KERALA REVENUE RECOVERY ACT, 1968
Preamble - THE KERALA REVENUE RECOVERY ACT,
1968
[1]THE KERALA REVENUE RECOVERY ACT, 1968
[Act No. 15 of 1968]
PREAMBLE
An Act to consolidate and amend the laws
relating to the recovery of arrears of public revenue in the State of Kerala
WHEREAS
it is expedient to consolidate and amend the laws relating to the recovery of
arrears of public revenue in the State of Kerala;
BE it
enacted in the Nineteenth year of the Republic of India as follows;
Section 1 - Short title, extent and commencement
(1)
This Act may be called the Kerala Revenue
Recovery Act, 1968.
(2)
It extends to the whole of the State of
Kerala.
(3)
It shall come into force on such date as the
Government may, by notification in the Gazette, appoint.
Section 2 - Definitions
In
this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,-
(a)
"arrear of public revenue due on
land" means the whole or any portion of any kist or installment of such
revenue not paid on the day on which it falls due according to the kistbandy or
any engagement or usage;
(b)
"authorised officer" referred to in
any provision of this Act means the officer authorised by the Collector under
Section 73 to exercise the powers or perform the functions of the Collector
under that provision;
(c)
"Collector" means the District
Collector or any other officer appointed by the Government by name or by virtue
of his office to exercise the powers and perform the functions of a Collector
under this Act;
(d)
"cost of process" includes-
(i)
the batta paid under Section 76;
(ii)
the expenses incurred in connection with the
attachment of any property and the removal, storing and guarding of any
property attached; and
(iii) the cost of publication of sale;
(e)
"defaulter" means a person from
whom an arrear of public revenue due on land is due, and includes a person who
is responsible as surety for the payment of any such arrear;
(f)
"District Collector" or
"Collector of the district" means the chief officer in charge of the
revenue administration of a district and includes an acting or officiating
District Collector;
(g)
"land-holder" means the registered
holder for the time being of any land and includes his legal representatives
and assigns and any person who, under the law for the time being in force, is
liable for the payment of the public revenue due on the land held by him;
(h)
"movable property" includes growing
crops;
(i)
"prescribed" means prescribed by
rules made under this Act;
(j)
"public revenue due on land" means
the land revenue charge on the land and includes all other taxes, fees and
cesses on land, whether charged on land or not and all cesses or other dues
payable to the Government on account of water used for purposes of irrigation.
Section 3 - Charge and security for public revenue
The
public revenue due on any land shall be the first charge on that land, the
buildings upon it and on the produce thereof.
Section 4 - Revenue to be paid in time to the Collector or the officer authorised
Subject
to such orders as may be issued by the Government, every landholder shall pay
to the Collector or to any officer authorised by the Collector in this behalf,
the public revenue due on any land held by him or the whole or any portion of
any kist or installment of such revenue on or before the day on which it falls
due and the land-holder shall be, entitled to a receipt signed by the Collector
or such officer, as the case may be, for the payment so made. Whenever the
payment is made by a person on behalf of the land-holder, such receipt shall
also contain the name and address of the person who makes the payment.
Section 5 - Arrears of public revenue due on land how recovered
Whenever
public revenue due on land is in arrear, such arrear, together with interest,
if any, and cost of process may be recovered by one or more of the following
modes:-
(a)
by attachment and sale of the defaulter's
movable property;
(b)
by attachment and sale of the defaulter's
immovable property;
(c)
by appointing an agent for the management of
the defaulter's immovable property;
(d)
by arrest of the defaulter and his detention
in prison.
Section 6 - Interest on arrears of public revenue due on Land
Arrears
of public revenue due on land shall bear interest at the rate of six percent[2] per
annum or at such other rate as may be notified by the Government from time to
time in the Gazette.
Section 7 - Demand notice
When
any movable property is to be attached for arrears of public revenue due on
land, the Collector or the authorised officer shall furnish the person employed
to make the attachment a demand in writing signed by him. The demand shall
contain the name of the defaulter, the amount of the arrear of public revenue
due on land for which the attachment is to be made, the date on which such
arrear fell due and such other particulars as may be prescribed. The person
employed to make the attachment [3]
[shall serve the demand in writing on the defaulter] and if he fails to remit
the amount in arrear together with the interest thereon and the cost of process
immediately, the demand in writing shall be the authority for making the
attachment.
