This is the story of Sopan Narsinga Gaikwad

1968: Sopan, aged 55 years, hailing from rural Maharashtra, purchased a plot of land through a registered sale deed. Soon after, he came to know that it was already mortgaged to a bank in lieu of the loan taken by the original owner.

1969: The bank issues a notice to him on default of loan by original owner. Sopan approaches the courts to enforce his rights. 

1982 (14 years after purchase): A trial court issues a decree in his favour. Original owner moves court. Sopan is now 69 years old. 

1987 (19 years after purchase): High court reverses the decree that favored him. Sopan is 74 years old. 

1988 (20 years after purchase): Sopan moves High court against the HC order. Sopan is 75 years old. 

2015 (47 Years after purchase and 27 years after appeal): Bombay High Court dismisses the appeal. Sopan appeals to a larger bench. Sopan is 102 years old. 

2019(51 years after purchase): Bombay HC dismisses the second appeal too for delayed filing and default for non appearance. Sopan never knew his lawyers did not appear in court. Sopan hails from Rural Maharashtra and is 106 years old now. 

2021(53 years after purchase): Sopan appeals in the Supreme Court against the HC order. Sopan is 108 years old. 

12 July 2021( 53 years after purchase): SC agrees to hear Sopan's appeal. Sopan is 108 years old. 

12 July 2021: The lawyer of Sopan informs the court that his client has died. The information from Rural Maharashtra took time to reach the advocate. Sopan died aged 108 years. 

Sopan bought land and paid for it when he was 55. Sopan died at age 108, almost 53 years since he bought the land. He still doesn't have ownership of his Bonafide claim and the court is still deciding his ownership. 

This is the story of Sopan Narsinga Gaikwad.

Or is it the story of Indian Judicial system?

 https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/108-year-old-maharashtra-man-dies-just-before-sc-admits-land-dispute-plea-1831108-2021-07-22

Gems from the judiciary...The Indian Judiciary is for the rich and not for the common man. Replace the system with recruitment through merit and not through families ruling the courts. Save Judiciary!