Goa Government to Table Bill Restricting Land Sales to Safeguard Mundkar Rights

Goa Government Proposes Law to Protect Mundkar Rights Amid Pending Land Disputes

The Goa government has announced plans to introduce new legislation aimed at protecting the rights of mundkars by restricting land transactions until their legal status is resolved. The move comes in response to long-standing concerns that mundkars living on landlord-owned land face eviction risks when properties are sold without settlement of their statutory rights.

The proposed measure is expected to provide interim protection to thousands of residents across the state who continue to live under legal uncertainty.

State Government’s Legislative Plan

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant stated that the government will introduce a bill preventing landlords from selling land where mundkar claims exist or are yet to be formally adjudicated. The bill is expected to be tabled during the winter session of the Goa Legislative Assembly , scheduled to begin on January 12.

According to the chief minister, the objective of the proposed law is to ensure that property transactions do not undermine mundkar rights while legal proceedings are pending.

Relief for Undeclared Mundkars

The legislation is likely to benefit mundkars who have been residing on landlord-owned properties for decades but have not filed cases seeking official declaration of their status. The state government has received multiple complaints alleging that landlords sold land along with mundkars’ dwelling houses, resulting in disputes with new owners and prolonged litigation.

By placing temporary restrictions on land sales, the government aims to prevent such conflicts until rights are formally clarified.

Long Pendency of Mundkarial Cases

Goa currently has more than 2,000 mundkarial cases pending before various courts and revenue authorities. Despite earlier attempts to fast-track disposal, progress has remained slow. A deadline set for December 2022 failed to significantly reduce pendency.

In 2023, the Bombay High Court at Goa directed all mamlatdars to dispose of mundkarial cases within six months of filing. The court also instructed district collectors to redistribute cases among revenue officers and regularly review workloads to improve efficiency.

Shift from Ordinance to Legislative Route

Initially, the state government considered promulgating an ordinance to address the issue. However, with the legislative assembly session approaching, it decided to pursue a full-fledged bill instead. The chief minister reiterated the government’s commitment to clearing long-pending cases while ensuring mundkars are not disadvantaged due to property transfers during adjudication.

Important Facts for Exams

• Mundkars are traditional occupants residing on landlord-owned land in Goa.

• Over 2,000 mundkarial cases are currently pending in the state.

• The Bombay High Court at Goa mandated a six-month disposal timeline for such cases.

• The proposed bill seeks to halt land sales until mundkar rights are legally settled.