Section 8 - Attachment of movable property (other than growing crops and un gathered products) in the possession of defaulter
(1)
Where the property to be attached is movable
property (other than growing crops and un gathered products) in the possession
of the defaulter, the attachment shall be made by actual seizure. The officer
employed to make the attachment shall, after making the attachment, deliver a
copy of the demand in writing to the defaulter endorsing thereon a list or
inventory of the property attached and the details of the place where it is
lodged or kept; and in the copy of the demand delivered to the defaulter it
shall be stated that the property attached will be immediately brought to
public sale, unless the amount in arrear together with the interest and the
cost of process be previously discharged.
Explanation:-
For purposes of this sub-section, touching of an article and declaring that it
has been attached, shall be deemed to be attachment by actual seizure.
(2)
The attachment shall, as far as possible, be
made in the presence of two persons of the locality, other than Government
servants, who shall be required to attest the list or the inventory of the
property attached.
(3)
When a defaulter is absent, a copy of the
writing with the endorsement shall, immediately after the attachment, be left
with some adult male member of his family living with him or affixed at his
usual place of residence or on the premises, where the property was attached.
Section 9 - Attachment not to be excessive and certain articles not to be attached
The
attachment shall not be excessive, that is to say, the property attached shall,
as nearly as possible, be proportionate to the amount of the arrear; and it
shall not include-
(a)
ordinary wearing apparel;
(b)
Tali, wedding ring or other ornament found on
the person which, according to custom or religious usage cannot be parted with;
(c)
minimum articles required for poojas or
religious worship;
(d)
implements of husbandry and one-fourth the
number of ploughing cattle, subject to a minimum of one pair;
(e)
tools of artisans; and
(f)
such other articles which may be notified by
the Government from time to time in the Gazette.
Section 10 - Time of attachment by seizure
Attachment
by seizure shall be made after sunrise and before sunset and not otherwise.
Section 11 - Procedure when defaulter neglects to pay after attachment
When
the amount due has not been paid pursuant to the terms of the demand and no
arrangement for securing the same has been entered into the satisfaction of the
Collector or the authorised officer, the officer who made the attachment shall,
if he is not himself empowered to sell the property attached, immediately
transmit a copy of the list of inventory of the property attached to the
nearest officer empowered to sell the property in order that it may be publicly
sold for the discharge of the arrear of the public revenue due on land, with
interest and cost of process.
Section 12 - Sale of attached property
(1)
Subject to the provisions of sub-sections (2)
and (3), the property attached may be sold in public auction. A copy of the
list or inventory of the property to be sold, together with a notice under the
signature of the Collector or the authorised officer specifying the place and
the day and hour at which, and also the person by whom, the property will be
sold shall be served on the defaulter. A copy of the list or inventory of the
property and a copy of the notice shall also be published.
(2)
The date of sale shall not be within fifteen
days of the service of the notice on the defaulter.
(3)
Notwithstanding anything contained in
sub-section (1) and (2), articles subject to speedy and natural decay may be
sold at any time after the service of the notice on the defaulter under
sub-section (1).
Section 13 - Officer to Conduct the sale
The
Collector or the authorised officer may conduct the sale either in person or
through a subordinate not below the rank of a Revenue Inspector acting under
his written authority.
Section 14 - Sale how conducted
At the
appointed time and place, the property shall be put up in one or more lots, as
the officer conducting the sale may consider advisable, and shall be sold to
the highest bidder. Where the property is sold for a sum exceeding the amount
of the arrear of the public revenue due on land together with the interest
thereon and the cost of process, the excess shall be paid to the defaulter.
Section 15 - Payment of the purchase money
The
property shall be paid for in ready money at the time of sale, and the
purchaser shall not be permitted to carry away any part of the property until
he has paid for the same in full. Where the purchaser fails in the payment of
the purchase money, the property shall be resold at once and the defaulting
purchaser shall be liable for any loss arising there from as well as the
expenses incurred on the resale.
Section 16 - Procedure when the defaulter tenders payment of arrear after attachment but before sale of property
Where
a defaulter tenders payment of the arrear demanded, after his property has been
attached and before sale, together with the interest thereon and the cost of
process, the officer who attached the property or the officer conducting the
sale shall receive the amount and immediately grant a receipt for the same. The
defaulter shall, if the receipt was granted by the officer who attached the
property, produce it before the officer conducting the sale. The officer
conducting the sale shall, after satisfying that the full amount due has been
paid, release the property forthwith.
