Tekaba Ao And Anr vs Sakumeren Ao And Anr

The Supreme Court held that disputes regarding land and water rights in the Hill District of Nagaland are governed by customary law, as recognized by the Rules for Administration of Justice and Police in Nagaland, 1937, under Section 6 of the Scheduled District Act, 1874. The Court emphasized that the District Customary Court must adjudicate based on justice, equity, and local customs, as outlined in Rule 62(2). The appeal was dismissed, affirming the lower court's decision to resolve the dispute through customary practices rather than codified law.