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KARNATAKA LAND REFORMS ACT, 1961

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S.1 .

OMITED


S.2 Definitions

       (A) In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,
       
       [(1) "Agriculture" includes
       [(a) aquaculture;]
       [(aa)] horticulture;
       (b) the raising of crops, grass or garden produce;
       (c) dairy farming;
       (d) poultry farming;
       (e) breeding of livestock;
       (f) grazing; but does not include the cutting of wood only.]
       
       (2) "Agricultural Labourer" means a person whose principal means of livelihood is manual labour on land [and includes an artisan whose

S.55 Issue of Certificate of Registration

       99. Section 65 renumbered as sub-section (1) by Act No. 1 of 1979, w.e.f. 1-1-1979.
       [(1)] 1010. Substituted for the words "on payment of premium in lump sum or the first instalment thereof as the case may be" by Act No. 3 of 1982 and shall be deemed to have come into force w.e.f. 25-11-1980. [On receipt of the final orders passed under sub-section (4) or sub-section (5) of Section 48A, subject to such rules as may be prescribed] the Tahsildar shall issue a certificate that the tenant has been registered as an occupant. The certificate shall be conclusive evidence of such registration.] 1111. Proviso to Section 55(1) omitted by Act No. 3 of 1982 and shall be deemed to have come into force w.e.f. 25-11-1980. [x x x x x]
       
       1212.Sub-section (2) inserted by Act No. 1 of 1979, w.e.f. 1-1-1979. [(2)

S.61 Restriction on transfer of land of which tenant has become occupant

       (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in any law, no land of which the occupancy 11. The words "or ryotwari patta" omitted by Act No. 14 of 1866, w.e.f. 29-7-1965, [x x x x x] has been granted to any person under this Chapter 22. The words and figures "or under Section 77" omitted by Act No. 1 of 1974, w.e.f. 1-3-1974. [x x x x x] shall within 33. Substituted for the words "six yean" by Act No. 1 of 1979 and shall be deemed to have come into force w.e.f. 1-3-1974. [fifteen years] 44. Substituted for the words "from the date the certificate under Section 56 is issued" by Act No. 34 of 1998, w.e.f. 15-2-1969. [from the date of the final order passed by the Tribunal under sub-section (4) or sub-section (5) or sub-section (5-A) of Section 48-A] be transferred by sale, gift, exchange, mortgage, lease or assignment; but the land may be partitioned among members of the holder's joint family 55. The words "subject to condition that

S.63 Ceiling on land

       (1) No person who is not a member of a family or who has no family shall, except as otherwise provided in this Act, be entitled to hold, whether as land owner, landlord or tenant or as a mortgagee with possession or otherwise or partly in one capacity and partly in another, land in excess of the ceiling area.
       
       (2) The ceiling area for a person who is not a member of a family or who has no family or for a family shall be ten units: Provided that in the case of a family consisting of more than five members the ceiling area shall be ten units plus an additional extent of two units for every member in excess of five, so however that the ceiling area shall not exceed twenty units in the aggregate.
       
       11. Sub-section (2-A) inserted by Act No. 31 of 1995,

S.64 Future acquisition of land

       Where on account of transfer, gift, purchase, exchange, mortgage with possession, lease, surrender or any other kind of transfer inter vivos or by bequest or inheritance, partition or otherwise, 11. Substituted for the words and figured "any land is acquired or comea into the possession of any person after the appointed day, and in consequence thereof, the total extent of land held by such person either by himself or if he has a family or is a member of a joint family together with any other member of his family, or of the joint family, as the case may be exceeds the ceiling limit permissible under sub-section (1) of Section 63" by Act No. 1 of 1974, w.e.f. 1-3-1974. [any land is acquired or comes into possession of any person or family after the date of commencement of the Amendment Act and in consequence thereof the total extent of land held by such person or family exceeds the ceiling area permitted under Section 63], the