Section 17 - Attachment and sale or disposal otherwise of growing crops or ungathered products
When
the property to be attached is growing crops or ungathered products, the
attachment shall be made by affixing a copy of the demand in writing on the
land on which such crops or products have grown. The officer attaching the
growing crops or ungathered products may cause them to be sold when fit, for
reaping or gathering or at his option, may cause them to be reaped or gathered
in due season and stored in proper places until sold. In the latter case, the
expenses of reaping or gathering and storing such crops or products shall be
defrayed by the owner upon his redeeming the property, or from the proceeds of
the sale in the event of its being sold. When crops or products belonging to a
tenant have been sold, it shall be lawful for such tenant to deduct the value
of the crops or products so sold, from any rent which may be due by him, then
or afterwards, to the defaulter in respect of the land on which such crops or
products have been grown. It shall also be lawful for a tenant whose crops are
attached for an arrear of public revenue due on land to pay the arrear and
deduct the amount in the aforesaid manner from any rent due by him, then or
afterwards.
Section 18 - Attached cattle or goods not to be used
The
Officer who made the attachment shall not work the livestock or make use of the
goods or effects attached, he shall provide the necessary food for the
livestock, the expense attending which shall be defrayed by the owner upon his
redeeming the property, or from the proceeds of the sale in the event of its
being sold.
Section 19 - Attachment of debt, shares, etc
(1)
In the case of-
(a)
a debt not secured by a negotiable instrument;
or
(b)
a share in a corporation; or
(c)
other movable property not in the possession
of the defaulter except property deposited in or in the custody of any Court;
the attachment shall be made by a written order of the Collector or the authorised
officer prohibiting
(i)
in the case of the debt, the creditor from
recovering the debt and the debt or from making payment thereof until the
further order of the Collector or the authorised officer, as the case may be;
(ii)
in the case of the share, the person in whose
name the share may be standing from transferring the same or receiving any
dividend thereon;
(iii) in the case of the other movable property (except as
aforesaid), the person in possession of the same from giving it over to the
defaulter.
(2)
A copy of such order shall be affixed on some
conspicuous part of the office of the Collector or the authorised officer, as
the case may be, and another copy shall be sent, in the case of the debt, to
the debtor; in the case of the share, to the proper office of the corporation;
and in the case of the other movable property (except as aforesaid), to the
person in possession of the same.
(3)
A debtor prohibited under clause (i) of
sub-section (1) may pay the amount of his debt to the Collector or the authorised
officer, as the case may be, and such payment shall discharge him as
effectually as payment to the party entitled to receive the same.
Section 20 - Attachment to decree
(1)
The attachment of a decree of a Civil Court
for the payment of money or for sale in enforcement of a mortgage or charge
shall be made by the issue to the Civil Court of a notice by the Collector or
the authorised officer, specifying the name of the defaulter, the amount in
arrear together with the interest thereon and the cost of process and the
amount to which and the period to which the arrears relate and requesting the
Civil Court to stay the execution of the decree unless and until-
(i)
the Collector or the authorised officer, as
the case may be, cancels the notice; or
(ii)
the Collector or the authorised officer, as
the case may be, or the defaulter applies to the Court receiving such notice to
execute the decree.
(2)
Where a Civil Court receives an application
under clause (ii) of sub-section (1), it shall, on the application of the
Collector or the authorised officer, as the case may be, or the defaulter and
subject to the provisions of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (Central Act V
of 1908), proceed to execute the attached decree and apply the net proceeds in satisfaction
of the arrears mentioned in the notice.
(3)
The Collector or the authorised officer, as
the case may be, shall be deemed to be the representative of the holder of the
attached decree, and to be entitled to execute such attached decree in any
manner lawful for the holder thereof.
Section 21 - Attachment of snare in movable property
Where
the property to be attached consists of the share or interest of the defaulter
in movable property belonging to him and another as co-owners, the attachment
shall be made by a notice issued by the Collector or the authorised officer to
the defaulter prohibiting him from transferring the share or interest or
charging it any way.
Section 22 - Attachment of negotiable instrument
Where
the property is a negotiable instrument not deposited in a Court nor in the
custody of a public officer, the attachment shall be made by the Collector or
the authorised officer by actual seizure, and the instrument shall be brought
before the Collector or the authorised officer, as the case may be, and held
subject to his orders.
Section 23 - Attachment of property in custody of Court or public officer
Where
the property to be attached is in the custody of any Court or public officer,
the attachment shall be made by a notice to such Court or officer, requesting
that such property, and any interest or dividend becoming payable thereon, may
be held subject to the further orders of the Collector or the authorised
officer by whom the notice is issued:k
Provided
that, where such property is in the custody of a Court, any question of title
or priority arising between the Collector or the authorised officer, as the
case may be, and any other person, not being the defaulter, claiming to be
interested in such property by virtue of any assignment, attachment or
otherwise, shall be determined by such Court.
