Nazool land Riots erupted in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, over the demolition of an “illegal” madrasa and mosque on ‘Nazool land’ by the municipal council.
What is Nazool land?
- Nazool land is a plot of land owned by the government but most often not directly administered as state property.
- The state generally allots such land to any entity on lease for a fixed period, between 15 and 99 years.
- In case the lease term is expiring, one can approach the authority to renew the lease by submitting a written application to the Revenue Department of the local development authority.
- The government is free to either renew the lease or cancel it — taking back Nazool land.
- In almost all major cities of India, Nazool land has been allotted to different entities for a variety of different purposes.
How did Nazool land emerge?
- During British rule, kings and kingdoms that opposed the British frequently revolted against them, leading to several battles between them and the British Army.
- Upon defeating these kings in battle, the British would often take their land away from them.
- After India gained Independence, the British vacated these lands. But with kings and royals often lacking proper documentation to prove prior ownership, these lands were marked as Nazool land — to be owned by the respective state governments.
How does the government use Nazool land?
- The government uses it for public purposes like building schools, hospitals, Gram Panchayat buildings, etc.
- Several cities used it for housing societies, generally on lease.
- Very often, the state does not directly administer Nazool land but rather leases it to different entities.
How is Nazool land governed?
- Several states have brought in government orders for framing rules for Nazool land.
- The Nazool Lands (Transfer) Rules, 1956 is the law mostly used for Nazool land adjudication.
Ref: Source
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