What is Lateral Support Rights as per Indian easement Act?

Under Section 7 of the Indian Easements Act, 1882, every owner of immovable property has a right to lateral support from neighboring land. This right is defined as "the right of every owner of land that such land, in its natural condition, shall have the support naturally rendered by the subjacent and adjacent soil of another person".

Key aspects of lateral support rights:

• The land must be "in its natural condition" - meaning it is not excavated and not subjected to artificial pressure

• The extent of lateral support is limited to what is required for the dominant land "in its natural condition"

• Additional support is not required for additional constructions or burdens placed on the dominant land

Illustrations from the Act:

• A Railway Company acquiring land is entitled to lateral support from adjoining land as essential for the safety of the siding

• In building partitions, each owner is entitled to lateral support from the other's building

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