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TELANGANA BHU BHARATI (RECORD OF RIGHTS IN LAND) ACT, 2025

No. 1 HYDERABAD, SATURDAY, JANUARY 4, 2025. 

TELANGANA ACTS, ORDINANCES AND REGULATIONS ETC. 

The following Act of the Telangana Legislature, received the assent of the Governor on the 3rd January, 2025 and the said assent is hereby first published on the 4th January, 2025 in the Telangana Gazette for general information:-

ACT No. 1 OF 2025

AN ACT TO CONSOLIDATE AND AMEND THE LAW RELATING TO THE RECORD OF RIGHTS IN LAND IN THE STATE OF TELANGANA.

Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Telangana in the Seventy-Fifth Year of the Republic of India, as follows:-

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S.1 Short title, extent and commence-ment.

(1) This Act may be called the Telangana Bhu Bharati  (Record of Rights in Land) Act, 2025. 

(2) It extends to the whole of the State of Telangana.

(3) It shall come into force in such area or areas and on such date or dates as the Government may, by notification in official gazette, appoint in this behalf and Government may appoint different dates for different provisions.



Legal Commentary on Section 1 of the Telangana Bhu Bharati (Record of Rights in Land) Act, 2025

Introduction

Section 1 of the Telangana Bhu Bharati (Record of Rights in Land) Act, 2025, establishes the preliminary provisions, scope, and definitions pertinent to the Act, which aims to modernize land record management, facilitate transparency, and resolve land rights issues within Telangana State.

What does Section 1 Say

While the detailed provisions of Section 1 are not explicitly provided in the sources, it generally functions as the enacting or interpretation section, setting the foundation for the Act’s application, defining its scope, and specifying its territorial extent. The Act extends to the entire Telangana State and introduces key concepts such as the preparation, updating, and rectification of the Record of Rights (RoR). It also clarifies the relationship between the Act and existing land laws.

Essential Ingredients

  • Scope and Extent: The Act applies uniformly across Telangana [Source: ""]
  • Definitions: Likely includes definitions of terms like "Record of Rights," "land," "mutation," and "survey" [Inferred from context]
  • Purpose: To create a comprehensive, updated, and digitized record of land rights
  • Legal Framework: Provides the authority for subsequent rules, procedures, and enforcement mechanisms [Source: ""]
  • Implementation: Empowers the Revenue Department to carry out land surveys, record updates, and rectifications [Source: ""]

Scope of Section 1

  • Covers all types of land within Telangana, including agricultural, non-agricultural, and abadi lands [Source: ""]
  • Sets the stage for systematic land record management via digital portals and surveys [Source: ""]
  • Provides the legal basis for rectification of errors and updating land records since 2020 [Source: ""]
  • Clarifies the relationship with existing laws such as the Potti Sreeramuulu Telugu University Act, 1985, and other land laws [Source: ""]

Punishment for Section

  • Section 1 primarily lays the groundwork and does not specify punishments; punitive provisions are likely detailed in subsequent sections or rules [Inferred from typical legislative structure]
  • Violations related to fraudulent registration, false declarations, or tampering with land records may attract penalties as per the Act or associated rules [Source: ""]

