The west bengal land reforms act, 1955

West Bengal Act X of 1956 
THE WEST BENGAL LAND REFORMS ACT, 1955. 
CONTENTS. 
CHAPTER I. 
Preliminary. 
Scc~ions. 
1. Shon rille. exlent and commenccmenr. 
1 A. Dcclaralion as 10 the policy of rhc Srarc. 
2. Dcfinilions. , . 
3. Act to override other laws. 
3A. Righrs of non-agricul[ural-tcnanls and under-kenan& in non-agricullural land to vcst in he 
S~arc. 
Raiyals. 
Rights of raiyar in rcspccr of land. 
Cerlain resrrictions on righrs of raiyars in Sadar, Kalirnpong and Kurseong sub-divisions of 
Darjceling Dislricr. 
Mainlcnancc and prcscrva~ion of Iand. 
Permission for changc of ma, characler or use of land. 
Offcnces and pcndlies. 
Bar to regislralion. 
Transferability of holding of a roijat. 
(Otllirfed). 
Lirnila~ion on Inortgagz of raiyuti holdings. 
Right of purchase by co-sharer or conriguous rcnanr. 
Rcvenue OFficer lo allow the application ,md apporrion lands in ccnain cascs. 
Consequences of an order for transfer. 
Diluvjared Iands. 
Land gained by recess of river or sea. 
(Omirred). 
Pa~ri~ion of holding among co-sharer rrriyots. 
CHAPTER IIA. 
Restrictions on alienation of Iand by Scheduled Tribes. 
14A. Provisions or Chapter nA lo override oker provisions of this ACI. 
t4B. Restrictions on alienation of land by Schcdulcd Tribes. 
Tlze West Berrgal Larrd ReJanss Acr, 1955. i I 
[West Den. Act 
Sccrions. 
14C. Modcs of trawfcr of land by Scheduled Tribcs. 
14D. Transfer in conrravenhon or Chapler HA shall not be valid unless rcgistcred. 1 I - 
I E, Power to Revenuc OFficcr to sel asidc improper transfers by raijar. 
14F. Resrriction on ~hc sale of roi!.of's holding or ;my portion thereof. 
I1FF. Brrrnrrli wansaction or instmmcnr ro be void. 
14G. Powcr to the Revenue Oificcr to se~tle or scll holding lor realization of cerlifica~e ducs. 
14ET. Appeal and revision. 
14HH. Setting aside of sale of land of a raiya! belonging to a Scheduled Tribe. 
141. Bar lo suirs. 
.. . 
CHAPTER IIB. 
Cciling on Holdings. 
provisions of Chaptcr IIB to have ovcmding effecl. 
Dcfinirions. 
No raijat ro hold land in cxccss of the ceiling area. 
i 
Ceiling nrca. 
Detcrminuion of irrigated area. 
Appeal. 
Land ~ransferrcd after the 7th day of Augusl, I969 tobc rakcn into account in dclcrmining 
the cciIing area. 
Ceilirig area in special ci~cs. t 
Exernpuon. ! 
Vesting of land in cxcess of cciljng arca. 
Powcr lo cnrcc upon and takc possession or vcstcd land. 
Duty of roijat ro furnish return. 
Restriction on transfer of land by a miyar. , .. . , - 
Paymen! of amount. . . -. 
(On it fed). 
Bar of jurisdjclian of Civi I Couns. 
Limita~jon on iu~ure acquisilion of land by a r-aiyut. 
Application of Chaptcr IIB. 
CHAPTER 111. 
15. Ceriain snfcguards for holdings cultivated by borgadars. 
15A. Conrinua[io~~ or righl or cultivation on Bargador's dealh. 
16. S harc or produce payable by a bargrrdttr. 
1 6A. Bat4pndar cntilled to recovcr his share in ccrlain cases. 
17. Terminationofcultivadonbybrrr~adar. 
18. Turisdiclion lo dccide certain disputes. 
Sccrions. 
l8A. Conlinuancc in orficc of oficers and aulhoritics appoinred under sections 17 and 18 unlil I. 
successor commences ro funcrion. 
19. Appeal. 
19A. Penally. 
19B. Restoration of land to bargarlar. 
20. Pmccdure and execulion. 
?Oh. Scrting aside or order for tenninauon of culdvariun by bargudors. 
10B. Surrcndcr or abandonment by bargadar. 
2 1. Bar of jurisdicdon. 
2 1 A. Temporary stay of procccdings for termination of cultivation by borgadars. 
' 
21 8. Person cultivating land of another person lo be presumed lo be a bargadar in cenain cases. 
2 IC. Conslitution of Sralc Land Corporalion or Regional Land Corporation. 
21 D. Names of borgadars lo be cntcrcd in rhe record-of-rights. 
2 1 E. Bar 10 lcgal practitioners. 
Provisions tu to revenue. 
22. Liability 10 pay revenue. 
23. Delerminauon of rcvcnuc. 
23A. Abalemenl of rcvcnuc in respect of homeslcad. 
23B. Re-assessment of revenuc. cxcmplion of revcnuc of small holdings and payment of 
surcharge. 
23C. Partial application of section 23B lo [he hilly portion of thc disuicr of Dajccling. i ! 
::' ] [Ot~~ifrcd). 
32. 
33. Grounds for nl~erarion of revenue. 
34. Bar ro jurisdiclion of Civil Coun. 
35. Ins~alment, time and placc far payment of revenue. 
36. Kaijat en~itlcd to a receipt for revenuc. 
37. Rebare on paymcnt in time and interesr on arccan. 
38. Procedure for recovery or arrcars of revenuc. 
CHAPTER V, 
Consolidation of lands comprised in holdings, 
and Co-operative Farming Societis. 
39. Acquisirion of holdings Tor consolida~ion. 
40. Rcdislriburion of land aflcr acquisition. 
4 1. Transference of incurnbranccs on holding. 
42. Recnverv of the excess valuc oTallntted lanrl. 
582 rile West Bengal hrtd Refortris Acr, 1955. 
[West Ben. Act 
Sections. 
43. Formadon of Co-operative Fanning Socielies. 
u. Restriclion on uansrcr of shares in a Co-operarive Farming Sociely. 
45, Dissolution of a Co-operarive Farming Socicty. 
46. Transfer of lands on dissolution of a Co-opcrative Farming Socicty. 
47. Rcvenuc payable by a Co-opcmiive Fming Society. 
48. Concession and faciliucs for a Co-opcriltive Farming Socicry. 
48A. Formation of Co-operative Common Service Socicry. 
CHAPTER VI. 
. . , - 
Principles of distribution of lands. 
49. hinciplcs or disuibution of lands. 
49A. Peualry for unauthorised occupalion of vcsrcd lands. 
CHAPTER VII. i 
Maintenance of the record-of-rigbts. 
50. Mainrcnance of the record-of-righu. 
CHAPTER VITA. 
Prcparation or revision of record-of rights. 
50A. Sccdon 50 not to apply to cerlain cases. , - 
...- . . . . 
