Bombay HC Clears Valor Estate Subsidiary's Title Over 205-Acre Thane Land

Mumbai, May 4: The Bombay High Court on April 30 dismissed a first appeal filed by the Union of India through its Salt Department, ruling against the government's claim of ownership over approximately 205 acres of land at Village Bhayandar in Thane district. The land is held by Miraland Developers, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Valor Estate (formerly DB Realty).

Background of Dispute

The dispute dates back to an 1870 indenture granting a 999-year lease of approximately 3,688 acres to a private grantee. The Salt Department claimed the "Eksali" lands were intended for salt works and thus under federal jurisdiction.

Key Evidence Against Government

The court observed that a 1938 notification under the Government of India Act, 1935, which listed properties used by the Bombay Salt Department, conspicuously omitted the suit lands. The court also noted the Salt Department did not assert its title until 1983 – over a century after the original grant.

Previous Rulings

The State of Maharashtra had already recognized Miraland's predecessors as "superior holders" under the Salsette Estates Act of 1951. Revenue proceedings in 2010 concluded the Salt Department had no right, title or interest in the lands.

Court's Observation

The Bombay High Court emphasized that the Union of India failed to provide sufficient evidence to overturn the Thane Civil Court's 2018 judgment. The bench remarked that the appellant failed to establish its title and ownership, declining to remand the matter for further adjudication.

The litigation has spanned over four decades, encompassing proceedings before revenue authorities, the Bombay High Court, and the Supreme Court.