Flats and houses on Khas Mahal land in Kolkata and West Bengal are now eligible for mutation, according to the recent decision of Kolkata Municipal Corporation.

KMC Decision on Khas Mahal Land in Kolkata and West Bengal

In a significant move, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has recently decided to allow mutation of flats and houses on Khas Mahal land in Kolkata and West Bengal, marking a historic shift in the ownership landscape of Kolkata and parts of West Bengal. This decision, aimed at rectifying historical complexities, is poised to benefit over 200,000 flat and house owners in a vast expanse spanning from Sinthee to Monoharpukur, and Strand Road to Beleghata, Topsia, and Tiljala. If your property belongs to any Khas Mahal land in Kolkata and West Bengal then you must consult an experienced property lawyer in Kolkata and West Bengal without any further delay.

History of Khas Mahal Land in Kolkata and West Bengal

The term “Khas Mahal” traces its origins back to the British colonial era, signifying land under the direct management of the British Crown since the 19th century. Plots categorized as Khas Mahal land in Kolkata and West Bengal, were those either purchased by or granted to the British in India, primarily in the region now known as Kolkata and its surrounding areas. Unlike other parts of the country under British administrative control, where land ownership was well-defined, Khas Mahal land in Kolkata and West Bengal posed unique challenges as the Crown held the title deeds without direct transfer to local owners.

Historically, Kolkata’s landscape was shaped by the amalgamation of three villages — Kolikata, Sutanuti, and Gobindapur — collectively referred to as Dihi Kolkata, along with additional villages such as Panchannagram. These territories were gradually acquired by the East India Company between 1698 and 1756 through various means, including purchases from local zamindars and treaties with regional rulers like Nawab Siraj ud-Daulah.

Following the 1857 mutiny, administrative control of India shifted from the East India Company to the British Crown. Consequently, the land acquired by the Company, including Dihi Kolkata and Panchannagram, became property of the British monarchs, later inherited by successive British rulers. Even after India’s independence and the promulgation of the Constitution, Khas Mahal land retained its status, now under the jurisdiction of the President of India.

Challenges Involved in Khas Mahal Land in Kolkata and West Bengal

The bureaucratic intricacies surrounding Khas Mahal land in Kolkata and West Bengal are so profound that only an experienced property lawyer in Kolkata and West Bengal can help you. The KMC, responsible for municipal governance, lacked definitive records of rights for properties situated on Crown land. Attempts to initiate mutation, the process of transferring property ownership in municipal records, were met with challenges due to the absence of traditional sale deeds or leases between the Crown and local owners. Consequently, property owners faced hurdles in asserting their ownership rights, often being listed in municipal registers merely as tax-paying entities rather than rightful owners.

Present Scenario of Khas Mahal Land in Kolkata and West Bengal

However, the recent decision by the KMC marks a paradigm shift. In 2012, the former Mayor Sovan Chatterjee affirmed that mutation of properties on Khas Mahal land in Kolkata and West Bengal would now be permitted upon submission of registered sale deeds by owners. This decision not only alleviates the bureaucratic hurdles faced by property owners but also represents a pivotal moment in rectifying historical injustices. To know more about such details of Khas Mahal land, it is advised to get in touch with an experienced property lawyer in Kolkata and West Bengal.

The geographical scope of Khas Mahal land encompasses several key localities in Kolkata, including parts of Sinthee, Paikpara, Ultadanga, Sealdah, Entally, Topsia, Chakraberia, Bhowanipore, Monoharpukur, Dakshindari, Kutchinan, Sura, and Beleghata. Covering approximately 11,262 bighas within Kolkata’s sprawling landscape, these areas hold significant historical and cultural significance.

Overview of Khas Mahal Land in Kolkata and West Bengal

In the broader context of West Bengal, Khas Mahal land is a category of government-owned land administered by the Revenue Department and managed by district collectors. The government leases out Khas Mahal land to individuals for various purposes, retaining ownership rights and entitlement to lease rents. However, the complexity of managing Khas Mahal land is evident from instances of unauthorized occupation and lapses in revenue realization highlighted by audit reports. Get in touch with an experienced property lawyer in Kolkata and West Bengal for further guidance.

Despite the challenges, the recent decision by the KMC heralds a new era of property rights in Kolkata and West Bengal, unlocking the legacy of Khas Mahal land and empowering thousands of property owners. As individuals like Bijon Kumar Bose prepare to reapply for mutation with renewed hope, it underscores the significance of administrative reforms in addressing historical injustices and fostering equitable access to property rights. With this landmark decision, Kolkata takes a bold step towards embracing its past while forging a more inclusive future.

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