Gujarat plans to consolidate 16 land, revenue laws into single act, ETLegalWorld
The Gujarat govt is likely to bring in a comprehensive Gujarat Land Administrative Act, a proposed umbrella legislation aimed at streamlining revenue administration by replacing as many as 16 existing revenue-related laws. The move follows deliberations by a committee set up last month to review the state’s revenue framework and suggest measures to simplify governance and reduce litigation.
The committee, which held a two-day brainstorming session on Tuesday and Wednesday, concluded that the multiplicity of laws governing land and revenue matters has led to procedural complications and frequent legal disputes. “During the deliberations, it was felt that the existence of over a dozen acts for revenue matters causes litigation and difficulties in implementation. It was therefore recommended that a single umbrella act be enacted, incorporating provisions of around 16 laws that are currently in force,” a source close to the development said.
According to official sources, the proposed legislation would seek to consolidate scattered provisions related to land records, revenue administration, and associated procedures under one statutory framework, with the objective of making revenue governance more efficient and citizen-friendly.
A similar exercise was initiated in 2012, when the revenue department had begun drafting an umbrella act. However, the proposal was later shelved and the existing laws continued to remain in force. Officials now say the govt is keen to revive the idea in view of persistent demands for simplification and clarity in revenue laws.
The committee examining the issue is headed by retired IAS officer C L Meena. It has been tasked with undertaking a comprehensive review of all acts, rules, resolutions, and manuals administered by the revenue department. Its mandate also includes examining how various provisions have been interpreted by the Gujarat high court and the Supreme Court in past judgements, and suggesting amendments wherever required.
The committee was asked to recommend necessary amendments in laws and rules with respect to representations from various organisations and associations, such as those of builders, lawyers, and others.
Head: Acts likely to be replaced
# Gujarat Land Revenue Code, 1879
# Gujarat Tenancy and Agricultural Lands Act, 1948
# Saurashtra Gharkhed, Tenancy Settlement and Agricultural Lands Ordinance, 1949
# Gujarat Tenancy and Agricultural Lands (Vidarbha Region and Kutch Area) Act, 1958
# Saurashtra Land Reforms Act, 1951
# Saurashtra Estates Acquisition Act, 1952
# Mamlatdar Courts’ Act, 1905
# Guardians and Wards Act, 1890
# Gujarat Court of Wards Act, 1963
# Gujarat Agricultural Lands Ceiling Act, 1960
# Gujarat Prevention of Fragmentation and Consolidation of Holdings Act, 1947
# Gujarat Land Grabbing (Prohibition) Act, 2020
# Registration Act, 1908
# Gujarat Stamp Act, 1958
# The Gujarat Prohibition of Transfer of Immovable Property and Provision for Protection of Tenants from Eviction from Premises in Disturbed Areas Act, 1991
# Treasure Trove Act, 1878
