Regulation of transfer and use of lands

(1) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in any other law or custom or contract: (a) no landowner shall transfer by sale, lease or in any way whatsoever any land or right or interest in any land, (b) no person shall fell, remove or dispose of any trees in any land, and (c) no person shall quarry any land or remove any sub-soil material from any land without the permission in writing of the District Officer within whose jurisdiction the land is situated or of such other officer as may be specially empowered by the State Government in this behalf. (2) The State Government may make rules laying down the principles, terms and conditions in accordance with which the permission referred to in sub-section (1) may be granted. EXPLANATIONS: (1) "Land" means any land used or capable of being used for any agricultural or non-agricultural purpose and includes forests; (2) "Landowners" means any person owning lands more than ten acres in area, whether in his own possession or otherwise, in the State of Sikkim.