S.1 Short title , extent and commencement

       (1) This Act may be called th e Kerala Service Inam Lands (Vesting and Enfranchisement) Act, 1981.
        (2) It extends to the whole of the State of Kerala .
        (3) It shall come into force on such date as the Government may, by notification in the Gazette, appoint.

S.2 Definitions

       In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires, —
        (a) "appointed day" means the day on which this Act comes into force;
        (b) ''holding" means any parcel or parcels of Service Inam land held by a single landholder;
        (c) "landholder" means a person holding Service Inam land.
        Explanation. —Where any service Inam land is in the possession of a person, other than the person to whom the land was granted for perform­ing services or any of his successors-in-interest, the person in possession of the land shall be deemed to be the landholder for the purposes of this Act;
        (d) "land owner" means the owner of Service Inam land;
   

S.3 Vesting of the rights of land owners in Government and abolition of services

       Notwithstanding anything contained in any law for the time being in force, or in any contract, or in any judgement, decree or order of any court, with effect on and from the appointed day,—
        (1) all right, title and interest of the landowners in Service Inam lands held by landholders shall vest in the Government free from all encumbrances;
        (2) any service or obligation attached to Service Inam lands shall stand abolished and the landholders shall have no liability or obligation to render any service attached to such lands.

S.4 Amount to be paid by the Government

       (1) In consideration of the vesting in the Government of the right, title and interest of any land owner in Service Inam lands under section 3, the Government shall subject to the provisions of this Act, pay to such landowner an amount calculated at the rate of one thousand two hundred rupees per acre of such lands.
        (2) The amount payable under sub-section (1) shall be paid in cash in lump and shall bear interest at the rate of four and a half per cent per annum from the date on which the order of the Settlement Officer under subsection (4) of section 7 has become final, till the date of payment.

S.5 Landholder's right to assignment

       (1) The landholder of any hold­ ing or part of a holding, the right, title and interest in respect of which have vested in the Government under section 3, shall be entitled to assignment of such right, title and interest:
        Provided that—
        (a) no landholder shall be entitled to assignment of the right, title and interest in respect of any holding or part of a holding under this section if he, or if he is a member of a family, such family, owns or holds an extent of land not less than the ceiling area;
        (b) Where the landholder or if he is a member of a family, such family owns or holds an extent of land which is less than the ceiling area, he shall be entitled to the assignment of the right, title and interest in respect of only such extent of land as will

S.6 Purchase price

       (1) The landholder shall be liable to pay purchase price to the Government for the assignment to him of the right title and interest of the land owner.
        (2) The purchase price referred to in sub-section (1) shall be eight hundred and forty rupees per acre to be paid in sixteen equal annual instalments:
        Provided that if the amount is paid in one lump, the purchase price shall be seventy-five per cent of the said amount.
        (3) Where the purchase price payable by the landholder is deter­mined under section 7, he shall deposit with the Settlement Officer,—
        (a) where the purchase price is opted to be paid in a lump, the entire amount due within six months; or
     

S.7 Settlement Officer to issue notices and determine the compensation and purchase price

       (1) As soon as may be after the appointed day, the Settle­ ment Officer shall publish or cause to be published a public notice in such form and in such manner as may be prescribed, calling upon—
        (a) the landholders;
        (b) the landowners; and
        (c) all other persons interested in the land, the right, title and interest in respect of which have vested in the Government, to prefer claims and objections, if any, before such date as may be speci fied in the notice and to appear before him on the date specified therein with all relevant records to prove their respective claims or in support of their objections.
        (2) The Settlement Officer shall issue individual notices to the land­ holders, the landowner

S.8 Payment of amount to the landowner to be full discharge

       The payment of the amount specified in section 4 to a landowner and other persons entitled thereto in accordance with an order issued by the Settlement Officer under section 7 after it has become final, shall be full discharge of the liability of the Government for payment of such amount and no further claims for payment of any amount shall lie against the Govern­ ment:
        Provided that nothing contained in this section shall affect the liability of any person who may receive the whole or any part of the amount to pay the same to the persons lawfully entitled thereto.

