1. The backdrop – why the Land Revenue Code matters
The Gujarat Land Revenue Code, 1879 (GLRC) is the State’s master law for land: it declares all land liable to revenue unless exempt (s. 45); regulates conversion of agricultural land (ss. 65-67); penalises unauthorised occupation (s. 61) and even allows summary eviction for grave violations (s. 79A).
In 2017 Chapter IX-A was inserted to introduce Supplemental Revenue Settlement—a one-time route for landholders in transitional areas (urbanising belts outside statutory town-planning limits) to pay a compounding fee, clear breaches and obtain a Certificate of No Dues, which can then be reported in the Record of Rights under s. 135C.
2. What the Amendment Bill 2025 actually does
The Bill adds three identical provisos to clauses (i)–(iii) of s. 125F(1) of the Code. In plain words:
Breach originally punishable under | If a proceeding has already started | If a proceeding has not yet started |
• ss. 65/68 GLRC (unauthorised change of land use) pursued under s. 66 or 79A | It abates—no further action. | Cannot be started. |
• s. 43 Gujarat Tenancy & Agricultural Lands Act, 1948 (alienation without permission) | Ditto, unless land already allotted under s. 84C(4). | Ditto. |
• s. 57 Gujarat Tenancy & Agricultural Lands (Vidarbha & Kutch) Act, 1958 | Ditto, unless land already allotted under s. 122(4). | Ditto. |
Why? The Statement of Objects makes it clear: duplicate penalty proceedings were undermining the very purpose of Chapter IX-A—getting up-to-date revenue records quickly while recovering government dues.
3. Practical impact for the public
Stake-holder | Before 2025 | After Amendment |
Landholders in transitional areas | Faced parallel routes—pay compounding fee and defend eviction/penalty notices under ss. 66, 79A etc. | Once they apply for supplemental settlement and pay dues, existing or future penalty cases automatically drop. Less litigation, faster regularisation. |
Prospective buyers / lenders | Title often clouded by pending breach cases despite payment receipt. | Certificate of No Dues under s. 125L becomes conclusive—easier finance and transfer. |
Agricultural tenants | Risk of land being re-allotted under tenancy laws even after compounding. | Proceedings under s. 84C (allotment) or s. 122 now sole trigger; else breaches are wiped out. |
Local bodies & developers | Could not enter sanctioned plans until breaches resolved everywhere. | Streamlined closure accelerates mutation updates and urban planning. |
4. Continuing duties under the main Code
The amendment is not an amnesty for fresh violations. Landowners must still:
- seek prior permission for non-agricultural use (s. 65) and commence the permitted activity within the time-frame, failing which higher non-agri assessment and eviction can follow.
- avoid unauthorised encroachments (s. 61) or face fines and removal.
- pay land revenue on time—being a “paramount charge” on the land (s. 56).
5. How to benefit from the new regime
- Identify if your parcel lies in a notified transitional area (check taluka office or digitised land portal).
- Compile documents showing continuous possession and details of construction or use.
- Apply to the authorised revenue officer under s. 125H–125K with compounding fee, unpaid premium and other dues.
- Receive the Certificate of No Dues (s. 125L) and file it online/offline for automatic mutation under s. 135C.
- Monitor the mutation entry; once certified, your title is clean and marketable.
6. Conclusion
The Gujarat Land Revenue Amendment Bill 2025 is a surgical tweak, but it removes the biggest procedural road-block to regularising historic land-use breaches. By letting penalty cases die once dues are settled, it balances the State’s revenue interest with citizens’ need for clear, bankable land titles—an essential step as Gujarat’s peri-urban landscape races toward planned urbanisation.
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