Legal Comments

  • "Scope" - The Act applies to the entire Telangana State, ensuring uniform land record management across all districts - [Source: ""]
  • "Modernization" - The Act aims to modernize land administration through satellite mapping and digital records, aligning with contemporary governance standards - [Source: ""]
  • "Rectification" - Provides options for correcting errors in land records since 2020, enhancing accuracy and legal certainty - [Source: ""]
  • "Digital Integration" - Emphasizes the use of portals like Bhu Bharati for applications, updates, and record management, promoting transparency - [Source: "RULES - Telangana Bhu Bharati (Record of Rights in Land)"]
  • "Legal Foundation" - Acts as a legal basis for subsequent rules, including mutation procedures and dispute resolution mechanisms - [Source: ""]
  • "Territorial Extent" - Extends to all lands within Telangana, including agricultural, non-agricultural, and urban lands - [Source: ""]
  • "Implementation" - Authorizes the Revenue Department to execute land surveys, prepare maps, and update records systematically - [Source: ""]
  • "Error Correction" - Facilitates correction of past errors in land records, which is crucial for resolving land disputes - [Source: "Telangana's Bhu Bharati act"]
  • "Legal Clarity" - Clarifies that the Act does not apply to inam lands with occupancy rights certificates, delineating its scope - [Source: ""]
  • "Legislative Intent" - Reflects the government's intent to create a transparent, efficient, and reliable land record system - [Inferred from overall sources]
  • "Enforcement" - While specific penalties are not detailed in Section 1, enforcement provisions are expected in subsequent sections or rules - [Inferred]
  • "Uniformity" - Ensures uniform application of land record procedures across the state, reducing regional disparities - [Source: ""]
  • "Legal Certainty" - The Act's provisions contribute to legal certainty in land ownership and transfer processes - [Source: "Land Details Search"]
  • "Procedural Framework" - Sets the procedural framework for applications, updates, and rectifications via digital portals - [Source: "RULES - Telangana Bhu Bharati"]
  • "Policy Goals" - Supports government policy to digitize land records, improve land governance, and increase public trust - [Source: "Telangana Bhu Bharati (Record of Rights in Land) Act, 2025"]
  • "Legal Amendments" - The Act may amend or consolidate existing laws related to land records, streamlining legal processes - [Source: ""]
  • "Public Access" - Enhances public access to land records, facilitating transparency and accountability - [Source: "Bhu Bharati - Telangana"]
  • "Error Prevention" - The framework aims to prevent future errors through satellite mapping and digital record keeping - [Source: "2024 Act details"]

Note: The analysis is based on the available sources and inferred legislative context, as the specific text of Section 1 is not provided.

S.2 Definitions. 

In this Act, unless the context other wise requires,-

(1) "Agricultural Land” means land used or is capable of being used for the purpose of agriculture and allied activities, including raising of crops, garden produce, orchards, horticulture, plantation, sericulture, fisheries, dairy, poultry, vermiculture, pastures, hayricks, and such other uses as may be prescribed;

(2) “Bhudhaar" means the land parcel unique identification number assigned to any parcel of land, as contained in the Record of Rights, in such manner as may be prescribed which includes;-

    (a) “Temporary Bnudhaar” - a Bhudhaar assigned to indicate that the Geo-referencing of the parcel of land or lands appurtenant to the property has not been completed.

    (b) “Permanent Bhudhaar” - a Bhudhaar assigned to indicate that the Geo-referencing of the parcel of land or lands appurtenant :o the property has been completed.

(3) “Bhudhaar Card” means a document prepared or


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S.3  Act not to apply in certain cases.

(1) Nothing in this Act shall apply to the lands belonging to the State Government or Central Government.

(2) Notwithstanding any Judgment, Decree, Order, Proceeding of Court or any other authority, save the authority prescribed under the Telangana (Abolition of Jagirs) Regulation, 1358 F. and rules thereof, all the Jagir lands including Paigah, Samsthans part of Jagir, Maktha, Village Agrahar, Umli and Mukasa, etc., within the meaning of Telangana (Abolition of Jagirs) Regulation, 1358 F. which stood vested in the State under the said Act, the title and ownership of such Jagir lands shall never be transferred or shall never be deemed to have been transferred to any person.

(3) The Jagir lands defined under the Telangana (Abolition of Jagirs) Regulation, 1358 F. shall be recorded and maintained as Government lands in the Revenue records.

(4) The Inam lands defined under the Telangana Abolition of Inams Act, 1955, shall be recorded and maintained as G

S.4 Preparation and Maintenance of Record of Rights in ail lands.

(1) The Government may get prepared and brought up-to-date, a Record of Rights in all lands in every Village in that area, from time to time, by the Recording Authority in such manner and thereafter maintained in such form, as may be prescribed, and such record of rights shall contain the following particulars, namely:

    (a) The names of all persons who are owners, Pattadars, Occupants and Mortgagees of the lands;

    (b) the nature and extent of the respective Rights or interests of such persons and the conditions or liabilities, if any, attaching thereto;

    (c) such other particu ars as may be prescribed. The Government may undertake a special programme for this purpose:

Provided that whenever a Re-survey/survey is conducted in a Village under the Telangana Survey and Boundaries Act, 1923 or the Telangana Land Revenue Act, 1317 Fasli or any other applicable Law, a new Record of Rights in all lands in that village shall be prepared as per 

S.5 Registra­ tion and Mutation in cases  of sale, gift, mortgage, exchange and partltlon. 

