ECC 512/2000

This case involved the validity of a sale of land which was subject to legislation on agricultural reform. A key point was whether there was a prohibition on selling less than 5 acres of land of this type if the full price was not paid.

Background

A group of heirs filed a case before the court of first instance against the purchasers and other requesting that they be empowered to use some agricultural land. The heirs also requested that the purchasers hand over the land to them with the all the produce from it. The heirs claimed that they owned the land as a result of agriculture reforms and inheritance. However, the purchasers had seized it without having the right to do so; therefore, the heirs filed the claim. The court of first instance requested the purchasers hand over the land. The buyers appealed the ruling but the court of appeal upheld the ruling.

Decision