Reviewed case brief
Collector of Masulipatam v. Cavaly Venkata Narrainapah
(1867) 8 MIA 529
## Summary
- Court
- Privy Council
- Year
- 1867
- Subjects
- Land Laws
- Reviewed
- 2026-06-28
Rule established
The doctrine of bona vacantia applies in India. Property of a person who dies intestate without any heirs devolves upon the State as the ultimate owner, not by way of inheritance but by virtue of sovereignty. The State takes as sovereign, not as heir.
Facts
Issues
Held
Ratio decidendi
How to use it in an exam
Editorial source
(1867) 8 MIA 529 (Privy Council)
Educational summary only. Read the reported judgment or an authorised law report before relying on the case professionally.