Section 24 - Attachment of partnership property
(1)
Where the property to be attached consists of
an interest of the defaulter, being a partner in the partnership property, the
Collector or the authorised officer may make an order charging the share of
such partner in the partnership property and profits with payment of the amount
due under the written demand and may, by the same or subsequent order, appoint
a receiver of the share of such partner in the profits, whether already
declared or accruing, and of any other money which may become due to him in
respect of the partnership, and direct accounts and enquiries and make an order
for the sale of such interest or such other order as the circumstances of the
case may require.
(2)
The other partner or partners shall be at
liberty at any time to redeem the interest charged or, in the case of a sale
being directed, to purchase the same.
Section 25 - Attachment of rents
(1)
Where the property to be attached is rent due
to a defaulter, the attachment shall be made by a written order of the
Collector or the authorised officer prohibiting the person from whom the rent
is due from paying it to the defaulter or his authorised agent.
(2)
A copy of such order shall be affixed on some
conspicuous part of the office of the Collector or the authorised officer, as
the case may be, and another copy shall be sent to the person from whom the
rent is due to the defaulter.
(3)
The person from whom the rent is due may pay
the amount of the rent to the Collector or the authorised officer, as the case
may be, and such payment shall discharge him as effectually as payment to the
party entitled to receive the same.
Section 26 - Sale of negotiable instruments and shares in corporation
Notwithstanding
anything contained in this Act, where the property to be sold is a negotiable
instrument or a share in a corporation, the Collector or the authorised officer
may, instead of directing the sale to be made by public auction, authorise the
sale of such instrument or share through a broker.
Section 27 - Order for payment of coin or currency notes
Where
the property attached is current coins or currency notes, the Collector or the
authorised officer may, at any time during the continuance of the attachment,
direct that such coins or notes, or a part thereof sufficient to satisfy the
written demand together with interest and cost of process, be paid over to him.
Section 28 - Restoration of property in cases of fraudulent conveyances
Where
a defaulter makes a fraudulent conveyance of property to prevent attachment for
arrears of public revenue due on land, any Civil Court of competent
jurisdiction, upon proof thereof shall summarily cause the property to be
delivered up to the Collector or the authorised officer.
Section 29 - Claims to property attached and sold
Where
any person, not being a defaulter or responsible for a defaulter, claims a
right to the properly attached and the officer who made the attachment,
notwithstanding, causes the same to be sold, such claimant, on proof of such
right in any Civil Court of competent jurisdiction and in the event of the said
officer being unable to prove the responsibility for the arrear of public
revenue due on land, on account of which the property has been sold, shall
recover from such officer the full value of such property, with interest, cost
of process and damages according to the circumstances of the case.
Section 30 - Restoration of Property forcibly or clandestinely taken away
Where
it is proved to the satisfaction of any Civil Court of competent jurisdiction
that any person has forcibly or clandestinely taken away property once
attached, the Court may summarily cause such property to be restored to the
officer who made the attachment.
Section 31 - Power to enter dwelling house, etc
The
officer making the attachment may enter or if necessary force open and enter
any dwelling house, cattleshed, granary, go down, out-house, or other building,
and he may also break open the door of any room in such dwelling house or
building for the purpose of attaching property belonging to a defaulter and
lodged therein:
Provided
that it shall not be lawful for such officer to break open or enter any
apartment in such dwelling house appropriated for the zenana or residence of
women, except as hereinafter provided.
Section 32 - Removal of property from apartments of women
Where
the officer making the attachment has reason to believe that the property of a
defaulter is lodged within any apartments appropriated to women, which by the
usage of the community, are considered private, he shall, before entering such
apartments, give notice, in the presence of two persons of the locality, other
than Government servants, for the removal of the women there from and furnish
means for their removal in suitable manner, if they be women, who, according to
the custom or the community, cannot appear in public, and shall also
immediately remove from such apartments any property belonging to the defaulter
found therein and leave them free to the former occupants.
Section 33 - Punishment for unlawful entry
Persons
entering the apartments of women contrary to the provisions of this Act shall,
on conviction before a Magistrate, be liable to a fine not exceeding five
hundred rupees or to simple imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months.
Section 34 - Demand to be served prior to attachment of land
(1)
Before the Collector or the authorised
officer proceeds to attach the immovable property of the defaulter, he shall
cause a written demand to be served upon the defaulter specifying the name of
the defaulter, the amount of the arrear of public revenue due on land for which
the attachment is being made, the date on which such arrear fell due, the
interest on the arrear and the amount of the batta due to the persons who serve
the demand and such other particulars as may be prescribed, and the time
allowed for payment which shall not be less than seven days from the date of
service of the demand.