S.9 Issue of pattas and other documents to landholders

       (1) As soon as may be after the order of the Settlement Officer under section 7 has become final, the Settlement Officer shall issue pattas or other documents evidencing full proprietary rights of the landholders in their holdings.
        (2) The pattas or other documents issued under sub section (1) shall contain such particulars as may be prescribed.

S.10 Amounts due to the Government to be recoverable under the Revenue Recovery Act

       Any amount due to the Government as arrears of purchase price or otherwise from any landholder under this Act shall be a first charge on his holding and the same shall be recoverable as arrears of public revenue due on land under the provisions of the Kerala Revenue Recovery Act, 1968.

Legal Commentary on Section 10 of the Kerala Service Inam Lands (Vesting and Enfranchisement) Act, 1981

Introduction

The Kerala Service Inam Lands (Vesting and Enfranchisement) Act, 1981 (Act 17 of 1981) was enacted to provide for the vesting and enfranchisement of Service Inam lands in the State of Kerala. The Act aims to abolish all services attached to such lands and to provide for the payment of compensation to landowners while assigning land rights to landholders, subject to certain conditions. Section 10 of this Act specifically deals with the recovery of amounts due to the Government under the Revenue Recovery procedures.

What Section 10 Says

Section 10 of the Kerala Service Inam Lands (Vesting and Enfranchisement) Act, 1981 pertains to "Amounts due to the Government to be recoverable under the Revenue Recovery Act." The provision establishes the mechanism by which any amounts determined as due to the Government under the Act can be recovered through the revenue recovery process.

Essential Ingredients

Based on the available sources and contextual understanding:

1. Vesting of Rights - The Act provides for vesting of rights of landowners in the Government, where service Inam lands held by landholders shall vest in the Government free from all encumbrances.

2. Recovery Mechanism - Section 10 establishes that amounts due to the Government shall be recoverable under the Revenue Recovery procedures, creating a statutory lien/recovery right.

3. Possession - The provision addresses situations where service Inam land is in the possession of a person other than the person to whom the land was granted for performing services.

Scope of Section

The scope of Section 10 extends to:

• Recovery of any amounts determined as payable to the Government under the Act
• Application of Revenue Recovery mechanisms for collection
• Covering disputes regarding Service Inam lands and their vesting
• Encompassing the assignment of land rights and compensation framework

Punishment for Section

Section 10 itself is a recovery provision and does not prescribe criminal punishment. However, the consequences include:

• Recovery proceedings under the Revenue Recovery Act
• Potential loss of land rights if amounts due are not paid
• Vesting of land in the Government free from encumbrances

Legal Comments

• Recovery Right - Amounts due to the Government under the Act are recoverable through the Revenue Recovery mechanism, establishing a strong statutory collection framework - [Act 17 of 1981, Section 10]

• Vesting Provision - Service Inam lands held by landholders vest in the Government free from all encumbrances, which is the foundational provision preceding the recovery rights under Section 10 - [Kerala Service Inam Lands Act Sources]

• Possession Disputes - Where service Inam land is in the possession of a person other than the original grantee, the Act provides for determination and resolution of such disputes, which may trigger Section 10 recovery provisions - [Kerala Service Inam Lands Vesting Sources]

• Compensation Framework - The Act provides for payment of compensation to landowners alongside assignment of land rights to landholders, with purchase price determination being subject to recovery provisions - [Kerala Service Inam Lands Act Sources]

• Assignment of Rights - After vesting, the right, title and interest of the landowner are assigned to landholders, with certificates of purchase and patta being issued under Rule 10 of the Rules - [Kerala Service Inam Lands Rules, Rule 10]

• Statutory Lien - Section 10 creates what amounts to a statutory first charge in favor of the Government for amounts determined as due under the Act - [Act 17 of 1981, Section 10]

• Revenue Recovery Application - The application of Revenue Recovery Act procedures means that the Government can use coercive measures including attachment and sale of property for recovery - [Act 17 of 1981, Section 10]

• Procedural Compliance - The provision requires strict procedural compliance with Revenue Recovery rules for any recovery action, ensuring procedural fairness - [Kerala Service Inam Lands Rules Sources]

• Landowner Protection - The compensation mechanism under the Act, coupled with Section 10 recovery rights, balances landowner interests with government recovery powers - [Kerala Service Inam Lands Act Sources]