S.74 Prohibition of alienation of holding

       33. Substituted for the words, brackets and figures "on and from the date notified under sub-section (1) of Section 66" by Act No. 1 of 1074, w.e.f. 1-3-1974. [On and from the date of commencement of the Amendment Act] no person owning land in excess of the ceiling limit specified in Section 63, and Section 64 shall alienate his holding or any part thereof by way of sale, gift, exchange or otherwise until he has furnished a declaration under Section 66 and the extent of land if any, to be surrendered in respect of that holding has been determined 44. The words "by the Tahsildar" omitted by Act No. 3 of 1982 and shall be deemed to have come into force w.e.f. 1-3-1074. [x x x x x] and an order has been passed 55. The words "by him" omitted by Act No. 3 of 1982 and shall be deemed to have come into force w.e.f. 1-3-1974. [x x x x x] under Section 67 and any alienation made in contravention of this section shall be null and void.

S.79(a) Acquisition of land by certain persons prohibited

       (1) On and from the commencement of the 88. Substituted for the words "Amendment Act" by Act No. 31 of 1095, w.e.f. 20-10-1095. [the Karnataka Land Reforms (Amendment) Act, 1995], no person who or a family or a joint family which has an assured annual income of not less than rupees 99. Substituted for the words "fifty thousand" by Act No. 31 of 1996, w.e.f. 20-10-1995. [two lakhs] from sources other than agricultural lands shall be entitled to acquire any land whether
       
       (2) For purposes of sub-section (1)
       
       (i) the aggregate income of all the members of a family or a joint family from sources other than agricultural land shall be deemed to be income of the family or joint family, as the case may be, from such sources;
    &n

S.79(b) Prohibition of holding agricultural land by certain persons

       (1) With effect on and from the date of commencement of the Amendment Act, except as otherwise provided in this Act,
       
       (a) no person other than a person cultivating land personally shall be entitled to hold land; and
       (b) it shall not be lawful for,
       (i) an educational, religious or charitable institution or society or trust, other than an institution or society or trust referred to in sub-section (7) of Section 63, capable of holding property;
       (ii) a company;
       (iii) an association or other body of individuals not being a joint family, whether incorporated or not; or
       (iv) a co-operative society other man a co-operativ


Legal Commentary on Section 79(b) of the Karnataka Land Reforms Act, 1961

Introduction

The Karnataka Land Reforms Act, 1961, was enacted to regulate the ownership and management of agricultural land in Karnataka. Section 79(b) specifically addresses the prohibition of certain entities, including companies and societies, from holding agricultural land, thereby aiming to preserve agricultural land for genuine cultivators.

What Section 79(b) Says

Section 79(b) of the Karnataka Land Reforms Act, 1961, prohibits the following entities from holding agricultural land:1. Educational, religious, or charitable institutions or societies.2. Companies.3. Associations or bodies of individuals not being a joint family.4. Co-operative societies, except for co-operative farms.

Essential Ingredients

  • Prohibition: The section explicitly prohibits the entities listed from holding agricultural land.
  • Cultivation Requirement: Only individuals who cultivate land personally are entitled to hold agricultural land.

Scope of Section

  • The scope of Section 79(b) extends to all agricultural lands in Karnataka and applies to both existing holdings and future acquisitions.
  • The prohibition is applicable from the date of the commencement of the Amendment Act, which is March 1, 1974.

Punishment for Section

  • Violations of Section 79(b) can lead to the confiscation of agricultural land by the state, as the possession of such land by prohibited entities is deemed unlawful.

Legal Comments

This commentary highlights the critical aspects of Section 79(b) of the Karnataka Land Reforms Act, 1961, emphasizing its role in regulating agricultural land ownership and ensuring that such land is held by those who cultivate it.

S.80 Transfer to non-agriculturists barred

       [(1)]
       
       (a) No sale (including sales in execution of a decree of a civil court or for recovery of arrears of land revenue or for sums recoverable as arrears of land revenue), gift or exchange or lease of any land or interest therein, or
       (b) no mortgage of any land or interest therein, in which the possession of the mortgaged property is delivered to the mortgagee, shall be 22. Substituted for the word "valid" by Act No. 3 of 1982 and shall be deemed to have come into force w.e.f. 25-11-1980. [lawful] in favour of a person
       (i) who is not an agriculturist, or;
       (ii) who being an agriculturist holds as owner or. tenant or partly as owner and partly as tenant land which exceeds the limits specified in Sectio

S.81 Sections 79-A, 79-B and 80 not to apply in certain cases

       (1) Nothing in Section 79A or Section 79B or Section 80 shall apply to.
       
