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Acquisition and Extinguishment of Easements under the Indian Easements Act, 1882

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Acquisition and Extinguishment of Easements under the Indian Easements Act, 1882

The Indian Easements Act of 1882 is a foundational statute governing the concept of easements in India. It defines how easements—rights to use another person's land for a specific purpose—are acquired and extinguished. Understanding these processes is essential for property owners to protect their rights and fulfil their obligations concerning easements. Let’s explore it.

Overview of Easements

An easement is a legal right enjoyed by the owner or occupier of one piece of land (the "dominant tenement") to make use of another person's land (the "servient tenement") for a specific purpose, such as a right of way, access to light, or water. The Indian Easements Act of 1882 codifies the principles of acquiring and extinguishing these rights, providing a framework for creating orderly and lawful land use.

Acquisition of Easements

The acquisition of easements can occur through different methods defined under the Act, including by grant, prescription, implication, or necessity.
1. Easement by Grant
A deed or agreement between the owners of the dominant and servient tenements can expressly grant an easement. This is a deliberate and formal creation of an easement where the servient owner willingly provides the right to the dominant owner.
Example: A landowner may grant a neighbouring landowner a right of way to access the main road.

2. Easement by Prescription
A prescriptive easement arises when a person has enjoyed continuous and uninterrupted use of another's land for a specified period (20 years for private easements and 60 years for government lands). To qualify, the use must be "as of right" (i.e., without force, secrecy, or permission).
Conditions for Prescription:
The use must be continuous for the specified period.
It should not be enjoyed by force, stealth, or permission.
The right must be exercised openly, notoriously, and without interruption.

3. Easement of Necessity
An easement of necessity arises when a property is landlocked, and there is no other way for the owner to access their land except through the neighbouring property. The right to an easement of necessity is implied by law due to the indispensable need for access.
Example: If a landowner sells a portion of their land that does not have direct access to a public road, the law may imply a right of way over the seller's remaining land.

4. Easement by Implication
Easements by implication are created when a land transaction implies the existence of an easement, even though it is not expressly stated in a deed. This can happen when the property is subdivided, and the continued use of a path, drainage, or watercourse is necessary for the reasonable enjoyment of the property.
Example: When a property owner sells a portion of their land with a pre-existing path used to access a well, the path's easement may be implied.
Extinguishment of Easements
Terminating or extinguishing easements can occur under the Indian Easements Act of 1882, including by release, unity of ownership, expiration of time, abandonment, destruction of the servient tenement, or through a change in circumstances.

1. Extinguishment by Release
An easement can be extinguished if the dominant owner voluntarily releases the right in favour of the servient owner. The release must be in writing or demonstrated through actions that show an intention to relinquish the right.
Example: The dominant owner signs a deed relinquishing the right to use a right of way.

2. Extinguishment by Unity of Ownership
When the ownership of the dominant and servient tenements is merged into the same person, the easement is extinguished. Since a person cannot have an easement over their property, the right ceases to exist.

3. Extinguishment by Expiration of Time
If an easement was created for a limited time or purpose, it is extinguished once the period expires or the purpose is fulfilled.
Example: A temporary right of way granted for the duration of a construction project would expire once the project is completed.

4. Extinguishment by Abandonment
An easement can be terminated if the dominant owner intends to abandon it, usually through non-use over a long period. Abandonment requires clear evidence that the dominant owner has relinquished the easement.

5. Extinguishment by Destruction of the Servient Tenement
If the land over which the easement is exercised is permanently destroyed or altered so that the easement can no longer be used, the easement is extinguished.
Example: If a path used as a right of way is washed away in a flood and cannot be restored, the easement may be considered extinguished.

6. Extinguishment by a Change in Circumstances
When the circumstances under which an easement was granted have changed so significantly that it is no longer necessary, it may be extinguished.
Importance of the Acquisition and Extinguishment of Easements
The acquisition and extinguishment of easements have significant implications for property rights and land use management:
Legal Certainty and Property Value: Clearly defining easement rights and their termination provides certainty to property owners. This affects the market value of properties, as easements can either enhance or limit the utility of land.
Prevention of Disputes: The legal framework helps to prevent conflicts by establishing clear rules for creating and terminating easements, thus promoting harmonious relations between neighbours.
Facilitation of Land Development: Easements are often necessary for accessing public roads, utilities, or shared resources, thereby facilitating land development and infrastructure projects.

Winding Up Note
The Indian Easements Act of 1882 provides a comprehensive framework for acquiring and extinguishing easements, offering a balance between the rights of dominant and servient owners. The Act's provisions help clarify how easements are established and terminated, ensuring that property rights are respected while facilitating lawful and efficient land use. The processes of acquisition and extinguishment of easements not only serve legal needs but also contribute to orderly land development and dispute prevention.

In case of any query regarding the Acquisition and Extinguishment of Easements under the Indian Easements Act, 1882, feel free to connect with our legal experts, Tulja Legal, at +91 96380-69905

About the Author
Anju S Nair
Legal Researcher | LLB, MA English| Corporate Lawyer | Business Enthusiast | Founder & CEO at iLawbook.

FAQs

How can an easement be acquired?
An easement can be acquired through a grant, prescription, necessity, or implication. The specific method depends on factors such as the existence of a written agreement, continuous use over time, or the necessity for access.

What is an easement by prescription?
An easement by prescription arises from the continuous and uninterrupted use of another’s land for a specified period (20 years for private lands and 60 years for government lands) without force, secrecy, or permission.

Can an easement be created without a written agreement?
Yes, easements can be created by prescription, implication, or necessity without a written agreement. For example, continuous use of a path for 20 years can result in an easement by prescription.

What is meant by the extinguishment of an easement?
Extinguishment refers to the termination of an easement, which can occur by release, unity of ownership, expiration of time, abandonment, destruction of the servient tenement, or changes in circumstances.

How does unity of ownership extinguish an easement?
Unity of ownership occurs when the dominant and servient tenements come under the ownership of the same person, thereby eliminating the need for the easement.
Can an easement be revived once it is extinguished?

Generally, once an easement is extinguished, it cannot be revived. A new easement would have to be established through the appropriate legal processes.
What is an easement of necessity?
An easement of necessity is created when there is no other way for a landlocked property owner to access a public road or essential resource except through the neighbouring property.

How does abandonment extinguish an easement?
An easement can be extinguished by abandonment if the dominant owner intends to relinquish the right, usually indicated by non-use over a long period.

Can an easement be transferred to another person?
Yes, easements are typically appurtenant, meaning they attach to the land rather than the person. When the dominant tenement is sold or transferred, the easement is transferred along with it.

What happens if the easement's purpose was created no longer exists?
If the easement's purpose ceases or is fulfilled, the easement may be extinguished. For example, if a temporary right of way is granted for a construction project, the easement ends when the project is completed.

References
Indian Easements Act, 1882. Available at Legislative Department, India.
Mulla, D.F. (2020). The Law of Easements. LexisNexis.
Avtar Singh, (2017). Introduction to the Law of Easements. Eastern Book Company.
N.R. Madhava Menon, Property Law in India (2019).
Acquisition and Termination of Easements under Indian Law - Journal of Indian Legal Studies.