Raipur: In a remarkable legal twist, a 53-year-old farmer from Raipur in Chhattisgarh has knocked on the doors of the Supreme Court, claiming ownership of land on which the Swami Vivekananda Airport's terminal and gardens now stand.
He has demanded nearly Rs 3,500 crore in compensation, reported The Statesman.
The petitioner, Ashwani Bandhe, argues that the land was taken by the British during World War II for military use on a "temporary basis" and should have been returned after the war ended. Bandhe says he has been pursuing the matter for 35 years, armed with historical land records, acquisition papers, and archival material.
Earlier this year, the Chhattisgarh High Court ordered a fresh inquiry into the dispute. Bandhe, however, insists the issue has already been examined by competent authorities and moved the apex court in June 2026. The case remains pending.
According to reports, Bandhe's claim includes alleged unpaid rent, interest, and dues accumulated over decades. He also cites records from the state culture department linking his ancestors to the wartime airfield land.
The Supreme Court is yet to rule on the merits of his extraordinary demand.