       (a) the sale, gift or mortgage of any land or interest therein in favour of the Government, 77. Inserted by Act No. 31 of 1991 shall be and shall be deemed to have been inserted, w.e.f. 1-1-1988. [the Karnataka Housing Board constituted under the Karnataka Housing Board Act, 1962 (Karnataka Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Act, 1966 (Karnataka Act No. 18 of 1966), the Karnataka Slum Clearance Board established under the Karnataka Slum Areas (Improvement and Clearance) Act, 1973 (Karnataka Act No. 33 of 1974), the Bangalore Development Authority constituted under the Bangalore Development Authority Act, 1976 (Karnataka Act No. 12 of 1976), a Nagarabhivruddhi Pradhikara constituted under the Karnataka Nagarabhivruddhi Pradhikaragala Adhiniyama, 1987 (Karnataka

S.81(a) Declaration to be made before the registering authority in certain cases

       (1) No document relating to any transfer of land either by sale, gift, exchange, lease, 22. Substituted for the word "mortgage" by Act No. 38 of 1966 and shall be and shall always be deemed to have been inserted w.e.f 29-9-1966. [mortgage with possession,] surrender, agreement, settlement, or otherwise, shall be registered unless a declaration in writing is made in duplicate in such form as may be prescribed and filed by the transferee before the registering authority under the Indian Registration Act, 1908 (Central Act XVI of 1908), as to the total extent of 33. Substituted for the words "land held by him" by Act No. 1 of 1974, w.e.f. 1-3-1974. [land held by him as also his assured annual income.]
       
       (2) The registering authority referred to in sub-section (1) shall forward within such time and in such manner as may be prescribed, one co


Legal Commentary on Section 81(a) of the Karnataka Land Reforms Act, 1961

Introduction

The Karnataka Land Reforms Act, 1961, was enacted to regulate the ownership and transfer of agricultural land in the state of Karnataka. It aims to prevent the alienation of agricultural land to non-agriculturists and to ensure that land remains in the hands of those who cultivate it. Section 81(a) specifically addresses the requirements for the registration of documents related to the transfer of agricultural land.

What does Section 81(a) Say

Section 81(a) mandates that no document relating to the transfer of agricultural land—whether by sale, gift, exchange, lease, mortgage, or otherwise—shall be registered unless a declaration is made by the transferee affirming their status as an agriculturist. This declaration must be submitted in a prescribed format before the registering authority.

Essential Ingredients

  1. Transfer of Land: The section applies to various forms of land transfer, including sale, gift, exchange, lease, and mortgage.
  2. Declaration Requirement: The transferee must provide a written declaration affirming their status as an agriculturist.
  3. Registration Authority: The declaration must be filed before the designated registering authority.

Scope of Section

The scope of Section 81(a) is significant as it aims to restrict the transfer of agricultural land to non-agriculturists, thereby preserving agricultural land for those who actively engage in farming. This provision is crucial in maintaining the agrarian structure of the state and preventing the commodification of agricultural land.

Punishment for Section

While the specific penalties for non-compliance with Section 81(a) are not detailed in the provided sources, it is implied that failure to comply with the declaration requirement may result in the refusal of registration of the transfer document, thereby nullifying the transaction.

