Joint Collector
    Ranga Reddy District & Anr. v. D. Narsing Rao &
    Ors.
    , (2015) 3 SCC 695 wherein it has been held that
    when no time limit has been prescribed under the Statute
    for invocation of certain power, such power must be
    exercised within a reasonable time. If the power is
    allowed to be exercised after decades, it would lead to
    anomalous position leading to uncertainty and
    complications seriously affecting the rights of the parties
    over immovable properties. Absence of any period of
    limitation does not mean that the power can be exercised
    at any time, which will make the exercise of power
    arbitrary and opposed to the concept of Rule of Law. What
    however shall be the reasonable period, would depend
    upon the nature of the statute, rights and liabilities
    thereunder and other relevant factors. The Larger Bench
    even went to the extent of holding that “even if the fraud
    is alleged, the power must not be exercised after
    unreasonable period, such as, several decades claiming
    rights over the land.”

    18. The Supreme Court in State of Punjab & Ors. v.

    Bhatinda District Cooperative Milk Producers Union
    Ltd.
    , supra dealing with a question of delay held that
    although no period of limitation has been prescribed by
    Section 21 of the Punjab General Sales Tax Act, 1948, but
    the same would not mean that suo motu power can be
    exercised by the competent authority at any time. It is
    trite that if no period of limitation has been prescribed,
    statutory authority must exercise its jurisdiction within a
    reasonable period. What, however, shall be the
    reasonable period, would depend upon the nature of the
    statute, rights and liabilities thereunder and other
    relevant factors.”

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    [2026:RJ-JP:26139] (28 of 30) [CW-229/2014]

    49. In a judgment delivered by the Full Bench of this Court

    in Tara (supra), in Para-48 while answering to the reference with

    regard to limitation of taking action under Section 82 of the

    Rajasthan Land Revenue Act, 1956 and Section 232 of the

    Rajasthan Tenancy Act, 1955, it was observed by Full Bench that

    although, there is no limitation prescribed under the law, yet the

    action cannot be taken after a lapse of unreasonable period.

    50. It has been informed to this Court, that although the

    judgment of Full Bench in the case of Tara (supra), is under

    challenge before the Hon’ble Supreme Court, yet the operation of

    the judgment has not been stayed and only order of status quo

    has been passed.

    51. In a similar matter, arising out of revenue laws of the

    State of Maharashtra in the cases, where no limitation for taking

    action is provided, the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the case of

    Santoshkumar Shivgonda Patil (supra), has held that power

    even in such cases, where no time limit is prescribed, is to be

    exercised within a reasonable period, which was held to be period

    of three years.

    52. In the light of aforesaid consistent judgments, the

    action of the petitioners cannot be said to be reasonable and

    justified. There is one another angle as to whether the Khatedari

    rights, which were conferred automatically by operation of law by

    virtue of Section 15 and 19 of the Act of 1955, can be cancelled in

    exercise of Rule 14(4) of the Rules of 1970. This Court finds that

    the Rules of 1970 are applicable only in respect of allotment,

    which are governed either by the Rules of 1970 or the repealed

    Rules of 1957 in the cases, where allotment has been made for

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    [2026:RJ-JP:26139] (29 of 30) [CW-229/2014]

    gair-khatedari rights. In the cases like the present one, where

    respondent- Madan Lal was already entered as tenant in the

    Khasra Girdawari of former Jaipur State, prior to enforcement of

    the Act of 1955, this Court finds that Rules of 1970 including Rule

    14(4) of the said Rules are not applicable. Therefore, mutation

    entry in order to confer khatedari rights upon respondent- Madan

    Lal under Section 15 could not have been cancelled, after so many

    decades, while exercising powers under the Rules of 1970 vide

    order dated 22.05.2002.

    53. As regards, contention of learned counsel for the

    petitioner that at the relevant time, Additional District Collector-III

    while passing order dated 22.05.2002 exercised powers of Land

    Record Officer, therefore, appeal could not have been maintained

    by the respondent- Madan Lal before the Revenue Appellate

    Authority, as it was otherwise maintainable before Divisional

    Commissioner, this Court finds that such contention is totally

    misconceived and unfounded. It has not been disputed that order

    dated 22.05.2002 was passed by the Additional District Collector

    in a case registered under Rule 14(4) of the Rules of 1970, and

    appeals in ordinary course against an order passed under Rule

    14(4) of the Rules of 1970, are very much maintainable before the

    Revenue Appellate Authority, hence, no infirmity or illegality has

    been committed by entertaining appeal by the Revenue Appellate

    Authority.

    54. This Court also finds that no such objection whatsoever

    was raised by the petitioner before the Revenue Appellate

    Authority. Rather without raising any objection, the petitioner-

    State consciously participated in the appeal proceedings before

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    [2026:RJ-JP:26139] (30 of 30) [CW-229/2014]

    the Revenue Appellate Authority, hence, at this stage or even at

    the stage of appeal before the Board of Revenue, such plea could

    not have been raised. Judgment in the case of Harshad

    Chimanlal Modi (supra), as relied upon by learned AAG, deals

    with altogether different question relating to lack of territorial

    jurisdiction and the facts are also entirely different, hence, is not

    applicable in the present case.

    55. This Court also finds that without applying any

    independent mind, the State Authorities have acted upon dotted

    lines drawn by the recommendation of Beri Commission. It is

    settled proposition of law that anything observed by the

    Commission, unless backed by statutory provisions, is considered

    to be only a recommendation in nature, and such

    recommendations are required to be examined by the competent

    authority strictly in accordance with law. In the instant case, this

    Court finds that the procedure provisions of law have not been

    properly exercised by the State Authorities.

    56. Viewing from any angle, on the basis of aforesaid

    discussion, and examination of record, this Court finds that the

    Revenue Appellate Authority and the Board of Revenue have not

    committed any manifest jurisdictional error or illegality, therefore,

    there is no scope of interference in the instant writ petition filed by

    the petitioner, and the same is hereby dismissed.

    57. Pending application(s), if any, also stand(s) disposed of.

    (ANAND SHARMA),J

    145/DIVYA

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