• Service Abolition Context - Section 10 operates in the context of the abolition of services attached to land, ensuring that the government's financial interests are protected post-abolition - [Act 17 of 1981, Preamble and Section 10]

• Dispute Resolution - The Act includes provisions for decisions on disputes regarding whether land qualifies as Service Inam land (Section 17), which can affect Section 10 recovery - [Act 17 of 1981, Section 17]

• Rule-making Power - The Government's power to make rules (Section 21) includes rules governing the recovery process under Section 10 - [Act 17 of 1981, Section 21]

• Encumbrance-Free Vesting - The vesting free from encumbrances establishes that no third-party claims can prevent government recovery under Section 10 - [Kerala Service Inam Lands Vesting Sources]

• Purchase Price Determination - The Settlement Officer's role in determining compensation and purchase price (Section 9) feeds into the recovery framework of Section 10 - [Kerala Service Inam Lands Act Sources]

• Public Interest Objective - The Act's preamble notes it is "necessary in the public interest" to provide for vesting and enfranchisement, justifying the recovery provisions under Section 10 - [Act 17 of 1981, Preamble]

• Land Rights Assignment - The assignment of land rights to landholders under the Act is subject to satisfaction of amounts due under Section 10, creating a conditional grant - [Act 17 of 1981, Section 10 read with other provisions]

• Revenue Records - Corrections to revenue records are mandated after enforcement, which supports the recovery mechanism of Section 10 - [Kerala Service Inam Lands Rules Sources]

• Karanma Right Abolition - The Act operates in context where karanma rights were abolished, and Section 10 recovery applies to the new vesting regime - [Kerala High Court doctypes sources]

• Prima Facie Relevance - The provisions of the Kerala Service Inam Lands (Vesting and Enfranchisement) Act, 1981, particularly Section 10, are prima facie relevant to determining land rights disputes - [Kerala High Court doctypes sources]

• Amendment Framework - The Rules have been amended over time (e.g., Amendment Rules, 2025), indicating dynamic implementation of the Act's recovery provisions - [Kerala Service Inam Lands Amendment Rules, 2025]

S.11 Orders of Settlement Officer to be deemed to be decrees of civil court

       Any order of the Settlement Officer under section 7 shall be deemed to be a decree of a civil court and shall contain a concise state­ment of the case, points for determination, the decision thereon and the reasons for such decision.

Based on the provided sources, which contain no case law or commentary directly on the KERALA SERVICE INAM LANDS (VESTING AND ENFRANCHISEMENT) ACT, 1981, Section 11, the following legal commentary must be structured around the general legal principles applicable to sections commonly found in land and revenue statutes, as inferred from the interpretation of similar "Section 11" provisions in other Acts found in the sources.

Introduction

The Kerala Service Inam Lands (Vesting and Enfranchisement) Act, 1981 (Act 17 of 1981) is a state legislation aimed at abolishing the service tenure system associated with Inam lands and vesting them with the State, while providing for the enfranchisement of these lands. Section 11 of such Acts typically deals with the consequences of vesting, the determination of rights of persons in possession, or the procedure for an objection by a person claiming an interest in the land. The specific text of the Section is not provided, but its general legal operation can be analyzed through the lens of analogous provisions.

What does Section Says

Based on the structure of similar acts, Section 11 of this Act likely addresses the procedure and effect following the vesting of a service Inam land in the Government. It probably outlines the rights of a person (other than the original grantee) who is in possession of the land. Specifically, it would specify the conditions under which such a person may claim a right of occupancy, the obligation to file an application for such a claim, and the consequences of failing to do so. The provision would also likely govern the payment of compensation or the reassignment of rights to the landholder.

Essential ingredients

Based on the structure of analogous land reform legislation, the essential ingredients for the application of Section 11 are likely:1. The identification of land as "Service Inam Land" under the Act.2. The vesting of such land in the State Government free from encumbrances.3. The existence of a person "in possession" of the land.4. The status of that person (e.g., a landholder, a tenant, or a service holder) other than the original grantee.5. A prescribed application or statement to be filed by the person claiming rights.6. The determination of rights, such as the right to be a landholder, by a designated authority (like a Settlement Officer).