Legal Comments

  • Transfer Restriction - Section 81(a) prohibits the registration of land transfer documents unless a declaration is made, ensuring that only agriculturists can acquire agricultural land. - [ "Karnataka Land Reforms Act, 1961 - Indian Kanoon"]

  • Declaration Format - The declaration must be in a prescribed format and filed in duplicate, emphasizing the procedural requirements for compliance. - [ "Karnataka Land Reforms Act, 1961 - Indian Kanoon"]

  • Verification Duty - The Sub-Registrar has a duty to verify compliance with Section 81(a) before proceeding with the registration of any land transfer document. - [ "R. Sampath VS State Of Karnataka"]

  • Public Notice - The Act aims to provide public notice of transactions involving agricultural land, thereby enhancing transparency in land dealings. - [ "Karnataka Land Reforms Act, 1961 - Court Kutchehry"]

  • Non-Agriculturist Prohibition - The prohibition against transferring agricultural land to non-agriculturists is a key feature of the Act, aimed at protecting agricultural interests. - [ "Karnataka Land Reforms Act, 1961 - India Code"]

  • Importance of Revenue Records - The requirement for proper entries in land revenue records is emphasized, as it is crucial for identifying ownership and preventing disputes. - [ "R. Sampath VS State Of Karnataka"]

  • Affidavit Requirement - The necessity for an affidavit from the purchaser declaring their status as an agriculturist is a critical compliance measure under this section. - [ "R. Sampath VS State Of Karnataka"]

  • Impact on Marketability - The restrictions imposed by Section 81(a) may affect the marketability of agricultural land, as non-compliance can lead to invalid transactions. - [ "Karnataka Land Reforms Act, 1961 - Court Kutchehry"]

  • Legal Framework - Section 81(a) is part of a broader legal framework aimed at regulating land ownership and preventing the concentration of land in the hands of a few. - [ "Karnataka Land Reforms Act, 1961 - India Code"]

  • Role of Sub-Registrar - The Sub-Registrar plays a pivotal role in ensuring compliance with the provisions of the Act, thereby safeguarding agricultural land. - [ "R. Sampath VS State Of Karnataka"]

  • Consequences of Non-Compliance - Non-compliance with the declaration requirement can lead to the rejection of registration applications, impacting the legal standing of land transactions. - [ "Karnataka Land Reforms Act, 1961 - Court Kutchehry"]

  • Legislative Intent - The legislative intent behind Section 81(a) is to maintain the integrity of agricultural land ownership and prevent its alienation to non-agriculturists. - [ "Karnataka Land Reforms Act, 1961 - India Code"]

  • Judicial Interpretation - Courts have interpreted Section 81(a) as a protective measure for the agricultural community, reinforcing the need for compliance with its provisions. - [ "sec. 81 of karnataka land reforms act | Indian Case Law - CaseMine"]

  • Amendments and Updates - The Act has undergone amendments to adapt to changing socio-economic conditions, reflecting the dynamic nature of land reforms in Karnataka. - [ "The Karnataka Land Reforms (Amendment) Ordinance ... - UPDATE"]

  • Public Interest - The provisions of Section 81(a) serve the public interest by ensuring that agricultural land remains accessible to those who will cultivate it. - [ "Karnataka Land Reforms Act, 1961 - Court Kutchehry"]

  • Documentation Requirements - The requirement for proper documentation, including the 11E survey sketch, is essential for the identification and registration of agricultural land. - [ "R. Sampath VS State Of Karnataka"]

  • Legal Compliance - Compliance with Section 81(a) is crucial for the validity of land transactions, highlighting the importance of adhering to legal requirements. - [ "Karnataka Land Reforms Act, 1961 - India Code"]

  • Future Implications - The enforcement of Section 81(a) may have long-term implications for land ownership patterns and agricultural practices in Karnataka. - [ "The Karnataka Land Reforms (Amendment) Ordinance ... - UPDATE"]

S.82 Reporting of illegal transactions

       Every village officer and every officer of the Revenue, Registration and Land Records Departments shall report to the 44. The words "courts or other" omitted by Act No. 1 of 1974, w.e.f. 1-3-1974. [x x x x x] prescribed authority 55. The words "as the case may be" omitted by Act No. 23 of 1977 and shall be deemed to have come into force w.e.f. 1-3-1974. [x x x x x] every transaction in respect of any land in contravention of any of the provisions of mis Act 66. Inserted by Act No. 1 of 1974, w.e.f. 1-3-1974. [as they stood before and as they stand after the date of commencement of the Amendment Act] which comes to the notice of such officer.
       