51. Rcvision or preparalion of the record-of-rights. 
51A. Drah and final publication of the recard-of-righls. . 
5 IB. Revision or correction of enlry in record-of-righa. 
. . 5 1 ED. Revision or correc~ion of enq in record-of-righls before or afrer final publication. . 
5 IC. Bar to jurisdiction of Civil Court in respect or cemin matters. 
5 1D. (Olnirred). 
CHAPTER vm. 
Management of lands, 
52. Managenienr of lands. 
52A. Provision for eslablishmcnt of Govcrnmenl Company, crc. 
52B. Power to cnlcr upon or rake possession of land. 
The West Bertgal Lurid Relornu Act, 1955. 
CHAPTER IX. 
Scclions. 
53. Delegalion of powers by the Stale Governmenl. 
53A. Revenue Officer lo be a necessary party in all suits, elc. 
54. Appeals. 
55. Limitation for appcals. 
56. Power to enter upon land, lo make swey, clc. 
57. Powers of officers dealing with proceedings under his Acl. 
58. Proleclion of aclion laken under rhis Acl. 
59. Repeal. 
60. Powcr lo make rulcs. 
61. Bar ro jurisdicrion of Coun. 
62. Power lo Slale Governmcnr lo givc direcuons. 
63. Repeal and savings. 
West Bengal Act X of 1956' 
THEWESTBENGALLANDREFORMS 
ACT, 195S2. 
. . . . Nil. 
1 Wes~ Ben. ACL XXIlI of 1957. 
West Ben. Acl VI of 1960. 
Wesl Bcn. Act XVIlI ol 1960. 
West Bcn. Act XVI of t 962. 
Wen Ben. Acl XVm of 1965. 
Wesr Ben. Act XI of 1966. 
Wcsl Bcn. Act XI of 1969. 
West Ben. ACI XXIII of I969. 
1 West Ben. Act XI1 of 1972. 
Wes~ Bcn. Act XXVm of 1972. 
West Ben. Act XXXm of 1974. 
- West Ben. Act XXIlI of 1975. 
Wcs~ Ben. Acr XI1 of 1976. 
Wes~ Bcn. Aa XXXW of 1977. 
West Bcn. Act XXXVII of 1978. 
Wesl Bcn. Act XXXIX of 1978. 
Wesl Ben. Act XLI of 1980. 
Wesl Ben. Act L of 198 1. 
Wesl Bcn. Acl V of 1986. 
West Ben. Act XIX of 1956. 
Wcst Ben. Acl XXXV of 1986. 
West Bcn. Act XXIII of 1989. 
West Bcn. Act XXIV of 1990. 
Wcst Ben. Act XXIV of 1996. 
An Acr ;o rejurnl rile law relarirzg to la~rdtet~rrre cotrseqrrerrr or1 rile vestirtg 
of all esrures aud of certailr rights t/~ereirr ?[usd also ro cotuolidare rlte 
larv relali~rg ro Im~d rcfonrrs] in tlre State. 
il is hereby enac~ed in the Sixth Year of the Republic ofhdia. by the 
Legislature of West Bengul, ns follows:- 
CHAPTER I. 
Preliminary. 
1. (1) This Acl may be called [he Wesl Bengal Land Reforms Acl, Shon ~iilc, 
1955. clrienr and cornmcncc- (2) 11 cx~ends lo rhc whole of Wcst Benga14[except he area described ,,,- 
\~st Ben. in Schedulc I of the Calcutla Municipal Corporalion Act. 1980, but no1 
Aft XXX[I excepting the area included in [he said Schedule, which, inlrnediately 
before thc conling into Force of he Calcu~a Municipal Corporalion \Vea Bm. 
LIX of (Arnendmcnt) Act. 1983, was comprised in the municipality of Jadavpur, 
1980. Soulh Suburban or Garden Rcach:] 
'Provided that Ihe Slate Government may, from lime to rimc by 
notificalion in the Oficial Gazette, exlend and bring into force ~hc 
'In term< of thc provisions of sub-srction (3) ofscction 3 read wirh Schedule I!! of thc 
West Bengd T'nnsrerrcd Tcrritorics (Assimilationolhws) ACI, I958 (West Ben. Aci XIX 
or 1958), his Act shall not cniend to, or corn into force in, the rerri~ories tmnsrerrcd from 
the SiatcolBiharro  he Srafe 01 Wcst Btngd by s. 3 olthc Biharand Wcst Bcngizl (TmTcr 
or Tcmfories) Acr. 1956 (XL of 1956). 
+For the Statemcni of Objecrs ad Rcaons. scc Ihz Cnlcurta Goterte, Exrraordinaq: 
datcd thc IOh Dcccrnkr, 1954, Pnrt IVA. agc 1765. For Repon of he Joint Sclccr 
Commirlec.scrthzCalcurro Ga:crre. hrroflr&rny, dnlcd the l8th Augwt, 1955. Pnn IYA. 
page 1215. For proccedings orrhc West Bcngal Legislmivc Assembly. see the pmctxdings 
of the rnecrings of the WCSI Bengal Legislaiiw Assembly, hcld on ihe 24ih md the 251h 
Februq, 16th Augus~ 271h, 28th. 29th md 3Dth Seplernbcr, Isr, 3rd. 4h. 5th. 6lh, 7th, 8h, 
10th md 11th Oclokr. lab. 13h and 14rhDccember. 1955; and for hc proccedings of hc 
Wcst Bengd Lcgisluivc Council, ree thc pmeedings of the rnccunp oilhc WCSL Bcngal 
kgislative Council hcld on the 4th Mmch, 18lh August, 21hh and 2151 Deccmkr. 1955. 
'The words within thc square hnckcr werc inscned by s. ? or ~hc Wcst Bcngaf hd 
Refom (Amendmcni) Act. 1981 [West Bcn. Aa L 01 198 I) w.c.I.7.8.69. 
'Thc words, figuresand rust bnckels wihinIhcsquare bmckcrs wctt substirutd forthc 
words md figures "cxccpc rhe - descrikd in Schcdulc 1 of rhe Calcutta Municipal Ac1. 
1851. a hmcd to have bccn mcndrd undcr section 594 of that Aci." by s. 2 ofhc West 
Bcngd land Rerorms (Amcndmenr) Aci. 1986 (Wat Bcn. Act V or 1986) w e F 4 1 R4 
The Wesr Betigal Lat~d Refonns Act, 1955. 
West Ben. Act 
provisians of this Act, in whole or in part, to such pm or par& of the 
area described in Schedule I to !he Calcutla Municipal Act, 195 1, wih wesr Bcn. 
effect from such dare or dales u may be specified in the notificalion. $!Gy"' 
(3) This section shall come into forcc a1 once and the rcmining 
provisions of this ACI, in wholc or in pan, shall come into 'forcc on such 
dale or dales and in such districr or part of a district as thc Srate 
Government may from time to rime by no~ification in Ihc Oficial Gazerre 
specify. 