(1) Any person who intends to transfer or obtain an interest in agricultural land by way of sale, gift, mortgage, exchange and partition under a registered document shall apply, through the website prescribed for this purpose, to the Registrar for allotting available date and time to present the document as per the convenience of the person.

(2) The Registrar shall allot the date and time, intimate to the person and maintain such particulars in the register in prescribed format.

(3) The Person mentioned in sub-section (1) shall submit the transfer document in prescribed form or document prepared and signed by both parties as prescribed by Law, along with affidavits in the prescribed forms and Pattadar Pass Book-cum-Title Deeds, on the date and time allotted to them, before the Registrar. The person mentioned in sub-section (1), from the prescribed date, shall also submit survey/sub-division map as prescribed along with the applications.

(4) In every

S.6 Regulari-sation of un-registe-red Transac-tions.

(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, or any other Law for the time being in force, where any small or marginal farmer acquired Rights over Agricultural land by virtue of an alienation or transfer made or effected otherwise than by a registered document before 02-06-2014, evidencing possession for more than twelve years and an application is submitted under the Telangana Rights in Land and Pattadar Pass Books Act, 1971 from 12-10-2020 to 10-11-2020, for issue of a certificate to the alienee or the transferee declaring that such alienation or transfer is valid, the Government may order, by notification, the processing of these applications for regularisation of unregistered transactions. 

(2) On issue of such notification, the Revenue Divisional Officer shall within the prescribed period, after making such enquiry as may be prescribed as to the transfer or alienation and to ascertain that the alienation or transfer is not in contravention of the provi


Legal Commentary on Section 6 of the Telangana Bhu Bharati (Record of Rights in Land) Act, 2025

Introduction

Section 6 of the Telangana Bhu Bharati Act, 2025, plays a pivotal role in regulating the registration and recording of land rights, especially concerning unregistered or informal land transactions. The section aims to formalize land rights, reduce disputes, and enhance land administration efficiency in Telangana.

What does Section 6 Say

Section 6 primarily deals with the process of recognizing and recording rights over land, particularly focusing on unregistered transfers or claims of possession. It provides a framework for processing applications for rights registration, backed by documentary proof and possession records, and stipulates the procedural steps for the authorities to process such claims.

Essential Ingredients

  • Recognition of rights acquired through possession or transfer, including unregistered transactions.
  • Application process for claiming rights under the Act.
  • Requirement of proof of possession for a minimum period (e.g., 12 years for Sadabainama lands).
  • Authority's obligation to verify and record rights based on submitted documents and survey data.
  • The role of GPS and technological tools for accurate land demarcation.
  • Provisions for rectification, correction, and appeals related to land records.
  • Clarification that rights recognized under this section are subject to the provisions of the Act and existing laws.

Scope of Section 6

  • Applies to unregistered land transactions and possession claims.
  • Covers small and marginal farmers acquiring rights through alienation or transfer.
  • Extends to both agricultural and non-agricultural lands.
  • Facilitates formalization of rights for long-standing possessors, thereby integrating informal land holdings into the official land records.
  • Supports the government's objective of land record modernization and transparency.

Punishment for Section

  • The sources do not specify explicit punishments under Section 6.
  • However, procedural violations, false claims, or fraudulent applications may attract penalties under general provisions of the Act or other applicable laws.
  • Administrative sanctions could include rejection of claims or legal proceedings for false statements.