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S.104 Plantations

       22. Substituted for the words "The provisions of by Act No. 1 of 1979, w.e.f. 1-1-1979. [The provisions of Section 38,] Section 63 other than sub-section (9), thereof, Section 64, Section 79A, Section 79B and Section 80 shall not apply to plantations.
       Explanation. In this section 'plantation' means land used by a person principally for the cultivation of plantation crop and includes
       
       (i) any land used by such person for any purpose ancillary to the cultivation of such crop or for preparation of the same for the market, and
       (ii) agricultural land interspersed with the boundaries of the area cultivated with such crop by such person, not exceeding such extent as may be determined by the prescribed authority as necessary for the protection and effici

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S.107 Act not to apply to certain lands

       (1) Subject to the provisions of Section 110, nothing in this Act, except Section 8, shall apply to lands,
       
       (i) belonging to Government;
       44. Clause (ii) omitted by Act No. 1 of 1979 and shall be deemed to have come into force w.e.f. 1-3-1974. [(ii) x x x x x];
       (iii) belonging to or held on lease by or from a local authority, an Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee constituted under the Karnataka Agricultural Produce Marketing Regulation Act, 1966 (Karnataka Act 27 of 1966), a University established by law in India, 55. Inserted by Act No. 1 of 1979 and shall be deemed to have come into force w.e.f. 1-3-1974. [a research institution owned or controlled by the State Government or the Central Government or both] 66. Inserted by Act No. 1 of 1991,

S.108 .

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S.109 Certain lands to be exempt from certain provisions

       44. Sub-sections (1) and (1-A) substituted for sub- section (1) by Act No. 31 of 1995, w.e.f. 20-10-1995. [(1) Subject to such rules as may be prescribed and the provisions of the Karnataka Town and Country Planning Act, 1961 (Karnataka Act No. 11 of 1963), the State Government may, by notification, exempt, any land in any area from the provisions of Section 63, Section 79A, Section 79B, or Section 80, to be used for,
       
       (i) industrial development, the extent of which shall not exceed twenty units;
       (ii) educational institutions recognised by the State or Central Government to be used for non-agricultural purpose the extent of which shall not exceed four units;
       (iii) Places of worship to be specified by Government by notification which are establishe


Legal Commentary on Section 109 of the Karnataka Land Reforms Act, 1961

Introduction

Section 109 of the Karnataka Land Reforms Act, 1961, deals with the exemption of certain lands from the restrictions imposed on land holdings and transfers, particularly in the context of land use for industrial, educational, or other specified purposes. It provides a legal framework for granting prior permission for the purchase or sale of agricultural land, especially when such land is intended for non-agricultural purposes, subject to specific conditions and exemptions.

What does Section 109 Say

Section 109 authorizes the State Government to exempt certain lands from the restrictions of the Land Reforms Act, notably Sections 63, 79A, 79B, and 80, for specified purposes such as industrial development, educational institutions, housing, religious, charitable, or horticultural activities. It stipulates that lands purchased with prior permission under this section, and used for the permitted purpose, are exempt from certain restrictions, but such exemption is subject to rules and conditions prescribed by the government.

Essential Ingredients

  • Prior Permission: Landowners or entities must obtain prior permission from the competent authority under Section 109 before purchasing agricultural land.
  • Purpose of Use: The land must be used for purposes specified in the exemption, such as industry, education, housing, etc.
  • Extent of Land: Exemptions are generally limited to a specified extent, e.g., up to forty units (as per the Act or amendments).
  • Compliance with Rules: The exemption is subject to rules framed under the Act, including conditions for sale, use, and penalties.
  • Conversion of Land: Post-permission, land can be converted for non-agricultural use under applicable laws, but such conversion must be in accordance with statutory procedures.
  • Penalties: If the land is used contrary to the permitted purpose or without proper permission, the land may be forfeited to the State Government.

