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IMPORTANT JUDGMENTS RECOGNIZING THE NOBLE PROFESSION OF TEACHERS

The fifth of September, every year since 1962 is celebrated as the ‘Teacher’s day’ in India. It is in remembrance of the Second President of India Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, whose birth anniversary falls on that day. The blog intends to quote some observations made by the Honorable Supreme Court in some of its judgments about the Noble profession of teaching which are as follows:-

In SUSHMITA BASU & ORS VS BALLYGUNGE SIKSHA SAMITY, the Supreme Court observed:

” We must remember that the profession of teaching is a noble profession. It is not an employment in the sense of it being merely an earner of bread and butter. A teacher fulfils a great role in the life of the nation. He is the ‘guru’. It is the teacher, who moulds its future citizens by imparting to his students not only knowledge, but also a sense of duty, righteousness and dedication to the welfare of the nation, in addition to other qualities of head and heart. The main asset of a teacher is his students former and present. Teachers who have lived up to ideals are held in great esteem by their disciples. The position of the Guru, the teacher, in our ethos is equal to that of God (Matha Pitha Guru Daivam). The teachers of today must ensure that this great Indian concept and the reverential position they hold, is not sacrificed at the altar of avarice.”

In AVINASH NAGRA VS NAVODAYA VIDYALAYA SAMITI, the Supreme Court observed that the Indian society has elevated the teacher as `Guru Brahma, Gurur Vishnu Guru Devo Maheswaraha’. Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. Radhakrishnan and Swami Vivekananda, the bench said:

“As Brahma, the teacher creates knowledge, learning, wisdom and also creates out of his students, men and women, equipped with ability and knowledge, discipline and intellectualism to enable them to face the challenges of their lives. As Vishnu, the teachers is preserver of learning. As Maheswara, he destroys ignorance. Obviously, therefore, the teacher was placed on the pedestal below the parents. The State has taken care of service conditions of the teacher and he owed dual fundamental duties to himself and to the society. As a member of the noble teaching profession and a citizen of India he should always be willing, self-disciplined, dedicated with integrity to remain ever a learner of knowledge, intelligently to articulate and communicate and imbibe in his students, as social duty, to impart education, to bring them up with discipline, inculcate to abjure violence and to develop scientific temper with a spirit of enquiry and reform constantly to rise to higher levels in any walk of life nurturing Constitutional ideals enshrined in Article 51A so as to make the students responsible citizens of the country. Thus the teacher either individually or collectively as a community of teachers, should regenerate this dedication with a bent of spiritualism in broader perspective of the Constitutionalism with secular ideologies enshrined in the Constitution as an arm of the State to establish egalitarian social order under the rule of law.”

In another context, the Supreme Court IN ANDHRA KESARI EDUCATIONAL SOCIETY VS DIRECTOR OF SCHOOL EDUCATION , observed:

“Though teaching is the last choice in the job market, the role of teachers is central to all processes of formal education. The teacher alone could bring out the skills and intellectual capabilities of students. He is the ‘engine’ of the educational system. He is a principal instrument in awakening the child to cultural values.”

In MANAGER, NIRMALA SENIOR, SECONDARY SCHOOL, PORT BLAIR VS. NI KHAN, the Court noted that the qualifications and the character of the teachers are really important

Educational institutions are temples of learning. The virtues of human intelligence are mastered and harmonised by education. Where there is complete harmony between the teacher and the taught, where the teacher imparts and the student receives, where there is complete dedication of the teacher and the taught in learning, where there is discipline between the teacher and the taught, where both are worshipers of learning, no discord or challenge will arise. An educational institution runs smoothly when the teacher and the taught are engaged in the common ideal of pursuit of knowledge. It is, therefore, manifest that the appointment of teachers is an important part in educational institutions. The qualifications and the character of the teachers are really important.”

In STATE OF MAHARASHTRA V. VIKAS SAHEBRAO ROUNDALE, the Supreme Court said:

“The teacher plays pivotal role in moulding the career, character and moral fibres and aptitude for educational excellence in impressive young children. Formal education needs proper equipping of the teachers to meet the challenges of the day to impart lessons with latest techniques to the students on secular, scientific and rational outlook. A well-equipped teacher could bring the needed skills and intellectual capabilities to the students in their pursuits. The teacher is adorned as Gurudevobhava, next after parents, as he is a principal instrument to awakening the child to the cultural ethos, intellectual excellence and discipline.”

