Response

Karnataka Land Revenue Act debars non-agriculturists from purchasing farm land; Section 109 says certain land can be exempted from the provisions of the act for the purposes of industry and horticulture, and for educational institutions, places of worship and housing projects. Any company wanting to buy farm land has to go through the high-power committee before approaching the cabinet. No company, except the six specific companies mentioned in the notification, qualify to acquire land as a lessee or purchaser. … Section 79A of the Karnataka Land Reforms Act 1961 provides agriculture business by a registered company. Agricultural land can be used only for agricultural purposes and no other purposes. Agricultural land cannot be leased for any period whatsoever, except in the districts of Uttara Kannada and Dakshina Kannada for the purpose of utilizing the land for aquaculture for a period not exceeding 20 years. There is no restrictions on leasing of agricultural land by individual or private limited company. Now any Indian, or a trust, society, company or an educational institution can buy farmland in Karnataka regardless of the buyer’s annual income from non-agricultural sources.Land leasing laws relating to rural agricultural land in Indian states were overwhelmingly enacted during decades immediately following the independence. At the time, the abolition of Zamindari and redistribution of land to the tiller were the highest policy priorities.

Reference: Transfer of property At, 1882

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LAWAYZ-2023-480