The complex issue of private beach ownership exists in India. Although there are some private coastal areas, it’s uncertain if beaches in India fall under the category of private property. State-by-state variations in beach ownership and public access laws give rise to discussions about the effects on the environment. In this article, Propertywala goes deeper into the subject and attempts to comprehend it.
The ownership rights debate surrounding beaches has connections with historical precedents and current concerns, spanning from the pristine shores of Goa to the picturesque coasts of Kerala. In India, exclusive beach ownership raises questions about cultural heritage, public access, and environmental preservation. The interaction of social dynamics, legal disputes, and tourism-related effects illustrates the depth of the problem.
Can a beach be private property in India? We will examine this topic and how difficult it is for the nation to balance development and preservation.
What constitutes private property ownership?
In India, “private ownership of property” refers to the sole legal authority that a person, business, or other entity has over a plot of land, real estate, or other tangible assets. It gives the owner the right to keep, use, give away, and bar others from using the property.
Within the parameters of Indian property laws, the owner gets to use the property as they see fit and to assume specific responsibilities. Ownership typically occurs through legal documents such as titles, deeds, or conveyances. However, what distinguishes possession from ownership? In this article’s next section, let us find out.
The distinction between ownership and possession
Possession and ownership are two different legal concepts in India. The act of physically controlling or occupying a piece of property is called possession. One does not necessarily own property when it is in their possession; tenants are individuals who look after property on behalf of owners. Ownership is a more expansive legal concept than possession, and it refers to actual physical control or occupation.
The legal right to possess, use, and dispose of property, including real estate or land, in any way that’s allowed by law is, in essence, what ownership refers to. It includes the authority to manage the asset and reap its rewards.
Let us see whether a beach in India can be considered private property in the next phase.
Does India allow a beach to belong to someone else?
While beaches are usually open to the public, some coastal states in India may identify some areas as “Private Access Beaches” to attract tourists. Many hotels and resorts have private beaches that are by local ordinances. Owners may limit access to be exclusive to guests, but under certain circumstances, some laws allow limited public use.
The Supreme Court ruled in 2022 in a landmark decision that the public has the right to the unimpeded and undistributed enjoyment of natural resources like beaches, forests, rivers, and water bodies. It is thus feasible to say that while you can own a beach, you can also possess it.
In conclusion, the debate over beach ownership in India is akin to balancing ownership flights with ecological necessities. India’s ability to navigate this complex situation highlights the need to strike a balance between regulations and ensure that the coastline develops sustainably.