IlecImlion ?]A. Ir is hereby declxcd thal his Act is for giving cffcci to the 
as to ~hr 
policy of lhc policy of ~hc Stale lowards securing the principles specified in clauses 
Sratc. (h) and (c) of article 39 of the Constiru~ion of India. 
'Thc pmvisions orclausc (2). clausc (7) inctuding ~hc~lnrrorinr~ thcrcto. clausc (8) and 
clausc (9) of section 2, scclion 3. sfction 16, scclion 17 [except sub-scclion (3) kreoi], 
stclion I#. scction 19. sarion 20. section 21. *lion 59 [so Tar as it relnles ro clause (7) 
rhercol] and scction 60 came inlo fom in all the dirtricls of Wcst Bengd with erfcct rmm 
the 31s1 March, 1956, ride notificdon No. 63461. Rcl.. dated Ihc 30th March, 1956. 
published in thr Culcrrrrfl Gnzme. Errraordinav. ddptcd the 31sl Mmh, 1956, PM I, pagc 
679. The provisions of scc~ion 57 umc into force on rhe 1st SeptcmLr, 1957, in all he 
disrricrr, or W-1 Bcnpd cxccp~ in ihc disuict of Pumlia md exccpt in hc police-stniions of 
Chopa Kmndighi, Is1mpur and Goalpoh or the Raigmj subdivision in lhe disrricl of 
Wesr Dinajpur. ~.idrnotifirnion No. 19990.-L. Ref., darcd the 13th August. 1957, published 
in the Culculfu Guzcltc, Er:ranrdinar)-. dated hc 17th August, 1957. Pan 1, pqc 3239. The 
provisions olclaust (12) ol~clion 2 cane into forcc on thc 15th Jnnuuy. 1958, in all thc 
distric~ of War Bengal cxccpt in Ihc disuicr oiPurulia and excepl in the policc-stalions of 
Chopm hdighi, Islnmpur and Goalpokharorthc Raiganj subdivision in the district of 
Wcsl Din~jpur, vide norificnrion No. 624L. Ref., daied ~hc 14h Jmuy, 195%. publirhcd in 
~ht CalEirt~~ Garcfle, firroordi~ray. ddarcd he I41h January. 1958. Pu I, pqc 79. Thc 
provisions of sec~ions 19A and 19B came inlo ~OKC on Lhc 16th February. 1958, in dl rhc 
disuicls of WML Bengal except in the disuict of Purulin and cxccpr in rhc police-slations of 
Chopn, Kmdighi. lslampur and Godpnkhu orlhc Raigmj subdivision in lhc disvicr 01 
Wuj~ Dinajpur, vide noufiurion No. 2730L. Ref., darcd l3~h Fcbruw, 1958. published in 
~hc Culcrrrrn Gazerrc. Errraordir~u~, datcd Lhc 131h Fcbruuy. 1958, Pun I, pnge489. Clausc 
(lo) ofsec. 2 aod sets. 43). 6,8.9, 10,54 and 55 cm inlo Tow on rhc 22.10.63, in a11 he 
districts of West Bengalexcepr in thew ttandcrred from Biharm Wesi Bengd under Aer 
40 of 1956, vide norificntion No. 17998L. Ref.. dad 12.10.63. publishcd in thc &lcurm 
~merre. &rmorditray. oi 1963, Pat I. page 3522~ Scclion 17(3) cmc into Iorce on 
12.12.63, in dl ~hcdisvicrsorWcsr Sengdexcep~inthe~lmsfemd from Bihro Wcsr 
Bcngd under Act 40 or 1956, vide norilicalion No. 208 ISL. Ref,, darcd 9.12.63, published 
in thc Calcutrn Garre. Errraordinaq, of 1963. Pan 1, pgc 409 1. Clause (6) oFscc. Z, xcs. 
4(1), (11, (4) md (5). 4, 14. 15.49 and 58 came into lorce on the 7.6.65, in dl hcdisvicu af 
Wesl Bcngal cxccplinrhcw imrcrrcd fromBihwto Wcs~Bcngal undcrAcr40011956. 
iide nolificalion No. S 144L. Rci.. dnicd ~hc 4.6,65. publjshcd in rhc Cnlrurru Gozcrre, 
filraordit~nry, of 1965. Pm I, page 1 195. Subsections (I), (3), (4) and (6A) ofsetion 2, sub- 
section (?A), (28) md I2C) of=. 4, scc. 4A. s~. I I, sec. 12. all the provisions of Chprer 
IIA, proviso to sub-sccrion ( I) and sub-scc~ion (2A). (2B). and (6)of sn. IS, subseclion (3) 
md (4) of sec. 19, dl thcprovisions of Chnprcn IV, VII and VI11,section 56, and claum ( I), 
[Z), (3, (4). (5) and (6) of se~, 59 cam into force in all thcdisvjcr of Wcsr Bengalcxccpr in 
thc rnnsfcrrcd fro~n Biharto We51 Bengal under Act 400f 1965. vide notilicauon No. 
14810L. Rei., dnted rhr 25.9.65, published ink Cnlcurro Gazcrte, Erfruordinuq, of 1965, 
Pan .I pages 3769-3770. .. . . . . . 
The Wesr Beltgal Larid Refomts Act, 1955. 587 
, 2. In his Acl, unless there is anylhjng repugnanl in [hc subject or Dclinitions. 
context,-- 
(1) "agriculrural year" means thc Bengali year commencing 
on rhc first day of Raisakfl; 
(2) "bargodor" means a pcrson who under the syslcrn gcnenlly 
known as i~rilri, barga or bkug culuvates the land of ano~hcr 
person on condition of delivering a share of the producc 
of such land ID that person '[and includes a person who 
under thc system generally known m kisatfi =(or by any 
other descriplion) culuva~es hc land of anolher person on 
condition of receiving a share of Ihc product of such land 
from that pcrson;] 
Bcn. Act Ill 
of 1913. 
'Explarratioa.-A. bargadnr shall coniinue to bc a 
bargodor hi1 cultivation by him is lawfully lern~jnaled 
under this Act; 
(3) "cerlificare" means a cenificare signed under the Bcngal 
Public Demands Recovery Acl 19 13; 
(4) "Colleclor" means the Collector of a districl or any orher 
officer appoinrcd by he Slate Govcmment ro discharge any 
of thc funclions of a Collcclor under [his Acr; 
(5) "consolidation" includes re-arrangemen! of parcels of 
land comprised in a holding or in differcnr hoIdings for Ihe 
purposc of rendering such holding or holdings morc 
compact; 
(6) "holding" means he Imd or lands held by a raiyat and 
~realed as a unit for assessrncnt of revenue; 
'(6A) "incumbnnce" means any lien, easemcnl or other right or 
interest created by a raijar on his holding or in limitation 
of his own intercst therein, but docs not include the right 
of the bargadar lo cultivale the land of the holding; 
- 
'TIE words wirhin rhe squm bnckeu were inscncd by s. 2(i) ofthe West Bcngd Land 
Reforms (Arncndrnent) Act, 1972 west Ben. Act X11 of 1972). 
