Rajasthan Notifies New Land Law

• 11 Oct 2025

Why in News? 

The Rajasthan State Government has enacted the Rajasthan Land Revenue (Amendment and Validation) Act, 2025, to expand the powers of the Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation (RIICO) in managing and regulating land in industrial areas.  

Key Provisions of the Act

• About: The Act, which received the Governor's assent on 3rd October 2025, amends the Rajasthan Land Revenue Act of 1956.  
  • It aims to streamline land administration, validate past transactions, and accelerate industrial development throughout the state. 
• Background: The Act addresses issues arising from the April 2023 ruling by the Supreme Court in the case of the state government versus Arafat Petrochemicals. 
  • The ruling stripped RIICO of its powers over the 37 industrial areas transferred before 1979, leaving industrial units in these zones uncertain about land management and development. 
  • In response to these challenges, the state revenue department introduced the bill in the state assembly during the 2025 Budget session. After addressing concerns raised by lawmakers, the bill was referred to a select committee and was cleared for enactment. 
• Increased Powers for RIICO: The Act grants RIICO full authority over land management, planning, development, conversion, and disposal within industrial zones. 
  • It recognises RIICO as the principal agency for industrial area development, providing legal backing to its actions, which it has been carrying out for decades. 
• Validation of Past Transactions: The Act validates all past land-related decisions made by RIICO, including Land transfers, sub-divisions, mergers of plots, changes in land use and Regularisation activities in industrial areas under RIICO’s control. 
  • Even actions involving procedural errors or a lack of formal approvals will now be considered valid under state law. 
  • The provision overrides contrary court judgments or technical defects, thereby resolving long-standing legal ambiguities. 
• Exemption: The Act explicitly excludes industrial land leases that were cancelled before September 18, 1979, from its provisions. 
• Relief for Industrial Sectors: The Act provides significant relief to industries, particularly in sectors such as IT, warehousing, and hotels. 
  • It aims to boost investor confidence by offering greater legal certainty and predictability in land management.