JAGAT SINGH vs KARAN SINGH (DEAD) BY LRS. &ORS.

The Supreme Court interpreted Section 6(4) of the Tehri Garhwal Bhumi Sambandhi Adhikar Niyam, ruling that the provision applies exclusively to Hindus. The Court held that a 'sapinda' who lived with the deceased sub-tenant as a family member is entitled to be recognized as a 'khaikari' (sub-tenant), regardless of whether he was a member of an undivided family. The High Court's ruling that the benefit of Section 6(4) extends to Muslims and Christians was overturned, affirming the appellant's right to become a sub-tenant based on his shared living and agricultural activities with the deceased.