Another bill was passed in the Gujarat Assembly amid opposition from the opposition. On March 25, the Assembly approved an amendment bill to curb illegal property transfer. This bill is related to changes in the Disturbed Areas Act of 1991, which was passed by voice vote on the last day of the budget session. The objective of this bill is to protect legitimate property owners and prevent forced or suspicious transactions.
The main aim of this amendment is to control the transfer of immovable property in areas declared disturbed and to give protection to tenants from eviction. According to the government, this law has been brought to stop deals done illegally or under duress. At the same time, emphasis has been laid on strengthening the rights of legitimate owners and maintaining social balance.
Government’s stand and arguments
Minister of State for Revenue Sanjay Singh Mahida described the bill as a necessary security measure for a particular community. Citing issues like ‘Land Jihad’ and ‘Love Jihad’ in the House, he said that such factors lead to forced migration. According to PTI, Mahida expressed concern over demographic changes citing the example of areas like Danilimda in Ahmedabad and said the ‘designated area’ tag is a means to protect people from involuntary migration.
Opposition’s protest and debate
Congress refused to support this bill and there was a heated debate in the House regarding it. Congress MLA Imran Khedawala raised questions on the government’s claim of a riot-free state and said that if the situation is normal then why such a law is being expanded. He also said that this law, which was introduced temporarily in 1986, has now spread to 744 areas, including small villages, which raises questions about its necessity.