In ST. JOHNS’ TEACHERS TRAINING INSTITUTE (FOR WOMEN), MADURAI V. STATE OF TAMIL NADU, it was observed:

“The teacher-education programme has to be redesigned to bring in a system of education which can prepare the student-teacher to shoulder the responsibility of imparting education with a living dynamism. Education being closely interrelated to life the well trained teacher can instil an aesthetic excellence in the life of his pupil. The traditional, stereotyped, lifeless and dull pattern of “chalk, talk and teach” method has to be replaced by a more vibrant system with improved methods of teaching, to achieve qualitative excellence in teacher- education.”

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Understanding the Basics: Sale, Lease, and Mortgage Explained

When it comes to property transactions, terms like “sale,” “lease,” and “mortgage” are commonly used, but they can be confusing. Understanding the differences between these concepts is crucial for anyone involved in buying, renting, or financing property. Let’s break down these basic concepts in simple terms.

Sale: The Complete Transfer of Ownership

A sale is a transaction where the ownership of a property is fully transferred from one person (the seller) to another (the buyer). Once the sale is complete, the buyer becomes the new owner of the property, with all rights and responsibilities attached to it. The seller, in return, receives the agreed-upon payment, and their connection with the property ends. In simple terms, a sale is like buying something from a store—once you pay for it, it’s yours, and you can do whatever you like with it.

Lease: Temporary Use of Property

A lease, on the other hand, does not involve transferring ownership. Instead, it allows one person (the tenant) to use the property owned by another person (the landlord) for a specific period. Tenants pay rent to landlords during this time. The lease agreement outlines the terms, such as the duration of the lease, rent amount, and any rules for using the property. At the end of the lease term, the tenant must return the property to the landlord unless the lease is renewed. Think of a lease as renting a car—you can use it, but it doesn’t belong to you.

Mortgage: Securing a Loan with Property

A mortgage is a bit different. It’s a legal agreement where a property is used as security for a loan. When someone wants to buy a property but doesn’t have enough money, they can borrow from a bank or lender. The property itself serves as collateral, meaning that if the borrower fails to repay the loan, the lender has the right to take the property. In a mortgage, the ownership remains with the borrower, but the lender has a claim on the property until the loan is fully paid off. It’s similar to borrowing money with a valuable item as a guarantee.

Conclusion

Understanding the differences between a sale, lease, and mortgage is essential whether you’re buying, renting, or borrowing against a property. A sale transfers full ownership, a lease provides temporary use, and a mortgage secures a loan with the property as collateral. Each has its unique implications, so it’s important to choose the right option based on your needs.

PROPERTY LAW AND THE ANCIENT SCRIPTURES

Property law refers to the laws and regulations that govern the ownership and use of land, buildings, and other tangible and intangible assets. In ancient India, the property law was described in Hindu scriptures such as the Mahabharata and Ramayana. These scriptures are considered to be the source of traditional Hindu law and provided guidelines for property ownership, inheritance, and other related matters.

The Mahabharata is one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India, dated to the late 4th Millenium BCE, although portions were added to it until much later in the 4th century BCE. It narrates the struggle between two groups of cousins in the Kurukshetra War and the fates of the Kaurava and the Pāṇḍava princess and their successors. The original authorship is generally attributed to Vyasa, who is also a character part of the narrative, i.e., the great war takes place between his biological grandchildren. The two great epics, Mahabharata and Ramayana, depict a rich and complex system of property law that existed in ancient India. The laws were based on the principles of justice, equity, and fairness, and were designed to protect the rights of property owners and to prevent disputes.

In the Mahabharata, property rights are described as an essential aspect of society and are closely tied to social status and family lineage. The epic mentions the inheritance of property from father to son and the transfer of property through gift, sale, or exchange. In the Mahabharata, the concept of property law is discussed in relation to the inheritance of the kingdom of Hastinapura. The scripture outlines the rules of inheritance, including the division of property among the heirs. It also mentions the rights of the widows and their role in the management of property. For example, the Mahabharata states that a widow has the right to inherit her husband’s property and is entitled to manage it, but she cannot dispose of it without the consent of her sons or other male relatives. The laws of inheritance are well defined, and the eldest son is usually considered the heir to the father’s property. The Mahabharata also mentions the concept of a joint family, where property is held and managed by a group of relatives rather than by individual members. In such a family, the head of the household is responsible for managing and distributing the property, and all members have a stake in the property.

