SARDAR GOVINDRAO & ORS. vs STATE OF MADHYA PRADESH & ORS.

The Supreme Court upheld the decision of the State Government rejecting the appellants' claim for a grant under Section 5(3)(ii) of the Central Provinces & Berar Revocation of Land Revenue Exemptions Act, 1948. The Court found that the appellants' ancestors, while having received titles and privileges, were not descendants of a ruling chief but rather watandars with limited powers. The Court emphasized that the burden of proof rested on the claimants to establish their lineage as ruling chiefs, which they failed to do, thus affirming the High Court's ruling.