Scope of Section

  • Land Exemptions: Facilitates the use of agricultural land for specified non-agricultural purposes, promoting industrial and educational development.
  • Legal Framework for Land Transactions: Provides a legal basis for the exemption of land from restrictions, enabling landowners and institutions to undertake development projects.
  • Regulatory Oversight: Ensures that land use complies with prescribed rules, and any violation can lead to penalties or forfeiture.
  • Amendments and Clarifications: The scope has been expanded or clarified through amendments (e.g., 2020 amendments), including deemed exemptions and procedural relaxations.
  • Limitations: Exemptions are subject to the extent prescribed, and misuse or violation can lead to legal consequences.

Punishment for Violations

  • Forfeiture of Land: Lands used without proper permission or contrary to the exemption provisions are liable to be forfeited to the State Government.
  • Penalties: Penalties may include fines, cancellation of permissions, or criminal proceedings under relevant sections of the Act.
  • Legal Actions: Unauthorized sale or transfer of land without prior permission can lead to criminal prosecution and civil consequences.
  • Nullification of Transactions: Transactions made in violation of Section 109 are liable to be declared null and void.

Legal Comments

  • "Permission" - Essential for land purchase - Without prior approval, land transactions are illegal - [Indian Kanoon, Section 109]"
  • "Exemption" - Facilitates non-agricultural use of land for specified purposes - Subject to rules and extent limits - [India Code, Karnataka Land Reforms Act]"
  • "Purpose restriction" - Use of land must align with approved purpose - Unauthorized use leads to forfeiture - [CourtKutchehry]"
  • "Conversion requirement" - Post-permission, land must be converted in accordance with law - Conversion without approval is illegal - [Karnataka Land Revenue Act]"
  • "Penalties" - Use or transfer without permission attracts forfeiture and penalties - [Section 109(1) and amendments]"
  • "Amendments" - Recent amendments aim to streamline exemptions and clarify procedures - [PRSIndia.org, 2020 Bill]"
  • "Legal validity" - Orders granting exemption must follow prescribed procedures; arbitrary or illegal orders are invalid - [Supreme Court judgments]"
  • "Discretion" - Government's power to grant exemptions is subject to statutory limits and rules - [AIR 2002 SC 1574]"
  • "Misuse" - Unauthorized sale or use of land under exemption provisions can be challenged in courts - [Case Law]"
  • "Land forfeiture" - Lands used contrary to permission are liable to be forfeited to the State - [Section 109 and Penalty provisions]"
  • "Conversion legality" - Conversion of land for non-agricultural use requires compliance with Karnataka Land Revenue Act and rules - [ILR 2005 Kar 608]"
  • "Land use change" - Change of land use without proper approval violates statutory provisions - [Writ Petitions and Court Orders]"
  • "Legislative intent" - Section 109 aims to promote development while maintaining regulatory control - [Judicial interpretations]"
  • "Scope of exemption" - Limited to specified units and purposes; exceeding limits attracts penalties - [Amendment Acts]"
  • "Procedural compliance" - Orders granting exemption must be issued following due process; violations render orders invalid - [Supreme Court rulings]"
  • "Discrimination" - Arbitrary exclusion or inclusion of lands in exemption orders may violate Article 14 of the Constitution - [Case Law]"
  • "Legal validity of orders" - Orders passed without following statutory procedures are liable to be struck down - [High Court and Supreme Court decisions]"
  • "Land forfeiture and penalties" - Strict enforcement of penalties ensures compliance with land laws - [Section 109 and related rules]"

Note: The interpretation and application of Section 109 are subject to amendments and judicial review, emphasizing the importance of strict adherence to procedural and substantive legal requirements.

Sch.1 SCHEDULE 1

       SCHEDULE 1
       
       PART A
       
       [See Section 2(A)(35-A)]
       
       1. Classification of Lands
       
       A Class
       Lands having facilities for assured irrigation from such Government Canals and Government Tanks as are [x x x x x] capable of supplying water for growing two crops of paddy or one crop of sugarcane in a year.
       
       
       B Class
       (i) Lands having facilities for assured irriga

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