Nearly 49 lakh irregular land parcels can now be regularised thanks to the state government's amendment of the "Tukdebandi" (land fragmentation) regulations, which is a huge relief to property owners throughout Maharashtra. The decision marks a significant shift in land administration and property law. It was approved by the Maharashtra Cabinet led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Understanding the “Tukdebandi” Law
The “Tukdebandi” provision, introduced under the Maharashtra Land Reforms Act of 1947, was originally designed to prevent excessive fragmentation of agricultural land. While the rule aimed to preserve agricultural viability, it gradually became a barrier in urban and semi-urban areas, where land divisions for residential or commercial purposes were treated as illegal or “substandard.”
This created widespread complications for property owners who were unable to sell, transfer, or develop their land due to technical violations under the fragmentation rules.
Key Changes Under the Amendment
The new amendment removes non-agricultural lands from the purview of the Tukdebandi restrictions. This means that plots falling within municipal corporations, municipal councils, nagarpanchayats, metropolitan development authorities, and special planning authorities under the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning (MRTP) Act, 1966, will no longer be considered in violation of the fragmentation law.
Also, it is expected that the reform will simplify transactions like mortgages, sales, and property transfers that were previously made more difficult by the previous regulations.