'The words wilhin hc fin1 bnckcts wcrt insened by s. S(a)(i) of thc WCSL Bcngnl hnd 
Rclonns (Amendment) Acr. 1981 (Wcst Ben. ACI Lof 1981). w.c.i. 7.8.69. 
'Thc 'Erglnr~ntiorl' was added by s. 5[21)(ii), ilrid. 
'Clause (6A) was inscned with lemspcctive erfecl by s. 2[l) orthl: Wcsl Bengal Land 
Rclorrns (Amendment) Act. 1965 (Wmt Ren. Act XVIII of 1965) 
The West Betrgal hrrd Refortns Acr, 1955. 
[Wwl Ben. Act 
'(7) "land" means land of cvcry description and includes 
tank, tank-fishery, fishcry, homes~ead, or land used for thc 
purpose of livc-srock breeding, pouly farming. dairy or 
land comprlscd in rea garden, mill. factory, workshop, 
orchard, hot. bu:ar. ferries. tolls or land having any olher 
sairati interesls, and any olher Iand rogclher wilh all intercsrs, 
and benefits arising out of land and things allachcd lo the 
eanh or pcrmanenlly fa~ened lo any rhing auachcd to cmh; 
hpianatio~r.-"Hornesiead" shall have he same mcaning WCSL Bcn. . . ., . 
1954. as in thc West Bengal Estat~s Acquisidon Act, 1953. ACtlOr - : 
(8) "Pcrsonal cultivation" means cultivarion by a person of his 
own land on his own account- 
(a) by his own labour, or 
(b) by he labour of any membcr of his family. or 
(c) by scrvanrs or labourers on wages payablc in cash 
or in kind =[(not being as a share of the product)] or 
bo1h: 
'Provided [hat such person or memhr of his family 
resides for he grcaler pan of thc ycar in the localily 
whcrc he land is si~uated and [he principal sourcc of 
his income is "[produce of] such land. 
3Explattario~t.-The lerrn "family" shall have the 
same meaning as in clause (c) of scciion 14K. 
(9) "prescribed" mcans prescribed by rulcs made by he Sta[c 
Governmcnr under his Acl; 
5(9A) "prescribed auhoriry" means an aulhorily appointed by the 
Slate Government, by no~ificnljon in he OfJiciai Gazelre, 
for all or any of Ihc purposcs of [his Act; 
'Clnuse (7) wit? subslilutcd Tor rhc original ckuse by 3. S(b) of the West Bengal Land 
Rclom (Amendment) Acl, 1981 (Wcsr Bcn. ACI L 01 1481). w.e.L 7.8.69. Prior ro thk 
subs~i~u~ion, rhe words "bul does no1 includc~~li". wcrc inscnedattheendof originalclause 
(7), by s. 2(ii)of the WeslBengd Lmd Rclarna (Amcndmenr) Act, 1972 (W~~rBen.Acr XI1 
or 1972), 
'Thc list bnckcls nod words wilhin rhc square bnckcls wcrc inserted by s. Z[iii). 
ibid. 
'The 'Proviso' and rht 'Erplu~mlian' wcrcdded focl~use (8) by s. 2of the Wcst Bengal 
Lad ReTom (Amnd~ncnl) Act, 1977 (WESI Bcn. Act XXX~V of 1977). 
'Thc words wihin the square bnckeE were subsfitutcd for he words "pmduccd fron~" 
by s. 2 oirhr: West Bengal Land Rcrorms (A~ncndwnr) Act, 1978 (West Bcn, Acr XXXlX 
of 1978). w.e.L 3.2.78. 
'Clause (9A) was inscncd by s. 2 olhc Wcsr Bend Land Reforms (Amendment) Act, 
The Wesr BerrgaI Larrd Rejon~rs Acr, 1955. 
'(10) "raiyar" means a person or an institution holding land for 
any purposes whakoever; 
(1 1) "revcnuc" means whalevcr is lawfully payblc or deliverable 
in money or kind or both by a raiyar under d~e provisions 
OF this Act in rcspcct of [IIZ land held by him; 
(12) "Revenuc OIIicer" rncans any officer whom lhc State 
Govcmmcnt may ?appoint by name or by viituc of his 
officc to discharge any orhc funclions of a Rcvcnuc Officer 
in any arca; 
!(13) "Scheduled Tribe" shall have the samc meaning as in 
clause (25) of article 366 of the Constitution of India. 
'3. The provisions of this Act shall havc cffcct no~withstanding Aato 
anylhing inconsis~enl therewith in any olher law for the time being in 
~~~~Vs, 
forcc or in any custom OF usage or conriact, express or implied, or 
agreement or dccree OF order or decision or award or a courl, ~ribunal 
or other aulhoriry. 
'3A. (1 ) The righb and intcrests of a11 non-agricul~ural lenanls and 
Wcrt Ben. under- tenants under !he Wcst Bengal Non-Agricul tural Tenancy Act, 
1\c1 XX of 
1949. 1949 shall vesr in Ihc State free from all cncumbrances. and fit provisions 
west Bcn, uFsccBons 5 and 5A of hc Wesr Bengal Esrates Acquisition An, 1953 
5h11 apply, wirh such modihcalions as may be necessary, ~srr~aris ~t~llumrrdis 1953. 
IO all such non-agricultural tcnants and under-rcnants as if such non- 
agricultural renanls and undcr-tenants were intermediaries and the land 
held by rhcm wcre estates and a pcson holding undcr a non-agricultural 
tenant or under-tenan1 wcre a raiyat. 
Expla?ratiotr.-No~hing in scctions 5 and 5A of the Wesl Bengal 
Esralcs Acquisi~ion Act, 1953 shall be construed lo affect in any way 
the vesting of the rjghls and intcrcsu of a non-agricuIlur~1 tenant or 
undcr-ten an^ under rhc West BengaI NonmAgricuI~ural Tenancy Act, 
1949 in the Stale undcr sub-secuon (I) OF [his seclion. 
I 
Kighrs of ! 
non- I 
agricullunl i 
rcnmts and 
under- 
tcnmrs in 
non- 
agncultunl I 
imd to vcsr 
in ihc Smtc. 
'Clausc (10) ws subsrirurcd lor lheorigind by s, 5(c) of tht: \Vat Bcngd Lmd Reforms 
(Amendment) Acr, 1981 (Wcs~ Ben. Act Lor 1981), w.e.f. 7.8.69. Prior to [his substilulion, 
thcwords "a person or an ins~itution holding", wcrcsubsliluled Tor~hcwork "apcrson who 
holds". by ~-2(iv)ofrhe Wes~BmgdLandRcforms(Amendmcn~) Act. 19720Vest Ben. Acl 
XI1 01 1971). 
, 'For nolificalion relaring lo appoinlmcn~ of all sub-divisional oificcrs as the olficrrs 
rcfcrredto in section 17( 1)011hc~c1 forthe mas s~cilicd.seenorificarion No. 7BOL. Rcf., 
dated 17.1.58 published in [hc Cnlcurrn Gazcrrc, Ertruordi~mry of 1958, Pari 1, pgc 167. 
