Land buying Rights in J&K

Under the new J&K Development Act, the term “being permanent resident of the State” as a criterion has been omitted.

• Under the new J&K Development Act, the term “being permanent resident of the State” as a criterion has been omitted.
• The act paves way for buyers outside J&K.
• However, no land used for agriculture purposes shall be used for any non-agricultural purposesexcept with the permission of the district collector.
• The government may now allow transfer of land“in favour of a person or an institution for the purpose of promotion of healthcare or senior secondary or higher or specialized education in J&K”.
• According to the act, no sale, gift, exchange, or mortgage of the land shall be valid in favour of a person who is not an agriculturist.
• Also, an army officer not below the rank of Corps Commandercan declare an area as “Strategic Area” within a local area, only for direct operational and training requirements of the armed forces.
• The introduction of the UT of J&K Reorganization (Adaptation of Central Laws) Third Order, 2020,by the Ministry of Home Affairs has resulted in the repeal of at least 11 land laws in J&K earlier, including the J&K Big Landed Estates Abolition Act that had resulted in the famous ‘land to tiller’ rights.