BackLAW
Bihar govt moves to claim Darbhanga Raj assets, 'heirs' plan court battle
The Bihar government initiated escheat proceedings to take possession of assets linked to Darbhanga Raj after the death of the last Maharani, Kamsundari Devi, without a legally valid will or clear heir. A public notice invites objections within 30 days, potentially triggering further litigation with royal family members and trusts. Previous court rulings and a 1987 Supreme Court decree on the estate shape the ongoing dispute.
Why It Matters
The case highlights a long-running dispute over the ownership of a historic zamindari estate and its assets, with the state asserting ownership in the absence of a clear claimant and heirs, potentially altering control of substantial property and trusts tied to Darbhanga Raj.
Timeline
4 Events
April 21, 2026: Public notice issued inviting objections to escheat of Darbhanga Raj assets
April 21, 2026
The Revenue and Land Reforms Department issued a public notice inviting objections and claims within 30 days before proceeding further, invoking escheat and bona vacantia for properties without a lawful owner. The notice covers assets inherited by Kamsundari Devi, as well as trusts, treasuries and bank deposits linked to the Darbhanga Raj estate, which could vest in the Bihar government if no valid claimant emerges.
January 12, 2026: Kamsundari Devi dies childless
January 12, 2026
Kamsundari Devi, 94, died childless. Officials said there was no legally valid will governing succession of her movable or immovable assets.
September 19, 2025: Civil court judgment recognises succession claims of Rajeshwar Singh and Kapileshwar Singh
September 19, 2025
In Title Suit No. 45/1978, a civil court in Darbhanga held that Rajeshwar Singh and Kapileshwar Singh would become trustees of the Kameshwar Religious Trust after the death of Maharani Kamsundari Devi and would inherit her property as Class-II heirs, subject to applicable law and further judicial determination. The order recognised their succession claims, effective only after the Maharani's lifetime.
1987 Supreme Court decree formalises family settlement regarding Darbhanga Raj assets
1987
A family settlement formalised through a Supreme Court decree in 1987 could not be fully implemented, and the department says it could not be fully executed, leaving the estate's status unresolved.