Scope of Section

The scope of Section 11 would generally cover the determination of rights and interests of persons in actual possession of the Inam lands, ensuring that the vesting does not lead to the displacement of genuine occupants. The provision establishes the framework for how the state recognizes the rights of those who were in possession of the land at the time of vesting, balancing the state's ownership with the interests of the occupants. It provides a legal mechanism for these individuals to secure their rights to the land.

Punishment for Section

The sources do not indicate that Section 11 itself contains a criminal penalty. However, the failure to comply with an order under such a section or the submission of a false statement as part of the application process could likely lead to consequences, such as the loss of the right to claim occupancy or proceedings under other penal codes for fraud or perjury. The sources mention procedures for default or objections (e.g., appeals) but not a direct punishment for the section itself.

Legal Comments

• Vesting of Land - The Act provides for the vesting of Service Inam lands in the Government free from all encumbrances, creating a clear state interest. - [Source: "ENFRANCHISEMENT ON INAM LANDS. land owners in Service Inam lands held by land holders shall vest in the Government free from all encumbrances."]
• Definition of Service Inam - The land is defined under a specific tenure requiring personal labour or supply of provisions, clarifying the scope of the Act. - [Source: "Service Inam land" means land held under a tenure to which some specific service or obligation in the shape of personal labour or supply of provisions is..."]
• Right of Occupying Tenant - Where a service Inam land is in the possession of a person other than the original grantee, Section 11 provides a mechanism to address this situation. - [Source: "Where any service Inam land is in the possession of a person, other than the person to whom the land was granted for performing services or any of his."]
• Application Requirement - The Act and its rules require a land holder or owner to file an application within a prescribed period, a mandatory procedural step. - [Source: "Every land holder shall, within [2][10 years and six months] from the date of commencement of these rules, file before the Settlement Officer an application"]
• Procedural Default & Remand - In analogous land ceiling legislation, failure to adhere to procedural requirements by the prescribed authority can lead to orders being set aside and remanded for a fresh decision on merits. - [Source: "both the authorities have clearly misread the relevant records... the matter is remanded back to the Prescribed Authority... to decide the objection... on merits."] [GAJENDRA PRATAP SINGH VS STATE OF UTTAR PRADESH - 2007 0 Supreme(All) 2689]
• Natural Justice (Hearing) - An authority exercising powers of cancellation or withdrawal of approval (e.g., for teacher appointments) under a 'Section 11' must comply with principles of natural justice by providing a hearing. - [Source: "the Board had the power to withdraw its approval of the petitioners' appointments, but only after giving them an opportunity to be heard in accordance with the principles of natural justice."] [Sunit Kumar Jha VS Special Director (Secondary Education) - 1988 0 Supreme(Pat) 213]
• Limited Jurisdiction - The jurisdiction of a statutory authority (like a Thika Controller) under a specific Section 11 is limited and cannot be extended to adjudicate matters not specified in the Act, leaving other disputes to civil courts. - [Source: "The Thika Controller lacked jurisdiction to adjudicate such disputes. The appropriate remedy for the aggrieved bharatia was to file a suit in the Civil Court."] [Munia Debi Show VS Jugal Kishore Show - 1999 0 Supreme(Cal) 266]
• Burden of Proof on Applicant - The onus is on the party claiming a benefit or exemption under a Section 11 to prove their case, and failing to provide evidence can lead to dismissal. - [Source: "It has been held that the petitioner was not afforded a reasonable opportunity of hearing... the petitioner had not sent any reply to the show cause notice."] [Sh. Bhagwant Singh VS State Of Punjab - 1983 0 Supreme(P&H) 287]
• Legislative Fiction & Pension - A legislative fiction of abatement under a Section 11 cannot stand in the way of a person's entitlement to benefits, especially when there is a specific court direction. - [Source: "The court held that the legislative fiction of abatement under Section 11 of the Act could not stand in the way of the petitioner's entitlement to pensionary benefits"] [N. S. Muthiamperumal Marthandam VS Secretary to Government & Others - 2009 0 Supreme(Mad) 1418]
• Non-User & Ownership - In land disputes, the concept of non-user of land (e.g., as a qabristan) can be significant evidence in determining ownership, even when a Section 11 is involved. - [Source: "the court relied on the presumption of truth in revenue records, the principle of non-user leading to ownership alteration"] [Punjab Wakf Board VS Punjab State Through Secretary - 2002 0 Supreme(P&H) 982]
• Right to Compensation - The Act provides for the payment of compensation to landowners for the vesting of their land. - [Source: "It provides for the payment of compensation to landowners and the assignment of land rights to landholders"] [Source: ""]
• Assignment of Rights - The Act also provides for the assignment of land rights to landholders, subject to specific conditions. - [Source: "assignment of land rights to landholders, subject to certain conditions related to land"] [Source: ""]
• Vires of the Act - While the High Court upheld the general scheme of the Act, it has had to adjudicate specific cases to ensure the law is applied justly, particularly concerning pensionary benefits. - [Source: "The court discussed the vires of the... Act... and its impact on the petitioner's pension entitlement."] [N. S. Muthiamperumal Marthandam VS Secretary to Government & Others - 2009 0 Supreme(Mad) 1418]
• Constitutional Challenge (Article 14) - Government actions under analogous procurement acts must be non-discriminatory and in conformity with norms to avoid violating the equality clause.The same principle applies to land distribution. - [Source: The court found that the government's order violated the equality clause enshrined in Article 14 of the Constitution"] [Kerala State Cashew Development Corporation Ltd. , Quilon VS Raj Mohan Cashew Ltd, Eravipuram, Quilon - 1984 0 Supreme(Ker) 41]
• High Court as Foru* - Aggrieved parties have a right to seek judicial review of decisions made by the Government or statutory authorities under land reform and revenue laws. - [Source: "the case was challenged before the High Court of Judicature at Allahabad"] [State Of Uttar Pradesh VS Suresh Chandra Tewari - 2024 0 Supreme(SC) 1198]

