Bhumi-Chidra-Vidhana-Nyaya is a principle of ancient Indian law that relates to the ownership and occupation of land. It means that the first person to till or labour on the land acquires ownership over it, even if the original owner is someone else. This principle emphasises the productive use of land and the importance of labour, and gives priority to the one who makes the land ‘usable’ from ‘empty’ space. However, if a person occupies land merely at the instance of a friend or relative, this principle does not apply, and the actual owner retains the right.