The Law of Specific Relief - Page 312

LAW OF SPECIFIC RELIEF 291

(iii) Prior possession, however short, is itself a title against a mere wrong-doer and a bare plea of anterior possession, and dispossession, is in fact a good ground for recovery of possession,

(1) Where the dispossessor can prove no title, or

(2) Where neither party can prove a title.

Statement of the Position

A is B in Possession dispossessed by

(a) with title

(b) (a) without without title title

(b) with title

I. Suit brought within 6 months.—

(a) and (a) A can recover possession under Section 9 irrespective of title. (b) and (b)

(b) and (a)

II. In a suit brought after six months.—

(a) and (a) A can recover, because the title is in A. (b) and (b) A cannot recover, because the title is in B. (b) and (a) A can recover, because of A’s anterior possession.

Entitled to Possession

A right to possession exists either.—

(i) as a part of ownership or

(ii) independently of ownership, as a temporary or special right.

These special rights arise either.—

(i) by the act of the owner or,

(ii) otherwise than by the act of the owner.