Karnataka High Court rejects 40-year adverse possession claim, upholds original land title

In a decision delivered on August 7 2026, the Karnataka High Court affirmed that occupying land for more than twelve years does not automatically establish adverse possession. Justice H.P Sandesh emphasized that the claimant must demonstrate how possession was obtained and show a hostile claim, which Thimmappa failed to do. The court also rejected the argument that a revenue-record mutation placing Thimmappa’s name in column 12 created title, noting that Horakerappa’s entry in column 9 remained valid.

Evidence from a 1998 sale deed and Thimmappa’s own admission of Horakerappa’s 1951 grant further weakened the adverse claim. Consequently, the High Court reinstated the trial court’s injunction and declaration, confirming Horakerappa’s ownership of the 4 acre 11 guntas parcel in Sira Taluk, Tumakuru district.