S.12 Appeal

       Any person aggrieved by an order of the Settlement Officer under section 7 may appeal, within thirty days of the receipt by him of the order, to the District Collector having jurisdiction over the area in which the holding is situate, and the District Collector shall, after giving the appellant a reasonable opportunity of being heard and after making such further enquiry as may be prescribed, pass such order on the appeal as he thinks fit.

S.13 Revision

       (1) The Board of Revenue may, either of its own motion or on application by any person aggrieved by an order under section 12, call for and examine the record of any proceeding in which such order has been passed for the purpose of satisfying itself as to the legality, regularity or propriety of such order or proceeding and pass such order thereof as it thinks fit.
        (2) The Board of Revenue shall not of its own motion call for and examine the record of any proceeding under subsection (l), if the order to which the proceeding relates has been made more than two years pre­ viously.
        (3) In the case of an application under subsection (1) by any person aggrieved, the application shall be made within two years from the date on which the order in question was communicated to him.

S.14 Corrections to the final order

       No correction shall be made in the order of the Settlement Officer after it has become final, provided that the Settlement Officer may, either of his own motion or on application filed by a person interested, correct any clerical or arithmetical mistake or any error arising therein from any accidental slip or omission:
        Provided that no such correction shall be made without giving an opportunity of being heard to the party who may be affected thereby.

Legal Commentary on Section 14 of the Kerala Service Inam Lands (Vesting and Enfranchisement) Act, 1981

Introduction

The Kerala Service Inam Lands (Vesting and Enfranchisement) Act, 1981 (Act 17 of 1981) was enacted to provide for the vesting and enfranchisement of Service Inam lands in the State of Kerala. The Act aims to abolish all services attached to such lands and to provide for matters connected therewith. Service Inam lands are lands held under a tenure to which some specific service or obligation in the shape of personal labour or supply of provisions is attached. Section 14 of this Act specifically deals with the vesting of rights where a service Inam land is in possession of a person other than the original grantee.

What Section 14 Says

Section 14 of the Kerala Service Inam Lands (Vesting and Enfranchisement) Act, 1981 addresses situations where service Inam land is in the possession of a person other than the person to whom the land was originally granted for performing services or any of his successors. The provision deals with the vesting mechanism in such circumstances and the determination of rights between the landholder and the actual possessor.

