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Section 25 of Property Registration in MaharashtraIn the state of Maharashtra, India, there exists a crucial law that aims to prevent the fragmentation of land into very small plots. This law restricts the sale or purchase of land measuring just 1 or 2 Gunthas (a unit of measurement used in India), unless prior permission is obtained from the collector or the competent authority. However, with the proper authorization, such transactions can be registered and made legally valid.
Understanding the Prevention of Fragmentation and Consolidation of Holding Act 1947
The core legislation governing land fragmentation in Maharashtra is known as the "Prevention of Fragmentation and Consolidation of Holding Act 1947." Under this act, each district in the state is assigned a standard minimum area of land, and the sale or purchase of land parcels smaller than this standard is strictly prohibited under Section VIII.
The Introduction of Section VIII-B
In 2016, the state government made an important addition to the Prevention of Fragmentation and Consolidation of Holding Act 1947. This addition came in Section VIII-B, which was introduced through a gazette notification. Section VIII-B clarified that the act does not apply to land designated for non-agricultural purposes, such as industrial or commercial use, within the boundaries of Municipal Corporations or Municipal Councils, or under the Maharashtra Regional Planning and Town Planning Act 1966.
Urban Areas and the Sub Registrar's Role
The law against land fragmentation was occasionally ignored in urban areas and areas of influence. Consequently, the Sub registrar, who handles property registrations, rejected transactions involving very small land plots that violated the act. This reinforced the importance of obtaining the necessary permissions for such transactions to be deemed valid.
Revenue Department's Role in Informing Registration and Stamp Duty Department
To ensure compliance with the law, the Revenue department informs the Registration and Stamp Duty Department about transactions involving land that falls under the scope of Section VIII-B. This exchange of information ensures that proper documentation and permissions are obtained for such transactions.
Transactions with Already Purchased Small Land Plots
If an individual desires to sell a piece of land they already own, and that land is smaller than the standard area defined by the act, they must seek permission from the competent authority or the Collector under Section VIII-B of the Act. This provision ensures that even previously acquired small land plots are subject to regulation to prevent fragmentation.
Demarcated Land and the Role of the Land Records Department
In cases where the Land Records Department has officially demarcated a piece of land with a separate boundary map, permission for its sale is not required. However, if the land was formed independently without the demarcation, dividing it will necessitate the approval of the Collector or the Competent Authority, as per a circular from the Inspector General of Registration.
FAQs
Can I sell a small piece of land without permission?
No, the Prevention of Fragmentation and Consolidation of Holding Act 1947 in Maharashtra prohibits the sale of land smaller than the standard area fixed for each district without prior permission from the collector or the competent authority.
Is the law applicable to non-agricultural land?
No, Section VIII-B of the Act states that the law does not apply to land designated for non-agricultural use, such as industrial or commercial purposes, within the boundaries of Municipal Corporations or Municipal Councils.
What happens if I buy a small plot of land?
If you purchase a plot of land that is smaller than the standard area fixed under the Act, you will need permission from the competent authority or the Collector under Section VIII-B of the Act if you wish to sell it in the future.
What is the role of the Sub registrar?
The Sub registrar is responsible for handling property registrations. In urban areas, the Sub registrar ensures that land transactions comply with the law against land fragmentation.
Do I need permission for already purchased small land plots?
Yes, even if you already own a piece of land that is smaller than the standard area, you must obtain permission from the competent authority or the Collector if you wish to sell it in the future.
Are there exceptions to obtaining permission?
Yes, if the Land Records Department has officially demarcated a piece of land with a separate boundary map, permission for its sale is not required.
Land transactions can be a labyrinth of confusing terms, especially when checking records online. In this simplified guide, Genuine Plots unravels key terms, empowering you to make informed decisions and ensuring smooth navigation through the world of land transactions. Let's embark on this journey together, where understanding land records becomes as easy as a walk in the park.
Jamabandi
- Jamabandi serves as the Records of Rights (RoR), providing intricate details about land ownership, including information about owners and cultivators.
Nakal
- Nakal is a document that encapsulates all essential information about a piece of land, covering ownership patterns, revenues, and other pertinent details.
Khata
- Khata is a crucial revenue document that assesses a property's size, location, and build-up area. It also pinpoints the individual responsible for property tax payments.
Khasra or DAG Number
- Often referred to as DAG number, Khasra is a unique identifier assigned to a land parcel in a village. In urban areas, it corresponds to the survey number.
Khewat
- Khewat is a number assigned to landowners who collectively own a piece of land. Think of it as an account number granted to various owners of the same parcel.
Mauza
- Mauza is the term used to refer to a village, a significant geographical unit in land records.
Bainama
- Bainama is synonymous with a sale deed, providing a comprehensive transaction record.
Khatauni
- Khatauni acts as a comprehensive account book, detailing all landholdings and their respective landowners.
Patta
- Patta is a record of rights, a document that unveils the name of the legal owner of a piece of land property.
Khudkasht
- This document signifies that the land is cultivated by its owners, not external cultivators.
Embarking on a land transaction journey can be daunting, but armed with these simplified explanations, you'll be better equipped to decode the complexities of land records.