The High Court of Jabalpur has delivered a landmark verdict in favor of the Catholic Church, bringing an end to a long-standing legal battle over 277 acres of land leased to St. Francis Orphanage Shyampura under the Sagar Diocese.
The orphanage, established 115 years ago, has been a lifeline for orphaned and underprivileged children in the region, according to Catholic Connect, the official news service of the Church in India.
The land, originally leased to the Allahabad Diocese for 99 years, became a point of contention when its lease expired, and a renewal application was denied.
The state government, through its Commissioner, sought to reclaim unused portions of the land for the Sagar cantonment.
The decision led to years of legal disputes and what the Catholic Church described as persistent challenges from both state and central agencies, including the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR).
The High Court’s decision to uphold the Church’s right to the land marks a significant victory for the institution.
The ruling provides clarity and stability for the orphanage, which had faced years of uncertainty, allowing it to continue its mission of supporting vulnerable communities.
The case is seen as a key moment in safeguarding the rights of organizations dedicated to social service, particularly those addressing the needs of marginalized groups.
Observers say the judgment reinforces the importance of legal perseverance in the face of bureaucratic and institutional challenges.