'Clausc (13) WJS added by s. 2 dthc West Btngd hd Rcforms (Second A~ntndmcnt) 
Acl. 1986 [West Bcn. Acr XIX of 1936). 
'Scction 3 ws suhstiturcd for the origind scction by s. 6 of rhc WCSI Bengd Land 
Rclorms (Amndmrnt) ACI, 1981 (War Ben. Acr L of 198 I), w.c.L 7.8.69. 
'Secrion 3A wx Iirsl inaencd by s. 7. ibid. Thcn, rhc swne was substitulrd by s. 2 of 
the Wcsr Bengal Land ReToms (Third Amcndrncnt) Act, 1986 (Wcsr Ben. Act XXXV 
of 1986). 
Tile lest Bengal Lo~ld Re Jorr~rs Act, 1955- 
[West Ben. Act 
(2) Notwirhslanding anything contained in sub-section (I), a non- ! 
agricultural tenanl or under-(enant under the West Bengal Non- r:kFxi 
Agricultural Tenancy Act, 1949, holding in his Allas possession any land 1949. 
lo which ~hc provisions of sub-secuon (1) apply, shall, subject 10 he 
other provisions of !his Act. be enritlcd 10 retain as a raiyat he said land 
which together with othcr lands, if any, held by him shall no1 excecd 
rhc ceiling area undcr scction 14M. 
(3) Every inrcrrnediary,- 
(a) whose land held in his kl~as possession has vestcd in he 
Slate under sub-section (I), or 
Ib) whose estates or interests, oher lhan land held in his klrar 
possession, have vested in thc Stale under sub-sdon (I), 
shall be entitled LO receive an amount to be dctcrmined in accordance 
wiih the provisions of scclion 14V. 
(4) Thc provisions of this section shall no1 apply lo any land to which 
thc provisions of the Calcutta Tlriko Tenancy (Acquisirion and Rcgulati~n) rsgZvrl 
Acl, 1981, apply. or 1981. 
(5) This section shall be deemed to havc comeinlo force on and from 
thc 91h day of September, 1980. 
CHAPTER II. 
Raiyals. 
Righls of 
I 
4. (1) Subject lo the olher provisions of his Act. a raiyat shalI on 
miwl in 
rcspccl of and after the comrnencemcnt of this Acr be he owner of his holding and 
land. he holding shalI be heritable and manslerable. 
(2) Nothing in sub-section (I) shall cntille a raiyai to subsoil righrs. 
l(2A) No roijat shall- ' 
(a) quarry sand, or permil any person to quarry sand, From his 
holding, or 
(6) dig or use, or permit any person lo dig or use, earth or clay 
of his holding Ibr Ihc manufacture of bricks or riles, . 
for any purpose, othcr than his own use, except wilh rhc previous 
permission in wriung of the S~ale Government and in accordance wirh 
such tcms and conditions and on payment of such fees as may be 
prescribed. 
'Sub-section (2A). originally insened by s. 3(1) of Wcsr Ben. Act XVlll of 1965. was 
subsutured by s. 3 ollhe West Bengal Land Reforms (Arncndment) Act, 1966 (Wcsl Bcn. 
Arr Yl -r InLC;> 
The West Bengal htrd Refanrrs Acr, 1955. 
'(2B) If any raiyar cammiu a brcach orthc provisions of sub-section 
':: (2A), [he prescribed aulhorjty may, ahcr giving in the prescribed manncr 
an opportunily to he raiyar to show cause against the action proposed 
to be taken, impose upon him '[a fine no1 exceeding IWO thousmd rupees, 
and whcre he breach is a continuing one, a funhcr Iine nw exceeding 
two hundred rupees for each day] during which thc breach con~inues. 
Such fine, if not duly paid, shall be recoverable as a public demand. 
'(2C) An appeal shall lic from any ordcr made under sub-seclion 
(2A) in accordance with the provisions of sccuons 54 and 55. 
(4) Notwilhslanding anything in sub-scctian (I), [he holding of a 
raiyat, excluding his homestead, '[shall vest in thc Slate free from all 
incumbrances undcr an ordcr of he prescribed aulhorily madc in he 
prcscribcd manner] afler such enquiry as it thinks fit and alicr giving 
the r~i)~ut an opponuni~y LO show cause against the action proposcd ro 
bc rakcn if- 
(a) he has without any reasonable cause used he land comprised 
in the holding or a substantial part thcrcof for any purpose 
olhcr ban >[lhar for which il was hcld by him or settled by 
rhc Swe or directly incidental [herelo; 
(b) he has without any reasonable cause ccased lo keep the land 
or any subslanual part Ihcreof undcr personal culdvalion 
'[or has failed to uhlise he land consislently with Lhc 
original purpose of he tenancy or for any purpose directly 
incidental hereto] for a period of three consecurivz years 
or more exccpt when such Iahd is under a usufructuary 
mortgage menlioned in section 7; 
'Sub-scc~ions (2A) (which was la~trsubsu~u~cd by s. 3 Wcst Bcn. Act XI 01 1966- 
vide ~OOI-notc 1 on pagc 6. (2B) and (2C) wcrc inscncd by s. 3(1) of thc Wcsl Bengnl 
Lmd Rciom (Arncndmenr) Act, 1965 (Wcsr Ben. Act XVIII or 1965). 
The words wilhin the squm bnckcls wcn: subs~irurcd Ior hc words 'h Tie not 
cxceedmg th hundred rupees. and whtrt thc brcach is a continuing one. a lunher Iine 
nor cxwding hlry rupees for each day" by s. 2 0th~ West Bengal Land Rerom (Second 
Amendment) Acl, 1969 (Wcst Ben. Aa MI1 of 19691. 
lSub-section (3) of seclion 4 wns ornined by s. 3 of hc Wcsr Bengal Land Reforms 
(Amendmea) Act, 1972 (West Ben. Act XU of 1972). 
'Tk words within the square bmckek were substituted for the words "shall h sold 
by thc prcscribcd aulhorily in hc prcsfrikd manner" by s, g(n)(i) or the Wcst Bcngd Land 
Rcrom (hndmcnr) Acr, 1981 (Wcst Bcn. Acl L or 198 1 ), w.c.f. 7.8.69. 
'The words wilhin he squm bmckets wcrc subsliiu~cd for the word "agriculrurc" by 
s. S(a)(ii). ibid. w.c.f. 7.8.69. 
The words wirhin the square brnckcn were inserted by s. S(n)(iii), ibid. w.c.F. 7.8.69. 
Cenain 
mslriclions 
on ti&h!s or 
I-O~!(IIJ in 
S2dw 
Knlimpong 
and 
Kurscong 
sub-divisions 
of Uajeeling 
districl. 
The West Berlgol hnd Refornu Act, 1955. 
