Ishwaragouda & Ors vs Mallikarjun Gowda & Ors

The Supreme Court addressed the jurisdiction of civil courts in matters concerning occupancy rights under the Karnataka Land Reforms Act, specifically examining the implications of Section 4 of the Act. The Court held that civil courts do not have jurisdiction to entertain suits for declaration of title and possession when occupancy rights have been adjudicated by the Land Tribunal. The appeal was allowed, affirming the decision of the Additional Sessions Judge that the civil court's decree was invalid due to lack of jurisdiction.