Rationale of Adverse Possession

Adverse possession is a legal principle allowing someone to claim ownership of land under certain conditions. It serves to encourage the productive use of land and resolve disputes over property. If a person openly occupies and uses a piece of land without the owner's permission for a specified period (determined by law), they may gain legal title. This doctrine aims to prevent vacant properties from falling into disuse and ensures that land remains productive, while also providing a legal avenue for settling claims that might otherwise lead to prolonged disputes.