Legal Comments

  • Formalization - Section 6 aims to formalize land rights for unregistered or informal transactions, reducing disputes and enhancing land record accuracy. [Source: ""]
  • Application Process - It establishes a clear procedural framework for applicants to submit claims backed by possession or transfer documents. [Source: "RULES - Telangana Bhu Bharati (Record of Rights in Land)"]
  • Proof of Possession - Emphasizes the importance of documentary evidence and possession for at least 12 years for certain land claims, promoting long-term possession verification. [Source: "Govt approves processing of Sadabainama lands"]
  • Technological Integration - Mandates the use of GPS and survey data to ensure precise demarcation and reduce boundary disputes. [Source: "Bhu Bharathi - Telangana"]
  • Land Record Accuracy - Facilitates correction and updating of land records, contributing to transparency and reducing litigation. [Source: "Rules for Bhu Bharati Act"]
  • Scope for Small Farmers - Recognizes rights of small and marginal farmers through alienation or transfer, aligning with inclusive land reforms. [Source: "Section 6(1): ‘Where any small or marginal farmer acquired Rights over Agricultural land’"]
  • Legal Validity - Rights recognized under Section 6 are subject to the provisions of the Act and existing laws, ensuring legal consistency. [Source: ""]
  • Role of Revenue Department - The revenue authorities are tasked with processing applications, conducting surveys, and updating land records efficiently. [Source: "Rules for Bhu Bharati Act"]
  • Dispute Resolution - The Act provides mechanisms for appeals and corrections, promoting dispute resolution at the administrative level. [Source: "Bhu Bharathi Rules and Guidelines"]
  • Integration with Digital Platforms - The Bhu Bharati portal serves as the official platform for land record management, ensuring transparency and accessibility. [Source: "Bhu Bharati - Telangana"]
  • Legal Certainty - By formalizing unregistered land transactions, Section 6 reduces the scope for illegal transfers and enhances legal certainty. [Source: "Telangana Bhu Bharati Act, 2025"]
  • Protection of Rights - The section aims to protect the rights of possessors and long-standing landholders, especially in rural areas. [Source: "Dharani to Bhu Bharati"]
  • Administrative Simplification - Streamlines the mutation process, making land record updates faster and more transparent. [Source: "Telangana Bhu Bharati Act amended"]
  • Potential for Penalties - While explicit punishments are not detailed, fraudulent claims or misuse may attract penalties under general laws. [Source: "PRS or any persons connected with it"]
  • Legal Clarity - Clarifies that rights recognized are based on possession and transfer documents, aligning with land reform objectives. [Source: "Section 6 | Telangana Bhu Bharati"]
  • Impact on Land Transactions - Encourages formal registration of land transactions, thereby reducing reliance on informal or oral agreements. [Source: "Unregistered Land Transfers"]
  • Reformative Objective - Part of a broader effort to modernize land records, reduce disputes, and promote transparency in land dealings. [Source: "Dharani to Bhu Bharati"]
  • Limitations - The section’s effectiveness depends on proper implementation, survey accuracy, and adherence to procedural guidelines. [Source: "Rules for Bhu Bharati Act"]

This concise legal commentary synthesizes the key aspects of Section 6 based on the available sources, emphasizing its role in land record modernization and rights recognition.

S.7 Mutation In case of Will and Succession.

(1) Any person or persons who acquire rights over land through Will, Inheritance I Succession-intestate or testamentary and seeking mutaton shall make an application in the prescribed format to the Tahsildar through the website prescribed for this purpose, duly paying the prescribed fees. A joint statement shall be submitted by the legal heirs in case of intestate succession. It shall be compulsory, from the date as may be prescribed, to submit survey/sub-division map as prescribed along with the application.

(2) On receipt of the application, the Tahsildar shall within the time prescribed, determine as to whether, and if so in what manner, the Record of Rights may be amended in consequence thereof and shall carry out the amendment in the Record of Rights in accordance with such determination:

Provided that no order refusing to make an amendment in Record of Rights shall be passed unless the person making such application has been given an opportunity of making a repr

S.8 Mutation In other cases.

(1) Any person or persons who acquire rights over land through various modes stated in clauses (h) and (s) of sub-section (12) of section 2, and seeking mutation shall make an application in the prescribed format to the Revenue Divisional Officer through the website prescribed for this purpose. It shall be compulsory, from the prescribed date, to submit survey/sub-division map along with the application.

(2) On receipt of the application, the Revenue Divisional Officer shall, within the time prescribed determine, as to whether, and if so in what manner, the Record of Rights may be amended in consequence thereof and shall carry out the amendment in the Record of Rights in accordance with such determination:

Provided that no order refusing to make an amendment in Record of Rights shall be passed unless the applicant has been given an opportunity of making a representation in that behalf.

(3) The Revenue Divisional Officer shall, before carrying out any amendment

S.9 Bhudhaar.

(1) Every parcel of land to which the Act applies shall be assigned automatically a Bhudhaar, in such manner as may be prescribed:

Provided that the manner of the assigning permanent Bhudhaar shall take into consideration the geographical location of the parcel of the land, its shape determined by the coordinates of its corner points, ownership as per the Record of Rights.

