In the recent campaign trail in Andhra Pradesh, one issue has taken center stage: the Land Titling Act, which poses a significant threat to the lives of the state’s residents. TDP President Chandrababu Naidu has been vocal about exposing the implications of this act in every meeting, raising alarm among the people.
The Land Titling Act emerged just 15 days before the Assembly elections, sending shockwaves throughout the state. Under this act, victims are deprived of the right to seek justice through the courts, reminiscent of the land mafia scam in Ongole, where false documents were used to coerce original landowners into selling their properties unlawfully.
Also, the YSR Congress Government decision to use e-papers instead of Sale Deeds on Non-Judicial Stamp Papers added to the worries of the people.
The Registered document now looks like a Xerox Paper. This system is introduced in sixteen sub-registrar offices as a Pilot Project.
The major issue with this Act is that if someone gets to tamper the records and have his name on your land, it is your responsibility to prove that the land is yours.
The Opposition says that in case that is not proved in 90 days, the land will be lost forever.
The Opposition is saying that Revenue Records like Passbooks, Adangal, etc will go waste after this Act.
The Civil Courts which look into such disputes will no longer have a say.
Essentially, the Land Titling Act limits recourse to justice by redirecting all disputes to the Title Registration Officer and Land Titling Appellate Officer, with the High Court serving as the final arbiter.
The fears are if someone in the ruling government is after a land, it is easy to manage the officers and get ruling in their favor. Even though there is High Court as the final arbitrator, it is not possible to fight for everyone given the costs.
Once this Act is notified, land records will be locked and the objections should be notified in two years. If not, there is no chance to goto the courts as well.
Already people are upset for having Jagan’s picture on their sale deeds and passbooks. Many are questioning why Jagan’s photos on our assets. This Land Titling Act is creating further doubts.