[West Den. Act 
(Chaprer [I.-Raiyars.-Srcriot~ 4A.) 
I. 
(c) hc has wiihout any reasonable cause failed to bring the land ! 
comprised in the holding or any subsrantid parl hereof ! 
under personal cultivalion '[or has railed to utilise thc land 
consis~cnlly with ~hc original purpose of hc rcnancy or for I 
any purposc directly incidenral \hereto] within three 
conseculive years of the date on which this Act comes into 
force or of thc dalc on which hc came into possession of 
such land, whichever is Ialer: 
(d) hc has Icl out ~hc wholc or any part of the holding: 
, . 
Provided [hat nolhing in chis sub-scclion shall prcvcnt 
he raiyot from culrivaling any pan or his holding by a 
bargador. 
?(5) On the holding of a raiyaf being vzsred in he Stale under sub- 
seclion (4), his ownership rhercin shall ccase and the rights of the lessee, 
if any, shall tcrrnina~e and [he raiyut sball be entitled to receive an 
amounr to bc dctermincd undcr secrion 14V. 
'4A. (I) In the Sadar sub-division, Kalimpong sub-division and 
Kurscong sub-division of the district of Darjeeling, [he Depuly 
Cornmissioncr or thc dis~icr may, from time to time, give direcuons 
regarding the Form of cultivarion to bc adopted by a rai~wt in rcspect 
or his holding or prohibiung a raiyat from cuuing mare han one tree 
from his holding except hith chc prcvious permission in writing of the 
Depury C~mmjssioncr or such oher officer as may be authoriscd by the 
State Government in [his behalf. 
(2) For contravendon of any of ~hc directions given under sub- 
seclion (I), [he Dcpuly Commissioner may, after giving the default- 
ing raiyut an opportunily 10 show causc againn thc action proposed 
to be laken, imposc upon him, by order, a fine not cxcccding onc 
hundred rupccs which, if not duly paid, shall bc rccovcrablc as a public 
demand. 
(3) An appeal, iT presenled wilhin lhir~y days from the datc or ihc 
order appealed against, shall Iic to the Commissioner against any order 
passcd by ~hc Dcpuly Comrnissioncr undcr sub.section (2) and the 
dccision of the Commissioner shall be final. 
'Thc words wirhin rhc squaw bmckcrs were inscncd by s, 8(a)(iv) ollhc Wcst Bcngal 
hd Reforn~s (Amendment) Aa, 1981 (Wea Bcn. ACI L of 1981) w.c.T. 7.8.69. 
:Sub-sccrion (5)'wx subr;rirured lor rhc original sub-section by s. 8(b). ibid, w.e.l. 
7.8.69. 
'Seclion 4A u4x inserted by s. 4 or thc War Bcngal hd Reforms (Amcnd~ncnr) ACI, 
1465 (Wcsr Bcn. Act WIIi or 1965). 
TJie Wrsr Bellgal hrrd Refortrrs Acr, 1955. 
,- . l4B. Every raiyat holding any land shall maintain and prCSCNC Maintcnmce , ,., 
: such land in such manner [ha[ ie area is not diminished or its characer kdscwnion 
.... 
is not changed or he land is not converted For any purpose other rhan ~r~~d. 
[he purposc for which il was sellled or previously hcld excepl wilh he 
prcvious order io wiling of the Colleclor undcr scction 4C: 
Provided that any raiyut may plant and grow rrees on any land hcld 
by him within Ihc ceiling area applicable lo him and lo his famiIy wilhour 
any previous ordcr undcr scc~ion 4C, if such Iand is not cultivated by 
bargudur: 
?Provided furlIler thal wilhout prejudice to the provisions of 
Chapter LIB of the Act the provisions of [his section shall  no^ apply to . . 
[he dirninulion in area or [he changc of character of any land or thc 
convcrsion of any land for any purpose olhcr rhan the purpose for which 
it was setlled or previously held, iisuch diminurion or change of chancrer 
or convcrsion was made in accordance with [he provisions of any law 
for the timc bcing in force. 
'4C. (1) A raiyar holding any Iand may apply to hc Colleclor for Permission 
cl~angeofvrevorchwvc~erofsuchlandorlorconvcrsionofrhesame k,hnscor 
for any purpose oiher lhan  he purpose for which it was sclllcd or was ~hanctcror 
being previously used or for alleralion in the modc of use of such land. Or land. 
(2) On receipt of such application, the Collector may, akr making 
such inquiry as may be prescribcd and afier giving thc applicant or the 
pcrsons inrcrestcd in such land or affecred in any way an opportunily I 
! 
of being heard, by order in writing either reject rhc applica~ion or direcl 
such change, conversion or alteration, as the cuc may be, on such terms 
and conditions as may be prescribcd. 
(3) Every ordcr undcr sub-seclion (2) direcung change, convcrsion 
or alteralion shall spccily the dale From which such change, conversion 
or alteration shall lake effecl. 
(4) A copy of  he order passed by [he Collector directing changc, 
conversion or alteration, if any, under sub-section (2), or in an appeal 
thcrcirom shall be fonvardcd lo the Revenue Officer referred to in 
section 50 or secrion 5 1, as the case may be, and such Rcvcnue Officer 
shall incorporate in thc rccord-of-righu changcs cifcc[cd by such order 
and rcvisc the rccord-of-righrs in accordance wirh such order. 
'Szcrion 4B wu firs[ inxned by s. 2 or rhc Wesr Bengal hnd Rcrorrns (Amcnd- 
ment) ACI. 1974 (\Vcsr Bcn. ACI XXXnI of 1974). Then. ~hc same was substiiurcd by 
s. 9 of the Wcsr Bcngal Lmd RcCorms (Amendment) Acl. 1981 (Wesr Ben. Act L of 
1981). w.c.~. 7.8.69. 
?The sccond proviso was addcd by s. 3 or the Wcst Bcngd hnd Reforms (Third 
hnlcndnlcnt) Act, 1986 (WCS~ Ben. Act XXXV of 1986). 
'Scc~ions 4C. 4D and 4E wcrc inscrld by s. 10 of thc Wcsi Bcngd Land Reforms 
(Amcndmcnt) Acr, 1981 (Wcst Bcn, Act L of 1981), w,c.f, 7.8,69. 
[West Ben. Act : 
(5) 11 thc Collcclor is satisfied ha1 any land is being convened for 
i- any purpose orher than the purpose for which it was sc~lcd or was being 
previously held, or attcmprs are being madc to cffeck alteration in the 
modc or use of such land or changc of thc area or chnrx!rr of such land, 
hc may, by ordcr, reswain hc raiyat from such act. 