Property law is depicted as being central to the resolution of disputes between individuals and the resolution of conflicts between different communities. One of the most well-known examples of property law in the Mahabharata is the story of King Janamejaya and Takshaka, who were engaged in a dispute over the ownership of a valuable piece of land. In this story, King Janamejaya claimed that the land was his rightful property, while Takshaka claimed that he had acquired it through a legal transfer of ownership. The case was eventually resolved through the intervention of a wise sage, who ruled that King Janamejaya was entitled to the land and that Takshaka had no claim to it.

In the Ramayana, the property law is depicted in the context of the story of King Dasharatha and his sons. The scripture mentions the laws of inheritance, including the division of property among the heirs. It also describes the concept of gifts, where individuals can give property to others without expecting anything in return. The Ramayana also mentions the principle of abandonment, where a person can renounce his or her rights to property. Property law is depicted as being a key aspect of the society and culture of ancient India. The concept of private property is emphasized, with King Janaka being depicted as one of the earliest proponents of individual property rights. The epic mentions that King Janaka’s subjects held the right to own and cultivate land, trade, and engage in commerce. The laws of property ownership and transfer are also depicted in detail, with transactions such as sale, gift, or mortgage being mentioned.

One of the most notable aspects of property law in the Ramayana is the recognition of women’s property rights. The epic mentions that women had the right to own property, including land and movable assets, and that they could inherit, sell, or gift their property to others. This was a significant departure from the patriarchal societies of the time and demonstrated the importance of women’s property rights in ancient India. For example, the story of King Dasharatha and Queen Kaushalya highlights the importance of property law in resolving disputes over inheritance. King Dasharatha had three wives, and when he died, each wife claimed a share of his property. The case was eventually resolved through the intervention of Rama, who ruled that Queen Kaushalya was entitled to the largest share of the property, as she was King Dasharatha’s first wife and the mother of his eldest son.

Despite the fact, that these scriptures are thousands of years old, their principles are still applicable in present times. In India, the Hindu Succession Act of 1956 incorporates many of the traditional Hindu laws of inheritance and property ownership. This act recognizes the rights of widows and provides for the division of property among the heirs. The act also defines the concept of gifts and outlines the rules of inheritance.

In conclusion, the Mahabharata and Ramayana provide valuable insights into the property law of ancient India. The principles outlined in these scriptures are still applicable in modern times and have been incorporated into the Hindu Succession Act of 1956. These scriptures provide a rich source of legal knowledge and are still considered relevant today.

In conclusion, the property law depicted in the Mahabharata and Ramayana reflects the rich and complex system of property rights that existed in ancient India. The laws and customs of property ownership and transfer were well defined and emphasized the importance of property rights in society. The recognition of women’s property rights and the depiction of a joint family system demonstrate the progressive and forward-thinking nature of the property law in ancient India. The property law in Mahabharata and Ramayana played a significant role in regulating the ownership and transfer of property in ancient India. These laws were based on the principles of justice, equity, and fairness and were designed to protect the rights of property owners and to prevent disputes. Through the various stories and examples depicted in these epic poems, we can see the importance of property law in resolving disputes and maintaining peace and stability in ancient Indian society.

A Evolution History Of Property Rights Through The Lens Of Constitution Since Independence

As we celebrate another year of India’s independence, let’s take a moment to reflect on how our nation has grown and adapted its laws to meet the changing needs of its people. One fascinating area that showcases this evolution is the right to property, a concept that has undergone significant changes since we gained our freedom in 1947.

When India broke free from colonial rule, our founding fathers enshrined the right to property as a fundamental right in our Constitution. This decision reflected the importance of individual rights in our newly formed democracy. However, as our young nation faced the challenges of development and social inequality, we realized that this right needed to evolve.

