GANDHINAGAR: The Gujarat government has announced a significant amendment to the Land Revenue Act of 1879 concerning undisputed land transactions. This change eliminates the mandatory 30-day notice period that previously began upon signing the sale document, which allowed for objections to be raised. The amendment to Section 135D enables immediate certification of sale entries.
However, certain conditions apply. If there have been changes to the property record within the past year, the sale is executed through a power of attorney (PoA), not all individuals listed in the 7/12 have consented to the sale, or if there is pending litigation, the notice period is reduced to just seven days, according to government statements.
Speaking to the media in Gandhinagar, state government spokesperson Jitu Vaghani pointed out that the previous 30-day notice period often led to delays in property sales, enabling some parties to exploit this time frame to issue false objections and extort money.
“In transactions where there have been no changes in the land record for over a year, no legal disputes exist, peaceful possession is established, and all rights holders have signed the sale document, the sale can be recorded the same day without a notice period under Section 135D,” Vaghani elaborated. He emphasized that, in such cases, sale entries will be certified immediately.
Vaghani expressed optimism that the amendment would benefit not just agricultural transactions but also buyers of commercial properties and homes. “Transactions between direct line heirs will be simplified, and cases stuck in revenue courts due to objections under Section 135D will be expedited. Most importantly, this will help eliminate blackmail stemming from false objections related to rising property prices,” he noted.
Vaghani also announced amendments to the Gujarat Prevention of Fragmentation and Consolidation of Holdings Act, 1947, known as the ‘Tukda Act.’ Given the rapid urbanization, areas under municipal corporations, municipalities, and urban development authorities are now fully exempt from this Act. This change aims to expedite the approval process for non-agricultural land transactions and enhance transparency in urban settings.
Credai-Gujarat welcomed the state government’s initiative. Its president, Tejas Joshi, stated, “This reform will enhance transparency, reduce procedural delays, and increase confidence among investors and homebuyers. Quicker title clearance and ownership transfer will positively influence the real estate sector, fostering liquidity and speeding up project execution.” Joshi added that such “progressive measures will not only streamline land transactions but also contribute to the state’s vision for planned urban development and sustainable growth.”