Ofrenccs and I4D. (1) Any change, conversion or allcralion in [he area, characrer pcndrics. 
or mode of use of any land, exccpt in accordance wirh thc provisions 
of section 4C, or any violarion of the ordcr of hc Collector under sub- 
seclion (5) olscction 4C, shall be an offcncc punishable wilhimprisonmenl 
which may extend lo threc years or wih fine which may extend lo one 
lhousand rupecs or with both: 
Provided [hat no proseculion shall lic for an offence under [his sub- 
section in a case whcrc an aclion has alrcady been taken by the prescribed 
authoriry under sub-section (4) of section 4: 
?Provided furlher ha[ no prosecuuon shall lic for any diminulion in 
area or change of characlcr of any land or any convcrsion in the use of 
any land if such diminution or change OF character or conversion was 
made in accordance with the provisions of any law for the time being 
in force: 
(2) No court shall take cognizance or any offence punishable under 
sub-seclion (1) except on n complaint in writing madc by rhc CoIIcctor 
or by an officer authoriscd by him in [ha[ behaIf. 
Bar 10 '4E. No tansfer (including sales in execution of a dccrcc of a civil re.fismtion. courl or far recovery of mars of land revenuc) of my land or interest 
in such land wihin an urban agglomerarion as defined in the Urban Land 33 of 1976. 
(CeiIing and Regulation) Act, 1976, or within any pari of such urban 
agglomeration, as may be specified by [he Statc Government by 
notificalion in Ihc Oficial Gazerte and used mainly for agriculture or 
as an orchard, without any order in wrir ing of he Collector shall be valid 
and no regisrering aulhoriry shall, notwirhslanding the provisions of he 
Rcgistrarion Act, 1908, rcgisler a document of such transfer unless order 1601 ~wg. 
of the Collec~or in writing pkrmirung such transfer is produced: 
Provided ha[ an application made to the Collector for permission 
for any such uansrer made of onc's own molion or for regisration OF 
a transfer in cxecurion of a dccrce of a civiI courl shall bc disposed of 
by he Collcc~or wilhin sixty days of the fding 01 Ihc application failing 
which it shall be wirhin thc rights of the registering authority to regisler 
Lhc document of the uansrer. 
'See loor-norc 3 on page 593, nrlre. 
:Provisa addcd by s. 4 of he \Vcs[ Bcngsl Land Rcfom (Third Arncndrncni) Act, 
1986 (\Vest Ben. Aci XXXV or 1986). 
The Wesr Berrgal Lutld Refornis Act, 1955. 595 1 I 
(Cl~aprer 11.-Rai yat s.-Sectio!~ 3. J 
5. (1) A tmnsfer of the holding of a raiya; or a share m portion zbz;F;; thcreof shall be made by an inslrumenl which musl be regislcred and holdingola 
the registering officer shall not acccpl for registntion any such insmment rQiyaL 
unless- 
(a) [he sale price, or where here is no sale price, he value of 
[he holding or portion or sham thereof transferred. is Wntcd 
therein; I* + 
(b) here is lcndered along wilh it, 
(i) a notice giving thc particulars of the transfer in [he 
prescribed form for lransrnission to the prescribed 
aurhority ; 
(ii) such notices and process fees as may be required by 
sub-section (4); 
?(c) [he purpose for which the land shall be used by the transferee 
is stated d~zrein; and 
'(d) such purpose for use of thc land by he lransfcree is consistent 
wih [he purpose For which he land was setrlcd or was being 
used and is not contnry to the provisions of seclion 4B, 
seclion 4C, sccdon 4E or section 49. 
Explo~~ario~r -The purposes undcr cl awes (c) and (d) 
shall include agriculrure, horticul[ure, animal husbandry, 
trade,, manufaclurc, cnlertainment, recrcauon, sport and 
such oher purposes. 
(2) In case of bequest of such holding or portion or share hereof, 
no caurr shall gran~ Probale or Letters of Adminislrauon until the applicant 
files in the prcscribed form a notice giving par~culars of Ihc bequest 
togelher wilh the prcscribed process fee for transmission to the prescribed 
aurhorir y. 
(3) No coud or Rcvenue Officer shall confirm the sale of such a 
holding or ponion or share thereof put 10 sale in execution of a decree 
or ccnificate and no coun shall make a decree or order absolule for 
foreclosure of a mongape of such a holding or poriion or sharc hereof, 
unriI he purchaser or thc mongagee, as  he case may be, files a noiicc 
or nolices similar to, and deposib process fccs of the same amount as 
lhar referred to in sub-scction (1). 
IThc word "md" was omitled by s. ll(l)(a) of the West Bcnpl hd Relorn 
(Arncndmcn~) Act, I981 (WCS~ Bcn. Aa L of 1981). w.e.f. 7.8.69. 
?Clauses (c) md (d) were inscncd by s. Il(l)(b), ibid, w.c.F. 7.8.69. 
TIIE Wesr Betrgal htid Refort~rs Act, 1955. 
[West Ben. Act 
(Cl~uprer 11.-Raiya15.-Sec~iot~s 6. 7.) 
(4) If rhc irnnsfer of a portion or sharc of such a holding be one lo 
*; which ihc provisions of secrion 8 apply, there shall bc Flcd by the 
uansferor or ~ransfcrce noliccs giving parliculars of the lransfcr in [he 
prescribed form rogerher will1 rhe process fces prescribed for rhc service 
thereof on all the co-sharers of ~hc said holding who are not parties lo 
!hc ~ransfer and for affixing a copy thereof in ~hc office ofrhcrcgistering 
officer or the coum house or [ha office of thc Revenue Officcr, as [he 
case may bc, as well as for affixing a copy on rhc holding. 
(5) Thc coun, the Rcvcnue Officcr or the regisrcring officer. as hc 
casc may be, shall ~ansnu~ thc notice to hc aulhorily rcfcrrcd to in sub- 
clause (j) of clause (b) of sub-section (1) who shall serve [he notices on 
rhc co-sharers rcfcrrcd lo in subsection (4) by regisrered post and shall 
causc copics of the notice ro bc alhxed on thc holding and in [he court 
housc or in the officc of the Rzvcnue OIliccr. or of the regislering officer, 
as the casc may be. 
(a) "~ransIcror", l["~ansferee",] "purchaser" and "mortgagee" 
include [heir successors-in-intcics~, and 
(b) "rransfer" docs not jnlcude ?[simple or usufrucluary 
mongage or mortgage by deposil of rirlc dccds]. 
6. [(Lirrri~ation on rranrfer.)-Otltirted ,511 s. 5 of the Wesr 
Ber~gal Larrd Refonris (Amend~rrctrt) Act, 1972 (West Ben. Act XJI of 
1972).] 
I-iltiilalion 7. (1) A mortgage by a raiyar of his holding or any share thereof on mongagc 
or nriyclti ohet than- 
holdings. (a) a simplc morlgagc. or 
(b) a usufructuary mortgage for a period not exceeding iiftccn 
yem, 'Lor] 
"(c) a morrgage by dcposit of rille deeds in favour of- 
(i) a scheduled bank as defined in he Rescrve Bank of 
India Act, 1934, or 201 1934. 
'The word wirhin the squatc bbnckcts wcre omincd by s, 1 l(2) of rhc Wcsr Bend 
hd Re~orms (Amcndmenr] ACL 1g81 (Wcsr Bcn. Acf L or 1981). w.e.f. 7.8.69. 
