Authority: Uttarakhand High Court
Order Date: 3 August 2026
Case Overview
- Parties: Shri Guru Mines and Minerals Private Limited (Petitioner) vs. State of Uttarakhand & Others (Respondents).
- Nature of Proceeding: Writ petition (WPMS/1446/2025) challenging the rejection of an application under Section 154 of the Zamindari Abolition & Land Reforms Act for purchase of land for commercial purposes.
- Background: The petitioner filed an application under Section 154 seeking permission to purchase land for commercial use. The District Magistrate, Nainital, rejected the application by order dated 3 January 2025, allegedly without affording any hearing to the petitioner.
- Petitioner’s Allegation: The rejection was made without providing an opportunity of hearing, violating principles of natural justice.
- State’s Submission: The State counsel contended that the order is appealable before the Commissioner of the concerned division, relying on the amendment introduced by Uttarakhand Act No. 11 of 2025 to the Zamindari Abolition & Land Reforms Act.
Final Outcome
- The Hon'ble Justice Manoj Kumar Tiwari disposed of the petition, granting the petitioner liberty to file an appeal before the Commissioner.
- The appeal must be filed within two weeks from the date of this order (i.e., by 17 August 2026).
- The Court directed that the appeal, if filed within the stipulated period, shall be heard and decided on its merits, and the question of delay shall be ignored.
Topics: Court Order, Land Reform, Appeal Procedure