Allahabad High Court Orders Urgent Resolution for Widow of 1971 War Martyr's Land Entitlement

Court Directs State to Expedite Compliance in Long-Pending Land Allocation Case Since 1974

In a significant judgment, the Allahabad High Court has directed the State of Uttar Pradesh to urgently resolve a long-pending issue involving the widow of a 1971 war martyr. The petitioner, Sudama, has been entitled to 5 bighas of land since 1974 but has only received half of it, amounting to 2.5 bighas. The court, comprising Justices Atul Sreedharan and Anish Kumar Gupta, emphasized the critical need to address this longstanding injustice promptly.

The court's directive came following a writ petition filed by Sudama, highlighting her prolonged struggle for rightful land allocation promised to her as a widow of a martyr. The judgment pointed out the need for immediate action by the State to fulfill its obligations and rectify the historical oversight.

During the hearing, the court expressed dismay over the delay and the apparent neglect of the widow's rightful claims, acknowledging it as a "shocking testimony of the state of affairs of the entire society." Recognizing the urgency, the court mandated the State to seek instructions and undertake all necessary measures to ensure the petitioner’s entitlement is satisfied without further delay.

The court ordered the State to submit a compliance report by December 8, 2025, demonstrating concrete steps taken to resolve the matter. The case is scheduled to be heard again on the same date, with the court placing it at the top of the list to ensure priority attention.

This judgment underscores the judiciary's role in addressing grievances related to war veterans' families and emphasizes the necessity of timely government action in delivering justice to those who have served the nation.

Bottom Line:

Widow of a martyr from the 1971 war entitled to 5 bighas of land but granted only 2.5 bighas - Court emphasizes urgency in addressing such cases of long-pending injustice and directs the State to take immediate action to ensure the petitioner's claim is satisfied.

Statutory provision(s): Land entitlement.

Sudama v. State Of U.P., (Allahabad)(DB) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2813682