Vidhi Codex

Bare Act

The Goa, Daman and Diu Debt Relief Act, 1980

Finance198029 sections

This law provides financial relief and debt protection to low-income agricultural laborers, rural artisans, marginal farmers, and small farmers in Goa, Daman, and Diu. It completely discharges debts for eligible low-income workers and marginal farmers, halting court cases, releasing pledged properties, and freeing individuals detained for unpaid private debts. For small farmers, special Debt Relief Boards determine fair paying capacity to settle remaining debts in manageable installments without excessive interest. By shielding vulnerable rural communities from predatory private lenders and harassment, this legislation prevents severe debt traps and protects essential livelihoods across the region.

Start reading →Read full ActSections
  1. 1. Short title, extent and commencement
  2. 2. Definitions
  3. 3. Stay of suits, etc.
  4. 4. Discharge of certain debts
  5. 5. Power of District Magistrate to enforce delivery of possession of property to debtor
  6. 6. Board to determine certain questions
  7. 7. Establishment of Debt Relief Board
  8. 8. Members of Board deemed to be public servants
  9. 9. Board to have certain powers of civil court
  10. 10. Application for settlement of debt
  11. 11. Assignee from non-debtor not entitled to benefit of this Act
  12. 12. Consolidation of applications
  13. 13. Service of notice on debtors and creditors to submit statement of debts
  14. 14. Debts in respect of which no application for settlement is made to be void
  15. 15. Power of Board to effect settlement and decide disputes as to existence or amount of debt or assets
  16. 16. Mode of taking accounts
  17. 17. Fraudulent alienations or encumbrances void
  18. 18. Board’s duty to determine paying capacity
  19. 19. Maximum amount allowable in repayment of a debt
  20. 20. Appeal from orders of Board
  21. 21. Execution of orders
  22. 22. Bar on courts
  23. 23. Penalty for molestation
  24. 24. Certain offences to be cognizable
  25. 25. Protection of action taken in good faith
  26. 26. Appearance of party before Board by agent or by legal practitioner
  27. 27. Remission of interest
  28. 28. Power to make rules
  29. 29. Repeal

PDF: pending for this language.