Supreme Court Appoints Mediator for Sridevi ECR Land Dispute
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TL;DR
- Supreme Court refers dispute over Sridevi's ECR land to mediation.
- A retired High Court judge appointed as mediator.
- Case adjourned to December 18 pending mediation results.
- If mediation fails, appeal proceedings will resume.
Overview
The Supreme Court of India has referred a long-standing property dispute involving late actor Sridevi's 2.7-acre land on Chennai's East Coast Road to mediation. The dispute centers on rights claimed by relatives of the earlier landowner against Sridevi's family, who have maintained possession for over three decades. A retired High Court judge will mediate the case, with formal legal proceedings adjourned until December 18 if no settlement is reached.
What Happened
The Supreme Court of India took up an appeal concerning a disputed 2.7-acre property on Chennai's East Coast Road, originally purchased by late actress Sridevi in 1988.
Relatives of the previous owner, Sambandha Mudaliar, filed suit in Chengalpattu Additional Sessions Court claiming rights, but the court declined to dismiss the case, prompting further appeals.
The Madras High Court subsequently dismissed the claims of M.C. Sivagami and M.C. Natarajan. They then appealed to the Supreme Court.
During proceedings, the petitioners argued that one-fifth of the property belonged to their father and challenged the legitimacy of the original sale. The Kapoor family, now in possession, countered that the plaintiffs lacked standing.
The Supreme Court, noting potential rights for the petitioners, appointed an ex-High Court judge as mediator and adjourned the case to December 18, warning notices would follow if mediation fails.
Context
The Sridevi ECR land dispute stems from a contested 1988 purchase by the late actress from a family who now claim improper sale without the consent of all heirs.
Previous court proceedings in Tamil Nadu courts have seen the claims dismissed before being elevated to the Supreme Court.
Why It Matters
- The case highlights Supreme Court-directed mediation in a family and property dispute.
- The outcome may influence similar succession and title disputes involving celebrity estates in India.