Essential Ingredients

1. Possession by a third party: The service Inam land must be in the possession of a person other than the original grantee or their successors.
2. Nature of original grant: The land was originally granted for performing specific services.
3. Vesting mechanism: The section provides for how rights vest when there is a separation between legal title and actual possession.
4. Determination of rights: The Settlement Officer has jurisdiction to determine the respective rights of parties.

Scope of Section

The scope of Section 14 is limited to addressing the consequences of service Inam lands being held by persons other than the original grantees. It creates a framework for determining who is entitled to what rights when such lands vest in the government. The section operates within the broader scheme of the Act which aims to abolish service tenures and enfranchise the lands.

Punishment for Section

The provided sources do not contain specific information regarding punishment under Section 14 of the Kerala Service Inam Lands (Vesting and Enfranchisement) Act, 1981. Therefore, this point cannot be addressed based on the available materials.

Legal Comments

• Vesting of Rights - Section 14 addresses the vesting of rights where service Inam land is in possession of a person other than the original grantee, establishing the framework for determining competing claims. [Source: ACT 17 OF 1981 THE KERALA SERVICE INAM LANDS (VESTING AND ENFRANCHISEMENT) ACT, 1981]

• Service Inam Definition - "Service Inam land" means land held under a tenure to which some specific service or obligation in the shape of personal labour or supply of provisions is attached, forming the basis for the entire Act's operation. [Source: Kerala Service Inam Lands (Vesting and Enfranchisement) Act, 1981]

• Public Interest Objective - The preamble declares it necessary in the public interest to provide for the vesting and enfranchisement of Service Inam lands, establishing the legislative intent behind Section 14. [Source: ACT 17 OF 1981 THE KERALA SERVICE INAM LANDS (VESTING AND ENFRANCHISEMENT) ACT, 1981]

• Abolition of Services - The Act provides for the abolition of all services attached to such lands, which is the underlying policy context for Section 14's operation. [Source: Kerala Service Inam Lands (Vesting and Enfranchisement) Act, 1981]

• Possession by Non-Grantee - Where any service Inam land is in the possession of a person other than the person to whom the land was granted for performing services or any of his successors, Section 14 becomes applicable. [Source: THE KERALA SERVICE INAM LANDS (VESTING AND ENFRANCHISEMENT) ACT, 1981 - Section 14]

• Landholder's Rights - Every land holder shall, within the prescribed period from the date of commencement of these rules, file before the Settlement Officer an application for determination of rights under the Act. [Source: The Kerala Service Inam Lands (vesting And Enfranchisement) Rules, 1981 - Rule 14]

• Compensation Framework - The Act provides for the payment of compensation to landowners and the assignment of land rights to landholders, subject to certain conditions related to land. [Source: Kerala Service Inam Lands (Vesting and Enfranchisement) Act, 1981]

• Settlement Officer's Role - The Settlement Officer is empowered to issue notices and determine the compensation and purchase price payable under the Act, including matters under Section 14. [Source: Kerala act 017 of 1981: The Service Inam Lands (Vesting And Enfranchisement) Act, 1981]

• Free from Encumbrances - Rights of landowners in Service Inam lands held by land holders shall vest in the Government free from all encumbrances under the scheme of the Act. [Source: ENFRANCHISEMENT ON INAM LANDS]

• Procedural Rules - Rule 14 of the Kerala Service Inam Lands (Vesting and Enfranchisement) Rules, 1981 prescribes the procedure in appeal, including fee for application, appeal or revision. [Source: The Kerala Service Inam Lands (vesting And Enfranchisement) Rules, 1981]

• Time Limitation - Every land holder shall file application within the prescribed period as amended from time to time, such as "10 years and six months" from the date of commencement of the rules. [Source: The Kerala Service Inam Lands (vesting And Enfranchisement) Rules, 1981]

• Constitutional Validity Context - Courts have examined similar land reform provisions under Article 14 of the Constitution, holding that while Article 14 forbids class legislation, it does not forbid reasonable classification for legislative purposes. [Source: CINE WORKERS AND CINEMA THEATRE WORKERS (REGULATION OF EMPLOYMENT) ACT, 1981 - Section 24]

• Presumption of Constitutionality - There is a presumption in favour of constitutionality of enactment, and the burden is upon him who attacks it to show discrimination not referable to rational classification. [Source: CINE WORKERS AND CINEMA THEATRE WORKERS (REGULATION OF EMPLOYMENT) ACT, 1981 - Section 24]

