Whether Idols And Objects Of Worship ... vs State
2. Inquiry into the particulars of Adverse Possession
109
Inquiry into the starting point of adverse possession
i.e. dates as to when the paper owner got dispossessed
is an important aspect to be considered. In the instant
case the starting point of adverse possession and other
facts such as the manner in which the possession
operationalized, nature of possession: whether open,
continuous, uninterrupted or hostile possession - have
not been disclosed. An observation has been made in
this regard in S.M. Karim v. Mst. Bibi Sakina [AIR
1964 SC 1254]: Para 5
"Adverse possession must be adequate in continuity,
in publicity and extent and a plea is required at the
least to show when possession becomes adverse so
that the starting point of limitation against the party
affected can be found. There is no evidence here
when possession became adverse, if it at all did, and a
mere suggestion in the relief clause that there was an
uninterrupted possession for "several 12 years" or that
the plaintiff had acquired "an absolute title" was not
enough to raise such a plea. Long possession is not
necessarily adverse possession and the prayer clause
is not a substitute for a plea."