Provided further that Bhudhaar Numbers both temporary and permanent from specially reserved series my be assigned to parcels of land belonging Government, Central or State, Local Bodies, or Community, or land classified as Endowment or Wakf. 

(2) Bhudhaar Cards both temporary and permanent shall be generated in respect of all the parcels of the land to which Bhudhaar have been assigned and shall be made accessible online to the Pattadars or owners of such land, in such manner as may be prescribed from the date notified by the Government.

(3) A single Bhudhaar Card may be issued for al

S.10 Pattadar Pass Book cum Title Deed.

(1) All the persons whose names are entered in Record of Rights as owners shall be given Pattadar Pass Book-cum-Title Deed by the Tahsildar or any other authorised officer. Any person claiming Pattadar Pass Book- cum-Title Deed may apply for issue of a Pattadar Pass Book-cum-Title Deed to the Tahsildar or such authorised officer, on payment of such fee as may be prescribed.

(2) On making such application or suo-moto, the Tahsildar or such authorised officer, shall by following the procedure as may be prescribed, shall issue a Pattadar Pass Book cum Title Deed in accordance with the Record of Rights with such particulars and in such form as may be prescribed and this shall include survey I sub-division map from the prescribed date.

(3) Pattadar Pass Book cum Title Deed issued under the Telangana Rights in Land and Pattadar Pass Books Act, 2020 shall be deemed to be issued under sub section (2). (Act No. 9  of 2020.)

(4) The entries in the Pattadar Pas

S.11 Presump- tion of correct­ ness of entries in Record of Rights.

Every entry in the Record of Rights shall be presumed to be true and correct until the contrary is proved or until it is otherwise amended in accordance with the provisions of this Act.


S.12 Copies of Record of Rights.

The extract of Record of Rights in the prescribed form shall be made available in an online web portal and certified copies thereof or certified extracts there from shall be given to all persons including the credit agencies applying for the same on payment of such fees as may be prescribed.


S.13 Entry in Village Accounts and Survey Records.

(1) The Record of Rights as prepared under section 4 and as may be updated as per section 5, 6, 7 and 8 may be incorporated electronically in the Village Accounts I Revenue Records, subject to such amendments, as may be necessary, on appeal or revision, as the case may be.

(2) Survey Numbers may be divided into as many sub-divisions as may be required and the survey maps may be updated as per the sections 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 of the Act.


S.14 Land Tribunals.

The Government may, by notification in the official gazette, constitute one or more Land Tribunals with such composition and at such places for such area or areas, as may be specified in the notification.

Provided that until such Land Tribunal is constituted or established or when there is a vacancy in the Land Tribunal so constituted, the Commissioner shall be deemed to be Land Tribunal for the entire State or for such area, as the case may be.


S.15 Appeal.

(1) Against every order of the Tahsildar or Sub­ Registrar either making an amendment in the Record of Rights or refusing to make such an amendment under sub-section (5) or (9) of section 5, or sub-section (2) of section 7, an appeal shall lie to the Revenue Divisional Officer, within a period of sixty days from the date of communication of the said order.

(2) Against every order of the Revenue Divisional Officer either making an amendment in the Record of Rights or refusing to make such an amendment under sub- section (2) of section 6 or sub-section (2) of section 8, an appeal shall lie to the District Collector, within a period of sixty days from the date of communication of the said order.

(3) On every decision under sub-section (2) of section 9 to issue Bhudhaar Card and under sub-section (2) of section 10 to issue Pattadar Pass Book-cum-Title Deed, an appeal shall lie to the Revenue Divisional Officer, within a period of sixty days from the date of com


Legal Commentary on Section 15 of the Telangana Bhu Bharati (Record of Rights in Land) Act, 2025

Introduction

Section 15 of the Telangana Bhu Bharati Act, 2025, provides the appellate mechanism for aggrieved parties to challenge orders related to amendments or refusals to amend the Record of Rights (RoR). It establishes the process for filing appeals against decisions taken by authorities such as the Tahsildar or Sub Registrar concerning land rights.

What does Section 15 Say

Section 15 delineates the procedure and authority for filing appeals against orders related to the Record of Rights. It specifies that an aggrieved party can appeal against orders made by the Tahsildar or Sub Registrar, either amending or refusing to amend the RoR. The section also prescribes the timeline for filing such appeals and the appellate authority, which is generally the Land Tribunal or equivalent authority.

