For decades, purchasing agricultural land in Karnataka was governed by highly restrictive provisions. The Karnataka Land Reforms Act, 1961 barred individuals without an agricultural background from purchasing farming plots. However, recent legal updates have radically transformed these rules.
1. The Historic Sections 79A and 79B
Under the old regime, Section 79A prohibited anyone with a non-agricultural income exceeding Rs. 25 lakhs per year from buying farming land. Section 79B strictly dictated that only individuals practicing agriculture could acquire agricultural land. These provisions aimed to protect farming land but led to widespread litigation and regulatory hurdles.
2. The Landmark Repeal and Current Legal Status
In a historic policy shift, the Karnataka State Legislature repealed Sections 79A, 79B, and 79C through an amendment act. As of today, any Indian citizen or entity, regardless of their agricultural background or income level, can legally purchase agricultural land in Karnataka.
3. Key Limitations That Still Apply
Despite the repeal, buyers must remain aware of certain structural conditions:
- No Automatic Conversion: Purchasing agricultural land does not mean you can build commercial structures or houses on it. Non-agricultural use still requires formal land conversion (A.L.C. or Section 95 clearance).
- Scheduled Area Safeguards: Under the law, transfers of land belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) to non-tribals/non-SC/ST buyers remain highly restricted and require prior government permission under the PTCL Act.