The PUDUCHERRY SETTLEMENT ACT, 1970
puducherry · 1970
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- S. 1The Act came into force on the 11th day of January 1971, vide Notification —I in Gazette No
- S. 2Defines key terms used in the Puducherry Settlement Act, 1970, including "assessment," "Collector," "Commune," and "Director."
- S. 3Section 3 authorizes the Government to appoint a Director and Settlement Officers to manage settlement operations and assign duties.
- S. 4Section 4 grants the Director and Settlement Officer powers equivalent to a court to summon witnesses, request documents, and conduct investigations.
- S. 5Section authorizes officials to survey and measure land for settlement purposes, with consent and notice to occupants.
- S. 6Section 6 allows the Government to initiate or update land assessment settlements under the Puducherry Survey and Boundaries Act.
- S. 7Section 7 outlines the method for determining land assessment rates based on various factors for settlements or resettlements.
- S. 8Section 8 outlines the process for land settlement and assessment in Puducherry, including division, rate fixing, and government approval.
- S. 9Section 9 allows the government to extend settlements beyond 30 years and reduce taxes due to natural calamities.
- S. 10Section 10 registers government lands used for communal or public purposes as porambokes during settlement.
- S. 11Section 11 mandates registered landholders to pay fixed assessments to the government for each settlement period, except for certain religious or educational institutions.
- S. 12Section 12 allows the Government to impose additional assessments and levies on certain lands and non-agricultural uses for benefits from irrigation works and fruit trees.
- S. 13Section 13 mandates the Settlement Officer to prepare a Settlement Register and a Register of Rights detailing land consolidation and ownership.
- S. 14Section 14 outlines the process for finalizing the Register of Rights after objections are reviewed and resolved.
- S. 15Section 15 mandates the Settlement Officer to publish and revise land records, and certified extracts are admissible in court.
- S. 16Section 16 allows individuals to apply for land register modifications due to changes like death, transfer, or other alterations.
- S. 17Section 17 mandates reporting land right acquisitions to a specified officer within three months, with exemptions for registered documents and penalties for non-compliance.
- S. 18Section 18 mandates registration fees for documents transferring land rights, with a report to a specified officer upon registration.
- S. 19(1) There shall be maintained for every village a Register of mutations in such form as may be prescribed
- S. 20Section 20 allows issuance of certified copies from settlement registers for interested parties on payment of prescribed fees.
- S. 21Section 21 allows appeals against certain orders to the Director or Collector within 30 days.
- S. 22The Secretary can review and correct mistakes in records of appellate proceedings under section 21.
- S. 23Section 23 allows the Director or Settlement Officer to correct mistakes in decisions or proceedings under the Act.
- S. 24The section allows the government to delegate Settlement Officer's powers to another officer via notification.
- S. 25(1) No suit shall lie in any civil court to set aside or modify any assessment made under this Act
- S. 26Section 26 protects government officials from legal action for actions done in good faith under the Act.
- S. 27(1) The Government may make rules to carry out the purposes of this Act
- S. 28Section 28 removes Chapter III from the Puducherry Survey and Boundaries Act, 1967, but allows certain assessments to continue.
- S. 29Section 29 preserves existing assessment rates until new rates under the Act are introduced.
- S. 30Section 30 repeals certain laws in Puducherry but preserves existing rights, proceedings, and penalties.
- S. 31Section 31 allows the Government to issue orders to resolve difficulties in implementing the Act, but only within two years of the Act's publication.