The journey of property rights in independent India is a testament to our country’s commitment to balancing individual freedoms with the greater good of society. Let’s trace this path:

  1. In the early years of independence, our Constitution protected property rights robustly. It guaranteed all citizens the right to acquire, hold, and dispose of property. This was a significant shift from colonial times when property ownership was often restricted.
  2. As we grew as a nation, we recognized the need for flexibility. The Constitution allowed the State to impose reasonable restrictions on property rights to serve public welfare and protect the interests of Scheduled Tribes. This showcased our commitment to social justice – a key principle that has guided us since independence.
  3. A major shift came in 1978 with the 44th Constitutional Amendment. The right to property ceased to be a fundamental right but continued as a constitutional right under Article 300A. This change aligned our laws more closely with the goals of social, economic, and political justice – principles that have been at the heart of our nation-building efforts.
  4. Today, Article 300A ensures that no person can be deprived of their property except by the authority of law. This means that property can only be acquired through acts of Parliament or State Legislatures, not by executive order. It’s a safeguard that underscores the importance we place on democratic decision-making – a value we’ve held dear since our first day of independence.
  5. Over the years, various amendments and court judgments have further refined our property laws. For instance, the recent case of Jilu bhai Nambhai Khachar v. State of Gujarat reaffirmed that while property rights are no longer fundamental rights, they remain protected under our Constitution.

As we hoist our tricolor this Independence Day, let’s appreciate how the evolution of property rights reflects our nation’s growth. From the Transfer of Property Act to modern concepts of sale deeds, mortgage deeds, and lease agreements, our legal framework has adapted to support a developing economy while striving for social justice.

This journey of property rights is a shining example of how India has charted its own course since 1947. It shows our ability to learn, adapt, and progress while staying true to our core values of democracy, justice, and equality.

So, as we celebrate our independence, let’s take pride in how far we’ve come. The story of property rights in India is not just about legal changes – it’s about a nation’s commitment to growth, fairness, and the wellbeing of all its citizens. It’s a reminder that the task of nation-building is ongoing, and that each of us has a role to play in shaping the India of tomorrow.

Jai Hind!🇮🇳🇮🇳

Procedure of Legal Transfer of Ownership Title of Property

The title of a property depicts the ownership rights of a person. When there is a transfer of property from the original owner to another person, the ownership changes and therefore, the title of the property needs to be changed. The new owner’s name needs to be substituted for the previous owner in the records of the government.

With the transfer of property, bundle of rights are also transferred. The new owner gets all the entitlements and benefits in respect of the property including the right to sell, mortgage, lien, gift, etc. Therefore, for ensuring valid and legal transfer, it is most necessary to adhere to various rules in law for the transfer of property title.

In India, the legal transfer of property title is surrounded by difficulties, requires proper legal document drafting, execution & registration and payment of requisite government duty to the concerned authorities.

Therefore, to avoid legal battles in the procedure to complete transfer of property title as per law, it is always advisable to take assistance of top property legal experts or top law firms’ services.

Ways of transfer of Property

There are several ways in which the Transfer of property takes place. It is vital to know first how a person acquires the title in order to decide the right way of transfer of property title. A property can be acquired/ obtained by a person in many ways, a few of which are:

  • Inheritance
  • Will
  • Gift
  • Sale deed
  • Any other kind of transfer

Inheritance:

Inheritance means when the owner of a property dies, the property devolves upon all the legal heirs of the deceased by way of law of succession.

In such situations, it becomes necessary for the legal heirs upon whom the property devolves to apply to the concerned department/authority and get the property title transferred/ updated in their names in the records of the department. This is the legal transfer of property title.

Even when there are more than one legal heir who inherits the title, it is permissible under law for one or more legal heir to release/ relinquish/ give up their share inherited in the property in favour of all/ any other legal heir, wherein for the purpose of transfer of their property title, proper transfer deed need to be executed and registered and the name will then be accordingly updated in the records of the concerned department.

Will:

In cases, where the deceased dies leaving behind a WILL bequeathing a property in favour of the beneficiary named in the WILL, the ownership of the property devolves upon the beneficiary named in the WILL after the death of deceased. A WILL may be registered or unregistered under the law. However, it is advisable to get the WILL probated from the Court of law, which grants a certificate with respect to the genuineness of the WILL and grants more legality to the WILL and thereupon easier to get the title of the property transferred/ updated in the records of the concerned department/ authority.

Transfer Deed:

When the property is acquired by a person vide a transfer deed such as sale deed, gift deed, etc., the title of the property get transferred in the name of the person purchasing the property upon the registration of such transfer deed by payment of proper government duty/ fees. The deeds are registered in the office of Sub-Registrars.

Whenever there is a legal transfer of title of a property, it is necessary that the fact of change in ownership must be recorded in the public records.

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