AZAD SINGH & OTHERS vs BARKAT ULLAH KHAN & OTHERS

The Supreme Court held that under Section 12 of the U.P. Zamindari Abolition and Land Reforms Act, 1950, a Thekedar must be granted land specifically for personal cultivation to acquire the status of a hereditary tenant. The Court found that the Thekedars were in possession and personally cultivating the land on May 1, 1950, thus establishing their rights as hereditary tenants. The appeals were dismissed, affirming the High Court's decree in favor of the Thekedars.