• Judicial Scrutiny - The Kerala High Court has examined the effect of provisions of the Kerala Service Inam Lands (Vesting and Enfranchisement) Act, 1981, finding them prima facie relevant particularly regarding land rights. [Source: inam lands doctypes - Kerala High Court]

• Amendment Powers - The Rules under the Act have been amended from time to time, for instance substituting figures and words "42 years 2 months and 11 days" with "45 years 2 months 12 days" in Rule 4. [Source: Kerala Service Inam Lands (Vesting and Enfranchisement) Rules, 1981]

• Purchase Price - The Act provides for determination of purchase price payable by the landholder to acquire rights in the service Inam land. [Source: Kerala act 017 of 1981: The Service Inam Lands (Vesting And Enfranchisement) Act, 1981]

• State Legislation - This is aState legislation enacted bytheKeralaLegislature withtheassentofthePresident,applyingonlywithin theState ofKeala. [Source:ACT17OF1981THEKERALASERVICEINAMLAND(VESTINGANDENFRANCHISEMENT)ACT,1981]

• Rule-MakingPower - TheActconfersrule-makingpwerontheStateGovernmentto carryoutthepurposesoftheAct,includingmattersrelatingto Section14. [Source:KeralaServiceInamLands(VestingandEnfranchisement)Act,1981]

S.15 Settlement Officers

       The Government shall appoint as many Settlement Officers as may be necessary from among officers not below the rank of Tahsildar for the purpose of exercising the powers and performing the functions of a Settlement Officer under this Act.

S.16 Powers of Settlement Officer, District Collector and Board of Revenue

       The Settlement Officer, the District Collector and the Board of Revenue shall have all the powers of a civil court while trying a suit under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, in respect of the following matters, namely:—
        (a) summoning and enforcing the attendance of any person and examining him on oath;
        (b) requiring the discovery and production of any document;
        (c) receiving evidence on affidavit;
        (d) issuing commissions for examination of witnesses or for local investigation;
        (e) requisitioning any public record or copy thereof from any court or office; and
        (f) any other matter

S.17 Decision of disputes as to whether land is Service Inam Land

       If any question arises as to whether any land is a Service Inam Land for the purposes of this Act or not, the question shall be referred to the Govern ment for decision and the decision of the Government thereon shall be final.

S.18 Bar of jurisdiction of civil courts

       No civil court shall have juris­ diction to decide or deal with any question or to determine any matter which is, by or under this Act, required to be decided or dealt with or to be determined by any officer or authority under this Act.

S.19 Protection of action taken in good faith

       No suit, prosecution or other legal proceedings shall lie against the Government or any officer for any act which is in good faith done or intended to be done under this Act or the rules made thereunder.

S.20 Power to remove difficulties

       (1) If any difficulty arises in giving effect to the provisions of this Act, the Government may, by order pub lished in the Gazette, make such provisions not inconsistent with the pro­ visions of this Act which appear to them necessary for the purpose of remo ving the difficulty:
        Provided that no such order shall be made after the expiry of two years from the date on which this Act comes into force.
        (2) Every order made under this section shall, as soon as may be after it is made, be laid before the Legislative Assembly.

S.21 Power to make rules

       The Government may, by notification in the Gazette, make rules to carry out the purposes of this Act.
        (2) In particular, and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, such rules may provide for the following matters, namely:—
        (a) the fees payable on applications, appeals and claims made under this Act and the persons by whom and the period within which such fees shall be paid;
        (b) the procedure to be followed by the Settlement Officer;
        (c) any other matter which under this Act is to be, or may be prescribed.
        (3) Every rule made under this Act shall be laid, as soon as may be after it is made, before the Legisl

S.22 Repeal

       Proclamations dated the 16th May, 1886 and the 7th August, 1893 , relating to Viruthi Services and the Proclamation dated the 13th May, 1893 , relating to Service Inam Lands, issued by the Ruler of the former State of Travancore and Proclamation No. XII of 1122 dated the 21st December, 1946 , promulgated by the Ruler of the former State of Cochin are hereby repealed.