The Kerala Restriction on Transfer by and Restoration of Lands to Scheduled Tribes Act, 1999
The Kerala Restriction on Transfer by and Restoration of Lands to Scheduled Tribes Act, 1999
This legislation regulates agricultural land holdings owned by Scheduled Tribes in the state of Kerala. It applies directly to these local tribal communities and any non-tribals attempting to acquire their agricultural properties. By declaring unauthorized transfers of tribal land to outsiders since the year 1960 invalid, the law enables the restoration of alienated lands to their original owners or provides alternative state allotted land in compensation. This act matters because it safeguards historically marginalized populations from unfair displacement, guarantees landless tribal families a minimum land allocation, and establishes dedicated rehabilitation programs to protect their essential social rights and economic livelihoods.
- 0. Preamble
- 1. Short title, extent and commencement.
- 2. Definitions.
- 3. Explanations.
- 4. Restriction on transfer.
- 5. Certain transfers to be invalid.
- 6. Allotment of lands.
- 7. Reconveyance of land.
- 8. Liability to pay amount.
- 9. Government to provide grants for the payment.
- 10. Assignment of land.
- 11. Constitution of Scheduled Tribe Rehabilitation and Welfare Fund and its utilisation.
- 12. Offences and penalties.
- 13. Cognizance of offences.
- 14. Bar on proceedings against Scheduled Tribes under Chapter X of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
- 15. Powers of competent authority and Revenue Divisional Officer.
- 16. Legal Assistance.
- 17. Power to remove difficulties.
- 18. Protection of action taken in good faith.
- 19. Saving of other laws.
- 20. Bar of jurisdiction of civil courts.
- 21. Power to make rules.
- 22. Repeal and saving.
PDF: pending for this language.