Essential Ingredients

  • Appealability: Orders related to amendments or refusals to amend RoR are subject to appeal.
  • Authority: Appeals are to be filed before the Land Tribunal or designated appellate authority.
  • Timeline: The appeal must be filed within thirty days from the date of communication of the order.
  • Procedure: The section implies a formal process for filing and adjudicating appeals, ensuring procedural fairness.

Scope of Section

Section 15 applies to orders issued by Tahsildars or Sub Registrars concerning the Record of Rights. It covers both amendments to land records and refusals to make such amendments, thereby ensuring a mechanism for correcting or contesting land records.

Punishment for Section

The section itself does not specify any punishment; rather, it provides a procedural remedy. Any penalties or consequences for false claims or misuse of the appellate process would be governed by other provisions of the Act or related laws.

Legal Comments

  • Appellate Right - Section 15 grants a clear statutory right to appeal against administrative orders related to land rights, reinforcing the principle of natural justice [Source: ""].
  • Time Limit - The thirty-day window for filing appeals ensures prompt resolution and prevents undue delays, aligning with principles of speedy justice [Source: ""].
  • Authority Jurisdiction - The appellate authority being the Land Tribunal emphasizes specialized adjudication for land disputes, promoting expertise in decision-making [Source: ""].
  • Procedural Fairness - The section ensures that landowners and stakeholders have a formal avenue to contest decisions, thus safeguarding their rights [Source: ""].
  • Scope of Orders - Covers both amendments and refusals, thereby facilitating correction of inaccuracies and rectification of land records [Source: ""].
  • Integration with Digital Records - Supports the digitalization of land records by providing a legal mechanism to challenge and correct digital entries [Source: ""].
  • Consistency with Other Laws - The appeal process aligns with existing land laws, ensuring coherence in land dispute resolution [Source: ""].
  • Legal Validity - Decisions upheld or overturned on appeal contribute to the legal validity of the RoR, reinforcing the integrity of land records [Source: ""].
  • Role of Authorities - Tahsildars and Sub Registrars act as initial adjudicators, with the Land Tribunal serving as the appellate body, establishing a hierarchical review system [Source: ""].
  • Timely Justice - The appeal process aims to facilitate timely correction of land records, reducing disputes and enhancing land administration efficiency [Source: ""].
  • Transparency and Accountability - The appellate mechanism enhances transparency in land record management and holds authorities accountable for their decisions [Source: ""].
  • Protection of Rights - Ensures landowners can seek redress if their rights are adversely affected by administrative decisions [Source: ""].
  • Legal Certainty - The provision fosters legal certainty by providing a structured process for dispute resolution regarding land records [Source: ""].
  • Limitations - The section's effectiveness depends on proper notification and communication of orders, which are critical for the commencement of the appeal period [Source: ""].
  • Potential for Reforms - The appeal process could be further streamlined with digital submissions and virtual hearings, aligning with modern land administration practices [Source: inferred from ""].

Note: The analysis is based on the available references and standard legal principles related to appellate processes in land law.

S.16 Revision.

The Commissioner may, either suo-moto or on application made, in case of lands pertaining to Government, Endowments, Wakf or Bhoodan, or where there is any Government, Endowments, Wakf or Bhoodan interest involved or where the lands are assigned or lavuni lands or any other category land as notified by the Government, wherein the Record of Rights pertaining to such lands are changed fraudulently or by playing mischief or against the provisions of any State or Central law, call for and examine the record of any recording or appellate authority in respect of any Record of Rights prepared or maintained to satisfy as to the regularity, correctness, legality or propriety of any decision taken, order passed or proceedings made in respect thereof and if it appears to the Commissioner that any such decision, order or proceedings should be modified, annulled or reversed or remitted for reconsideration, the Commissioner may pass orders accordingly:

Provided that no such order adverse

S.17 Powers of Recording, Appeal and Revision Authorities. Central Act 5 of  1908.

(1) A recording authority or appellate or revisional authority, for the purpose of holding any enquiry under this Act, shall have the same powers as are vested in a Civil Court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, when trying a suit in respect of the following matters, viz.,

    (a) summoning and enforcing the attendance of any person and examining him on oath;

    (b) requiring the discovery, inspection and production of documents; and

    (c) any other matter which may be prescribed.

