Mr. Krishnamurthy, an 80 year old ex- Indian-Airforce serviceman recently filed a writ petition in Karnataka High Court requesting relief from the Tahisaldar and The Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Bangalore North. He is requesting a speedy transfer of Katha and land RTC registration that has been pending for two decades.

Mr. Krishnamurthy had purchased the land from an elderly widow in 1995 and despite several appeals to the Tahisaldar and DC, the Katha and government land RTC records have not been updated in his name.

In 1979, nearly three decades ago, Karnataka government had granted ½ acre (about 20 ‘guntas’) of agricultural land to a landless widow, Rudramma. She received a document for the land located in Yelahanka Hobli, North Bangalore signed by the Deputy Commissioner that indicated such a grant. About twenty years after she received the grant, Rudramma decided to sell the land as she was in need of money.

In 1995, Rudramma signed a ‘sale deed’ with Krishnamurthy, transferring her rights over the land to him in exchange for some money. A few years after Rudramma sold the land, she passed away. After Krishnamurthy took over the paperwork he approached the office of Tahisaldar requesting them to register the property in his name. The government officials continue to delay the property registration.

Krishnamurthy began running from pillar to post trying to get the government records updated in his name. In the past two decades, he sent appeal after appeal to the office of Tahsildar, District Commissioner and sundry government officials. Krishnamurthy also contacted the local village accountant and a member of the village Panchayat who ‘allowed’ him to build a small shed and put a fence around the parcel of land. During the past two decades, Krishnamurthy has been frequently visiting the land, tending to the shed and fencing.

About, 10 years ago, Krishnamurthy received a notification from Bangalore North district officials asking him to produce documents like the original grant letter and sale deed. However, despite producing the documents, they did not complete the registration of the land in his name.

It is unclear what administrative hurdle has been blocking the registration of land title in Krishnamurthy’s name. However, the process seems to have needlessly dragged on for over 2 decades. Mr. Krishnamurthy is undergoing treatment for Prostate Cancer at the Airforce’s Command Hospital and is dependent on his son for support. He would like to see the land-saga completed in his lifetime.

After endless failed attempts requesting government officials to register, Krishnamurthy recently filed a Writ Petition in the Karnataka High Court seeking relief in the matter. He is requesting the Court to direct the officials to speedily register the title of land in his name and restore his rights. He is hoping that he can and his family can enjoy the deserved benefits in his sunset years.