Section 18 of The Ajmer Tenancy and Land Records Act, 1950
Occupancy tenants.
Every person--
- (a)other than a person to whom the provisions of section 7 of the Ajmere Land and Revenue Regulation, 1877 (2 of 1877) apply, who, before the commencement of this Act, was admitted to the occupation of land and who has, before such commencement, sunk a well, reclaimed or otherwise developed such land, or
- (b)who was recorded in the year of settlement as tenant with a permanent right of tenancy (mazara-i-mustaqil) and has continued in possession since, shall be called an occupancy tenant.
Summary
- Occupancy tenants are people who either improved the land or were already recognized as permanent tenants before the Act began.
- This includes anyone who dug a well, cleared land, or otherwise developed a plot before the 1950 law started.
- It also includes those recorded as permanent tenants (mazara-i-mustaqil) during the settlement year who have stayed on that land since.
- These tenants are protected by Section 7, which means they cannot be forced to work for free or be easily kicked off their land.
- They are also protected from being evicted from their homes just because they lose their farm fields.
Practical examples
FAQ
1. How do I become an occupancy tenant under The Ajmer Tenancy and Land Records Act, 1950?
Under Section 18, you qualify if you improved the land (like sinking a well) before the Act began, or if you were recorded as a permanent tenant during the settlement year.
2. What does Section 7 have to do with occupancy tenants in The Ajmer Tenancy and Land Records Act, 1950?
Section 18 defines who these tenants are, and Section 7 gives them key rights, such as protection from forced labor and illegal ejectment.
3. If I cleared new land for farming in 1948, am I an occupancy tenant under The Ajmer Tenancy and Land Records Act, 1950?
Yes, Section 18 states that someone who reclaimed or developed land before the Act's commencement is an occupancy tenant.
Test yourself
Q1.Under Section 18 of The Ajmer Tenancy and Land Records Act, 1950, which act would qualify a person as an occupancy tenant?
Q2.What is the official term used in settlement records for a permanent tenant mentioned in Section 18 of The Ajmer Tenancy and Land Records Act, 1950?
Q3.Under the protections linked to Section 18 and Section 7 of The Ajmer Tenancy and Land Records Act, 1950, what can a landholder NOT do to an occupancy tenant?
Q4.If an occupancy tenant is kicked off their farm field, can they stay in their house under The Ajmer Tenancy and Land Records Act, 1950?