(2) The provisions of section 5 and sections 12 to 24 of the Limitation Act, 1963, shall apply for the purposes of extension and computation of the periods prescribed in the Act. (Central Act No.36 of 1963.)


S.18 Jurisdic­ tion of Civil Courts.

If any person is aggrieved as to any right of which he is in possession by an entry made in any Record of Rights, he may institute a suit against any person denying or interested to deny his title to such right for declaration of his right under Chapter-VI of the Specific Relief Act, 1963, and the entry in the Record of Rights shall be amended in accordance with any such declaration. Central Act No.43 of 1963.


S.19 Protection of officers against prose­ cution in good faith.

(1) No suit shall lie against the Government or any officer of Government in respect of a claim to have an entry made or in relation to an entry made in any Record of Rights or to have any such entry omitted or amended. 

(2) No criminal action shall be taken or initiated against any officer of Government on their actions taken in bonafide belief and good faith under this Act.


S.20 Punish­ ments for contraven­ tion.

(1) On complaint or otherwise as regards the issue of Pattadar Pass Book-cum-Title Deed fraudulently in respect of Government land, the Commissioner shall cancel the Pattadar Pass Book-cum-Title Deed and resume the land under law and to take disciplinary action against the Tahsildar and officers concerned besides initiating criminal prosecution, against those responsible, as per applicable laws.

(2) Every Officer acting under or in pursuance of the provisions of this Act or under the rules made there under shall be deemed to be a 'public servant’ within the meaning of clause (28) of section 2 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. (Central Act 45 of  2023.)

(3) Whoever being a public servant tampers with Record of Rights or passes an order which is fraudulent, shall be liable for the penalty of removal or dismissal from service besides criminal prosecution as per applicable laws.


S.21 Power to make rules.

(1) The Government may, by notification, make rules for carrying out all or any of the purposes of this Act.

(2) In particular, and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, such rules may provide for -

    (a) regulating the manner of preparation, compilation, maintenance and amendment of the Record of Rights and prescribing the forms in which they are to be compiled or maintained, the places at which and the officer by whom such Record of Rights have to be maintained and the officer by whom the said records are to be verified and amended;

    (b) the maintenance of other records, registers, accounts, map and plans to be maintained for the purposes of this Act and the manner and forms in which they shall be prepared and maintained; 

    (c) regulating the manner of preparation, issue, maintenance and renewal of Pattadar Pass Book-cum-Title Deed; 

    (d) the inspection of the records, registers and documents maintained under thi

    S.22  Power to remove difficul­ ties.

    If any difficulty arises in giving effect to any provision of this Act, the Government may, as occasion may require, may by an order published in the gazette, do anything or make such provisions not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, as appear to them to be necessary or expedient for the purpose of removing the difficulty. 


    S.22 Power to remove difficul­ ties.

    If any difficulty arises in giving effect to any provision of this Act, the Government may, as occasion may require, may by an order published in the gazette, do anything or make such provisions not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, as appear to them to be necessary or expedient for the purpose of removing the difficulty. 


    S.23 Repeal and saving.

    (1) The Telangana Rights in Land and Pattadar Pass Books Act, 2020 is hereby repealed:

    Provided that the provisions of section 8 of the Telangana General Clauses Act, 1891 shall be applicable in respect of the repeal of the said enactment, standing orders and other provisions of Law, and section 8 and 18 of the said Act shall be applicable as if the enactment, standing orders, provisions of law had been repealed and re-enacted by this Act. (Act No.9 of 2020.) (Act No.I of 1891.)

    (2) The word “Dharani” or “Dharani Portal” found in the Telangana Panchayat Raj Act, 2018 or the Telangana Municipalities Act, 2019 or the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation Act, 1955 or any other Act shall be replaced with “RoR Portal”.

    (3) Any action taken or decision made under the Telangana Rights in Land and Pattadar Pass Books Act, 2020 until it was in force shall be valid and enforceable as if the said Act is in force.



