D.M.NANJJAPPA (DEAD) BY LRS. vs S.A. RAMAPPA .

The Supreme Court held that the Karnataka Land Grant Rules, 1969, specifically under Section 197 of the Karnataka Land Revenue Act, 1964, govern the eligibility for land grants. The Court found that the Division Bench of the Karnataka High Court erred in granting land to the respondent as the appellant, already holding 4 acres, did not qualify as a 'poor or landless person' under the Rules. The Court upheld the Deputy Commissioner's and Appellate Tribunal's decisions, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the eligibility criteria set forth in the Rules.