New Delhi: After more than 70 years of independence, the Supreme Court of India brought closure to a Portuguese-era land dispute in Dadra and Nagar Haveli. The court upheld an April 30, 1974, order by the Collector of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, which rescinded possession rights over land granted to Indians by the former Portuguese government for cultivation.

A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant, Dipankar Datta and N K Singh highlighted the striking reality that even after 78 years, courts are still resolving claims originating from colonial powers that once exploited India’s resources.

Dadra and Nagar Haveli joined India in 1961, following liberation from Portuguese rule in 1954 and its integration as a Union Territory. During Portuguese rule, certain individuals received inheritable pos

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