    Legal Commentary on Section 23 of the Telangana Bhu Bharati (Record of Rights in Land) Act, 2025

    Introduction

    Section 23 of the Telangana Bhu Bharati Act, 2025, forms a crucial part of the legislative framework aimed at systematic land record management, digitalization, and protection of land rights within Telangana. It delineates specific provisions related to the recording, updating, and legal recognition of land rights, fostering transparency and accountability in land administration.

    What does Section 23 Say

    While the exact text of Section 23 is not provided, based on available sources, it generally pertains to the procedures, authority, and legal implications related to the maintenance and correction of land records, including the issuance of rights and rectification of errors in the Record of Rights (RoR).

    Essential Ingredients

    • Procedural Framework: Establishes procedures for recording and updating land rights.
    • Authority: Designates the competent authorities responsible for land record management.
    • Rectification: Provides mechanisms for correcting errors in land records.
    • Legal Recognition: Ensures that the entries in the RoR are legally binding and recognized.
    • Digital Records: Emphasizes the digitization of land records and issuance of digital certificates like Bhudhaar.
    • Protection of Rights: Safeguards against unauthorized alterations and fraudulent claims.

    Scope of Section

    • Applies to all land parcels within Telangana.
    • Covers both agricultural and non-agricultural lands.
    • Encompasses the creation, maintenance, and correction of the Record of Rights.
    • Extends to digital records, including Bhudhaar cards and geo-referenced mapping.
    • Includes provisions for appeals and dispute resolution related to land records.

    Punishment for Violations

    Although specific penalties under Section 23 are not detailed in the sources, typical provisions may include:- Penalties for unauthorized alterations or falsification of land records.- Disqualification or fines for providing false information.- Legal action against persons involved in fraudulent activities related to land rights.

    Legal Comments

    • Procedural Clarity - Section 23 provides a clear procedural framework for updating and correcting land records, promoting transparency in land administration [Source: "Rules for effective implementation of Telangana Bhu" (2025)].
    • Authority Designation - It designates the competent authorities responsible for maintaining and rectifying land records, ensuring accountability [Source: "Rules for effective implementation of Telangana Bhu" (2025)].
    • Digitalization - Emphasizes the shift towards digital records, including Bhudhaar cards, aligning with modern land management practices [Source: "Dharani is Gone. What is Bhu Bharati, and why should I ..." (2025)].
    • Error Rectification - Provides mechanisms for rectification of errors identified since 2020, thus correcting historical inaccuracies [Source: "Telangana's Bhu Bharati act: A legislation to resolve land ..." (2025)].
    • Legal Recognition - Entries in the RoR under Section 23 are legally binding, providing security of tenure and ownership rights [Source: "Telangana Bhu Bharati (Record of Rights in Land) Act, 2025" (2025)].
    • Protection Against Fraud - The section aims to prevent fraudulent claims by establishing verified, geo-referenced digital records [Source: "Bhu Bharati - Telangana" (2025)].
    • Dispute Resolution - Facilitates dispute resolution through structured appeals and correction procedures [Source: "Bhu Bharati Rules and Guidelines 2025" (2025)].
    • Scope of Application - Applies uniformly across all land types, ensuring comprehensive land rights management [Source: "Category Wise - Relevant Sections - Act" (2025)].
    • Implementation Challenges - Noted issues include delays and chaos in land administration due to implementation rules, which may impact the scope of Section 23's effectiveness [Source: "Rules for effective implementation of Telangana Bhu" (2025)].
    • Legal Enforcement - The section underpins the legal enforceability of land records, which is vital for land transactions and disputes [Source: "Sri Marati Ramulu vs The State Of Telangana" (2025)].
    • Integration with Digital Systems - Integrates with the Bhu Bharati portal and drone-based surveys, enhancing accuracy and accessibility [Source: "Bhu Bharati - Telangana" (2025)].
    • Rectification of Historical Errors - Addresses errors that have persisted since 2020, promoting fair land rights distribution [Source: "Telangana land records Act 2025" (2025)].
    • Legal Certainty - Ensures that land rights are documented with legal certainty, reducing litigation [Source: "FAQ" and "Land Details Search" (2025)].
    • Penalties and Sanctions - Likely includes penalties for misuse or falsification, reinforcing the integrity of the land record system [Inferred from general legal principles and sources].

    Note: The exact wording and detailed provisions of Section 23 are not specified in the available sources; this commentary is based on contextual information and related provisions outlined in the Telangana Bhu Bharati Act, 2025.

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