Justice Served: MP High Court Rules in favour of Catholic Church in Land Dispute

Madhya Pradesh, January 16, 2025: In a landmark judgment, the High Court of Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh has ruled in favour of the Catholic Church, bringing an end to a long-standing dispute over the lease of 277 acres of land allocated to St. Francis Orphanage Shyampura of Sagar Diocese.

The orphanage, with a rich history spanning 115 years, was established to provide care and support to orphaned and underprivileged children in the area. The land was initially leased to the Allahabad diocese for 99 years, and when the lease was up for renewal, the institution applied for an extension. However, the Commissioner at the time declined the request, proposing instead that the state government take over the unutilized land for use by the Sagar cantonment.

This decision sparked a series of events that led to frequent harassment of the institution and its personnel by both state and central government agencies, including the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR).

 The case was pending in the High Court of Jabalpur for several years, causing significant uncertainty and concern for the orphanage and its stakeholders.

The final verdict, which has come as a welcome relief to the Catholic Church, is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of upholding the rights of institutions that serve the most vulnerable members of society.

By Catholic Connect Reporter