Resumption by small holder

Without prejudice to the right of resumption under section 16, a small holder (other than a sthani or the trustee or owner of a place of public religious worship) may resume from his tenant a portion of the holding not exceeding one-half: Provided that, by such resumption, the total extent of land in the possession of the small holder shall not be raised above four standard acres or four acres in extent, whichever is greater: Provided further that, except as provided in sub-sections (2) and (3) of section 53, no land shall be resumed under this section from a tenant who was entitled to fixity of tenure in respect of his holding immediately before the 21st January, 1961, under any law then in force.