Property Dispute Settlement: Pampati Sathamma vs. Pampati Gangaram

The case of PAMPATI SATHAMMA (D) TH. LRS. vs. PAMPATI GANGARAM is a property dispute involving family members. The Supreme Court addressed the equitable distribution of property among the legal heirs and clarified the valuation process if disagreements arise.

Background of the Case

This civil appeal arises from a property dispute between siblings. The primary issue in the case was the rightful division of property among the legal heirs after the demise of a family member. The appellants, being the legal heirs of the deceased sister, sought their rightful share in the property owned by the respondent.

Legal Proceedings

The High Court had ruled in favor of the respondent, dismissing the claim of the appellants. Aggrieved by the decision, the appellants approached the Supreme Court for justice.

Supreme Court’s Judgment

After hearing both parties, the Supreme Court decided:

“We have considered the contents of the impugned Judgment as well as the inter-se relationship among the parties and in the interest of justice, we think it just and proper if the respondent gives 1/3rd of the properties in question to all the appellants i.e. the sister of the respondent and legal heirs of the deceased sister.”

The Court directed that the respondent must transfer 1/3rd of the property or its equivalent value to the appellants within six months.

Valuation of the Property

The respondent claimed that the property was valued at approximately Rs. 60 lakhs. However, the Supreme Court allowed the appellants to contest the valuation:

“If the appellants do not agree to the said valuation, it would be open to them to raise the said contention in the appropriate proceeding before the Trial Court. The Trial Court would determine the value of the property and pass appropriate orders in the execution proceedings.”

Final Decision

The Supreme Court set aside the High Court’s decision and allowed the appeals to the extent of ensuring a fair division of property.

Conclusion

This judgment highlights the importance of equitable distribution in family property disputes. The ruling ensures that the legal heirs receive their rightful share and provides an avenue for valuation disputes to be resolved in the Trial Court.

The appeal was allowed with no order as to costs.

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Download Judgment: Pampati Sathamma (D) vs Pampati Gangaram Supreme Court of India Judgment Dated 11-02-2016-1741852703404.pdf