Hajuri P.C.Khuntia & Ors vs Brundaban R. Das & Others

The Supreme Court addressed the applicability of the Orissa Estates Abolition Act, 1951, specifically sections 2(hh), 2(i), 6, 7, and 8, in determining the rights of an ex-intermediary's successor versus a tenant. The Court upheld the High Court's finding that the tenant's possession of the land did not equate to the ex-intermediary's possession necessary for settlement under section 6, as the tenant's occupation was for a Cinema Hall, which does not qualify as a 'homestead' under section 2(i). Consequently, the Court affirmed the High Court's ruling that the ex-intermediary was not entitled to settlement of the land, leading to the dismissal of the appeal.