Bhubaneswar /Konark: The Konark Sun Temple, a source of pride for Odisha, an unparalleled example of Indian architectural excellence and an invaluable treasure of world heritage, is not merely a historical monument. It is a major pillar of Odisha’s cultural identity, glorious history and tourism-based economic development. Built in the 13th century, this unique Sun Temple was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1984.
Along with the preservation of the temple’s heritage, the planned development of its surrounding areas, expansion of tourism infrastructure, livelihoods of local people and the economic progress of Odisha are of immense importance. In such a historically significant area, every inch of land represents not merely property but an invaluable cultural and collective asset of the State.
Against this backdrop, an important decision by the Board Of Revenue concerning more than 11 acres of land situated in front of the Konark Sun Temple has statewide significance. The present estimated market value of this land is reported to be over ₹110 crore.
In this widely discussed land dispute, Satyabrata Sahu, Member, Board Of Revenue has delivered an important ruling. The order passed in 1989 by the-then Commissioner of Land Records and Settlement has been set aside & the two revision cases filed by the Puri Collector with the approval of the State Government have been allowed.
The decision is being regarded as a significant step towards protecting government property, establishing the original ownership of the land and examining the legal validity of old revenue records.
Considering the high value of the land, its strategic location and its connection with government property, the Puri Collector filed two revision cases before the Board Of Revenue in November 2025. Thereafter, continuous hearings in both cases were conducted from January onwards & various legal and revenue-related issues were examined in detail. Complex matters such as the original title to the land, the validity of old Hatapatta documents, previously prepared revenue records and the legal basis
Recognising the importance of a case involving such a valuable State asset, the Member, Board Of Revenue accorded it priority and examined it accordingly. Protecting government land situated near a world-famous heritage site such as Konark is not merely a responsibility of the revenue administration ; it is also essential for safeguarding the State’s collective assets for future generations.
Background of the Land Dispute:
According to the facts of the case, the disputed land situated in Konark Mouza of Puri district was recorded in the old records as Anabadi/Puratana Patita land. Subsequently, in 1989, a portion of this land was recorded as Sthitiban in the name of a private individual by the court of the Commissioner of Land Records and Settlement. The individual had claimed that the land had been granted to him many years earlier through two Hatapatta documents issued by the erstwhile landlord.
Remarkably, the Commissioner of Land Records and Settlement heard the case and ordered the land to be recorded in the name of the private individual within just two months. The Puri Collector had not been given an opportunity to present the facts adequately.
In support of the claim, evidence relating to long-term possession of the land, cultivation, payment of land revenue and subsequent revenue records had been presented as proof of entitlement. However, the fundamental questions were whether the relevant Hatapatta documents were legally valid, whether the persons claimed to have granted the land possessed the legal authority to transfer it and whether such documents could form a lawful basis for creating Sthitiban rights over the land.