'The words wilhin Ihe squm bnckus wcrc subsururcd for ihc words "pdrion or 
simple orusul-uctuary mortgage" by s. 4 oC~hc Wcst Bcngal Lmnd Rcforrru (Amendment) 
ACI. 1972 (Wcsl Ben. Aci XI1 of 1972). 
'Thc word "or" was inscned by s, 6(i), ibid, 
'Clausc (c) wa hr insened by s. 6(ii)of lhe Wcsc Ben@ Lad Rcfom (Amndnlcnt) 
ACL 1972 (W-1 Bcn. Act XI1 of 1972). thcn the snmc tvs substiturcd by s. 2 or the Wcsr 
Bcngd hd Reronns (Amcndmcnt) Acl. 1990 (IVcsl Bcn. Acr XXlV of 1990). 
The We11 Be~~gal Latid Refonns Act, 1955. 
(ii) a cc-operadve land mortgngc bank registered or deemcd 
10 bc rcgisrcred under any law for the time bcing in 
forcc, or 
(iii) a public financial inslitution rcfcrred to in section 4A 
of the Cornpanics ACJ. 1956, or 
(iv) a corporation owned or con~rollcd by he Cenmal 
Govcrnrncn~ or he Slate Government or by bolh 
thc Cenual Government and he Starc Government. 
or 
(v) the Inlernalional Finance Corporation established 
under ~hc Agrcemenl as defined in clausc (a) of 
seclion 2 of [he International Finance Corporalion 
(Slams, Immunities and PriviIcgcs) Acl, 1958, or 
(vi) such othcr iinancial insdruuon, by whatcvcr name 
callcd, cslablishcd or registered under any law for [he 
time king in forcc, as the State Gavernmcnt or the 
Ccntnl Govcrnmcn~ may, by noli fication in ihc Oficial 
Gazerre, spcciiy, ror the purpose of obmining loan or 
financid assistance [including debenture as defincd in 
clausc ( 12) of secuon 2 of the Companies Act, 19561 
for the development of he land comprised in the holding 
of such raiyar or for thc improvement of any agricultural 
producrion (including horticulture or fishery) or for he 
development or improvement of any plantation or ror 
he eslablishmenl or development of any indusuy. 
livestock breeding. dairy, poultry hming. commercial 
unit, educational centre. health centrc, public recreation 
cenrre or research cenrre upon such land or for the 
promotion and holding of sports or cultural or 
phjlanthropjcal aclivily upon such land or for he 
cons~ruc~ion of any housing cstate Tor borra fide 
residen~ial purposc or any building for providing 
nccornrnodarion for any office upon such Iand or for 
such orher activity as the State Govcrnmenl may, by 
notification in the Oflcial Gazene, spccify, 
shall be void. 
(2) A usufructuary mortgage referred to in clause (b) of sub- 
section (1) may bc rcdcemed at any time before the expiry of the 
,,,:"A 
598 TIM Wesr Betigul had Reforrrrs Act. 1955. 
[Wesl Ben. Act 
Kight of 8. (I) If a portion or share or a holding of a raiyor is lrrlnsfcmd 
purchqe by 
cn.shmr or to any person othcr than a co-sharer in tliz hoIding, '[the bargadur in 
conli6uous lhe holding may, within three ~nonths of the dare or such transfer. or] 
tmank. 
any co-sharer raiyut of rhe holding may, wilhin thrcc rnonhs of the 
scrvice of he nodcc givcn under sub-scction (5) of section 5, or any 
raiyar possessing land adjoining such holding may, within four months 
of ~hc dale af such ~ransfer, apply ro rhc 3wunsiF having rerritorial 
jurisdicrion], Tor transfer of Ihc said ponion or share of be holding lo 
him, subject lo the lirnil menlioned in 3[scct~on 14-M] on dcposit of the 
consideration money togcthcr wilh a further sum of [en per cenr. of 
hat nmounl: 
'Provided thal if hc borgadur in thc holding, a co-shxcr raiyut and 
a raiyar possessing land adjoining such holding apply for such rnoslcr, 
[he bargadar slid! havc thc prior righ~ lo have such porrion or share of 
[he holding rransferred to him, and in such a case, [he deposit madc'by 
others shall be refunded lo thcrn: 
'[Providcd iuriher tha~ whcrc the bargarlar does not apply for such 
rransrcr and] a co-sharcr raijat and o raipr possessing land adjoining 
such holding borh apply for such kansfcr. the former shall havc he prior 
righl 10 have such portion or share of rhc hoIding transferred lo him, and 
in such a casc, [he deposit made by the larlcr shall be refunded to hjm: 
'[Provided also] hat as amongst raiyars possessing lands adjoining 
such holding preference shall be givcn lo the ruiyaf having Ihc longest 
common boundary with the land lransfcrrcd. 
(2) Nothing in this section shall apply t- , 
(a) a ~ransfer by exchange or by partidon, or, 
(b) a u-ansfcr by bequest or gifi '[or heba-bjl-cwazl, or, 
'Thc words uithin thc square bnckers wclc insend by s. 12(1)(a) of hc W=t Bengnl 
Land Hclonns (Amrndmcnr) Act, 1981 (West Bcn. Acr L of 1981). w.c.f. 7.8.69. 
The words within the squm bnckeB were subsiitulcd lor the words "Rcvcnuc 
Officer sp.ciJly cmpwered by rk SI~IZ Governmcni in this behall-' by s. 71i)(a) of hc 
Wcs~ Bengd hd Rcrorms (Amcndmcn~) Act. 1972 (Wcst Bcn. Act MI of 1972). 
'Thc word. figurn and leuer within rhc squarc bnckcrs svcrc substituled lor the words, 
bncke~s and figures "sub-scc~ion (3) of section d" by s. 7(i)(b), ibid. 
'Thc proviso adrlcd by s. 12(l)(b) of thc Wtst Btngd hd Rcforms (Arnendmcn~) 
ACL 1981 (Wcst Ben. Act L of 19%1), w.c.i. 7.8.69. 
'PIC words wirhin Lhc squm bnckcts were subnimrod Tor thc words "Providcd hat 
ir' by s. 12(1)(c). ~lrid., w,e.C. 7.8.69. 
Thc words wihii hc squm bnckcls wcre subslirurcd for thc word5 "Provided 
iurrhef' by s. 1?,(1)(J), ibid.. w.c.l. 7.8.69. 
'Thc words within Ihe squvr bnckers wre inscncd by s. 7(ii)(a) of the West Bengal 
Lond Relom (Arncndrnml) Act. 1972 (Wcst Bcn. Act XI1 of 19711. 
Tlze Wesr Burgal La~d Refonlrs Acr, 1955. 
(Cl~aptcr 11.-Rai y a& .-Seciiot~ 9.) 
(c) a '* * * mongagc mcnlioned in secrion 7, or, 
(d) a lransfer forcharirable orreljgiouspurposcs or both without 
reserva

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