The Urban Land Ceiling (ULT) law was implemented to prevent the accumulation of large tracts of urban land in the hands of a few individuals. This article provides an overview of the essential aspects of the ULT law in Tamil Nadu, explaining its background, implementation, and the current scenario.
Introduction The Urban Land Ceiling Act was introduced to address economic disparities caused by the concentration of land ownership. In 1976, the Central Government, followed by the Tamil Nadu Government in 1978, enacted this law to ensure that no individual could hold excessive urban land. This article details 18 key points about the ULT law, helping landowners understand its implications and navigate related legalities.
1. Purpose of the ULT Law
The ULT law aimed to eliminate economic inequalities by preventing individuals from monopolizing urban land ownership.
2. Applicable Areas and Land Limits
The law restricted land ownership in cities like Chennai, Madurai, Tirunelveli, Trichy, and Vellore, among others, limiting ownership to 5 cents or 3 cents, depending on the location.
3. Government Acquisition of Excess Land
Excess land above the ULT limits could be acquired by the government to prevent monopoly.
4. Land Acquired Under ULT
As per the law, 2,381 hectares of land were acquired, with over 250 hectares still under litigation in courts.
5. Utilization of Acquired Land
More than 300 hectares were allocated for various government projects, though many tracts continue to be used unlawfully by private individuals.
6. Illegal Transfers and Registrations
Despite the ULT law, many excess lands were illegally sold and registered due to poor communication between land reform departments and registration offices.
7. Current Scenario of ULT Lands
Many ULT lands have changed hands multiple times, resulting in buildings and residences now standing on them. These transactions often involve unsuspecting buyers.
8. Judicial Decisions on ULT Lands
Courts have nullified many illegal registrations under the ULT law, asserting the government’s authority over excess land.
9. Regularization of ULT Lands
In 2008, a new law allowed regularization of ULT lands, enabling owners to legally claim ownership by paying a prescribed fee for residential purposes.
10. Conditions for Regularization
Owners of up to 1.5 grounds of land could apply for regularization as innocent buyers, provided they bought the land between the law’s implementation and December 31, 1994.
11. Effectiveness of Regularization Efforts
While initial efforts were swift, the regularization process has since slowed, leaving many applications pending.
12. Application and Review Process
Applications for regularization are reviewed collectively after receiving 50 or more requests, though this process often faces delays.
13. Identification of ULT Lands
Properties under the ULT law are marked as ULT (Urban Land Tax) in village records, along with relevant court order numbers if under litigation.
14. Application for Regularization
Owners must submit copies of all property documents, building plans (if any), and a Rs. 100 court stamp (not a regular stamp paper) with their application.
15. Challenges in Regularization
Many years have passed without complete regularization, leading to public frustration over the slow progress.
16. Submission Locations for Regularization
Applications can be submitted at urban land tax offices in various Chennai locations and offices in Trichy and Coimbatore, depending on the property’s location.
17. Additional Steps for Regularization
Applicants must pay the urban land tax at designated offices and follow up at the main office in George Town, Chennai, for the final regularization process.
Conclusion Understanding the Urban Land Ceiling (ULT) law is crucial for property owners in Tamil Nadu. By being aware of the law’s provisions, the current state of regularization, and the necessary steps for compliance, landowners can navigate legal complexities and safeguard their property rights. This knowledge empowers owners to make informed decisions, ensuring their land investments are secure and legally sound.
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