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Sridhevi (education)     27 January 2025

Civil suit wrong boundaries

I purchased 200 sq yards at sy.no 492/F3,hanumkonda but in year we came to know that vendor had cheated by showing at other location.now after survey we came to know correct boundaries of property.

Query:

1 can we file for civil suit for getting properrty at correct boundaries?

2 what kind of suit we need to file title declaration or suit under specific relief act

3 Can we file criminal case for tresspas since boundaries are different



 9 Replies

T. Kalaiselvan, Advocate (Advocate)     27 January 2025

You can lodge  a criminal complaint against the seller for the acts of cheating which will put pressure on him so that he will be forced to execute a registered rectification deed to rectify the error if it is rectifiable or to cancel the sale deed by executing a joint cancellation deed and return your money

Sridhevi (education)     27 January 2025

can we file for civil suit for getting properrty at correct boundaries?

 

T. Kalaiselvan, Advocate (Advocate)     27 January 2025

If it is not an act of cheating as alleged by you then you can look for remedy through civil laws.

P. Venu (Advocate)     28 January 2025

Yes, a criminal action lies. However, a criminal action in lies only if there is inherent and willful wrong doing.

Sridhevi (education)     28 January 2025

but chatgpt saying below...against your sugession.pls comment 

 

Based on your scenario where you purchased property based on incorrect boundaries, and after discovering the mistake (or alleged fraud) through a survey, here's how you can proceed with both civil and criminal remedies:

1. Can you file a civil suit for getting the property at the correct boundaries?

Yes, you can file a civil suit to get the property at the correct boundaries.

  • Since the boundaries of the property mentioned in the sale deed are incorrect and the vendor had misrepresented the land's location, you can approach the court for rectification of the sale deed.
  • A suit for declaration of title and rectification of boundaries could be appropriate. In this case, you are seeking to clarify and correct the boundaries and ensure that the property you have purchased is as per the agreed-upon terms, and to reflect the accurate survey numbers and measurements.

You may file a civil suit for declaration of title and rectification of the sale deed or specific performance if the vendor refuses to cooperate in executing a rectified deed.

Kind of Suit:

  • You would likely need to file a Title Declaration suit if the boundaries are incorrect and you seek to correct the ownership and boundaries in the legal records.
  • Alternatively, if you believe that the vendor's actions constitute fraud or misrepresentation, a suit under the Specific Relief Act (for specific performance of contract or rectification of the deed) may be more suitable.

2. What kind of suit should you file: Title Declaration or Specific Relief Act?

  • Title Declaration Suit: If the issue lies in the ownership and the vendor has misrepresented the property (including the boundaries), a suit for declaration of title is suitable.
  • Suit under Specific Relief Act: If the sale deed itself is incorrect or needs rectification, you may file for specific performance or rectification of the deed under the Specific Relief Act. This would help in getting the deed corrected to reflect the accurate boundaries or canceling the deed if necessary.

Suit under Specific Relief Act (Section 26):

  • Section 26 of the Specific Relief Act allows for the rectification of contracts, including sale deeds, when there is a mistake in the document (such as incorrect boundaries in the sale deed).
  • If the vendor is unwilling to cooperate, you can approach the court for a rectification or cancellation of the deed.

3. Can you file a criminal case for trespass since the boundaries are different?

Yes, you can file a criminal case for trespass, but the basis would depend on the specific circumstances:

  • Criminal Case for Cheating: If the vendor fraudulently misrepresented the property boundaries to you during the transaction, you can file a criminal complaint for cheating under Section 420 of the IPC. This would apply if the vendor intentionally deceived you by showing the wrong boundaries and made you pay for land that was not what was represented.

  • Trespass: If the vendor or any other party is illegally occupying or entering the land after the sale, you could file a criminal complaint for trespassing under Section 441 of the IPC. Trespassing involves unauthorized entry into or occupation of someone else's property. In this case, you can file a complaint if the vendor or others have entered your land after the sale, knowing that you are the rightful owner.

  • Section 420 (Cheating): If the vendor knowingly misrepresented the boundaries to you, this is cheating, and you can file a criminal complaint under Section 420 IPC, which would allow you to seek restitution (either a rectification of the property documents or return of your money, if possible).

Summary of Actions You Can Take:

  1. Civil Remedy:
    • File a civil suit for declaration of title and rectification of boundaries.
    • Alternatively, file a suit under the Specific Relief Act for rectification of the sale deed or for specific performance if there was a contractual breach.
  2. Criminal Remedy:
    • If there was fraud or misrepresentation by the vendor, file a criminal case for cheating under Section 420 IPC.
    • If the vendor or others are trespassing on the property (after the sale), file a criminal case for trespass under Section 441 IPC.

It's advisable to consult with a property lawyer to get the proper guidance on how to proceed with both civil and criminal remedies, as each case can have unique facts and nuances that require legal expertise.

 
 
 
 
 

T. Kalaiselvan, Advocate (Advocate)     28 January 2025

You are at your liberty to take decision on the basis of the information you feel would be proper.

R.K Nanda (Advocate)     31 January 2025

1.yes.

2.file suit under specific relief act in court. 

3.yes.

Sankalp Tiwari   03 February 2025

You can definitely file your suit for correction of boundaries and possession at the proper place. As you have been deceived about the exact place of the property, filing of a suit for declaration of title and possession under Section 34 of the Specific Relief Act is well in place.

You shall need to incorporate the following aspects in this very suit: Seek a declaration that you are the rightful owner of the property located at the correct survey boundaries as per official records. Seek possession if the said property is being occupied or trespassing by any person. You can also request the court to appoint a Survey Commissioner under Order XXVI, Rule 9 of the Civil Procedure Code to demarcate and confirm the correct property boundaries. The survey report will be crucial evidence.

If the sale agreement between you and the vendor stipulated a specific property location (which is not delivered), you can also file a suit for specific performance under Section 10 of the Specific Relief Act, 1963. This would compel the vendor to hand over possession of the correct property as agreed upon. If the seller does not own the right plot, then a different remedy like compensation or an alternative piece of land may be claimed. You can file a criminal complaint under Sections 415 and 420 of the Indian Penal Code for cheating and fraudulent misrepresentation by the seller.

Section 420 deals with dishonestly inducing the delivery of property by means of fraudulent means. The primary ingredient for criminal trespass under Section 447 of the IPC is that the accused must have made unlawful entry into the property. In case third parties are wrongfully occupying your property, then a complaint for trespass may be possible, depending upon the facts and circumstances.

Refer to the case Sankalp Cooperative Housing Society Ltd. v. Suresh Haribhau Vidhate, 2015, the Supreme Court highlighted the role of survey reports in settling property boundary disputes and held that reports appointed by a surveyor can decisively clarify property boundaries for legal disputes.

P. Venu (Advocate)     06 February 2025

Originally posted by : P. Venu
Yes, a criminal action lies. However, a criminal action in lies only if there is inherent and willful wrong doing.

My aboe reply may be read as "Yes, no criminal action lies .............." The lapse is regretted.


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