(2)
If within the time prescribed under sub-section
(1) the defaulter objects to the claim of arrears wholly or in part, the
Collector or the authorised officer, as the case may be shall inquire into the
objection and record a decision before proceeding to attach the immovable
property of the defaulter.
Section 35 - Procedure when defaulter neglects to pay
When
the amount due has not been paid pursuant to the terms of the written demand,
and no arrangement for securing the same has been entered into the satisfaction
of the Collector or the authorised officer, as the case may be, he shall
proceed to recover the arrear by attachment and sale of the immovable property
or the defaulter in the manner hereinafter provided.
Section 36 - Mode of attachment
(1)
The attachment shall be effected by affixing
a notice thereof to some conspicuous part of the immovable property to be
attached and by serving a copy on the defaulter. The notice of attachment shall
also be published. The notice shall specify the name of the defaulter, the
amount of arrear of public revenue due on land, the interest thereon, the date
on which such arrear became due and such other particulars as may be
prescribed, and shall set forth that unless the arrear with the interest
thereon and the cost of process be paid within the date therein mentioned, the
immovable property concerned will be brought to sale in due course of law.
(2)
The attachment of any immovable property
shall become effective from the date on which the notice under sub-section (1)
was affixed on the property.
Section 37 - Management of Property attached
The
Collector may at any time during attachment assume the management of the
property attached.
Section 38 - Appointment of agent
Where
the management of the property attached is assumed by the Collector, he shall
appoint an agent with a proper establishment of officers, to manage the
property, and shall give the agent a certificate of appointment with written
instructions under his seal and signature; and the expenses of management shall
be defrayed out of the income of the property, provided always that, where the
property may be too inconsiderable to admit of its being charged with the
salary of an agent, it shall be committed to the care of such officer as the
Collector may select, who shall be subject to all the provisions herein
contained in reference to agents.
Section 39 - Notice of assumption of management
Notice
of assumption of management containing the particulars specified in the case of
the notice under sub-section (1) of Section 36 shall forthwith be served on the
defaulter and shall also be published.
Section 40 - Duties of agent
It
shall be the duty of the agent during the continuance of the management to
collect the rents and profits due, or accruing due, upon the property,
according to the engagements subsisting between the defaulter and the parties
holding under him, or according to established, usage where no specific
engagement exists. The agent shall keep accounts of all his receipts and
disbursements and submit the same and pay over the balance to the Collector or
the authorised officer, whenever required, and the defaulter shall be at
liberty to inspect the accounts at all reasonable times and to take copies of
the same at his own expense without fee.
Section 41 - Liability of agent to suit or prosecution
When
the property of a defaulter has been placed under the management of an agent,
the defaulter may proceed by prosecution or suit against that agent, in respect
of any criminal or illegal act done by him to the injury of the defaulter or
his property, and all tenants, or other persons holding by subordinate title,
shall have the same remedies, against him as they would have had against the
defaulter if the act were done by the defaulter.
Section 42 - Surplus to go to the defaulter
All
sums received from the property attached, after paying the costs of attachment
and expenses of management, shall be carried to the credit of the defaulter in
discharge of the arrears due, and the interest thereon, and as soon as all
arrears, interest, costs of attachment and expenses of management have been
liquidated, the attachment shall be withdrawn, and a full account rendered of
all receipts and disbursements during its continuance. The order of withdrawal
of attachment shall be affixed on the property and shall also be published.
Such order shall take effect from the date on which the notice was affixed on
the property, and the Government shall not be held liable for any loss or
damage caused to the property thereafter.
Section 43 - Attachment and assumption of management of business
(1)
Where the property of a defaulter consists of
a business the District Collector may attach the business and assume its
management and appoint an agent to manage the business.
(2)
Attachment of a business under this section
shall be made by an order prohibiting the defaulter from transferring or
charging the business in any way and prohibiting all persons from taking any
benefits under such transfer or charge, and intimating that the business has
been attached under this section. A copy of the order of attachment shall be
served on the defaulter, and another copy shall be affixed on a conspicuous
part of the premises in which the business is carried on and on the notice
board of the office of the District Collector.
(3)
The provisions of Sections 40 to 42 shall, as
far as may be, apply to a case where the management of a business is assumed
under this section.
Section 44 - Effect of engagements and transfers by the defaulter
(1)
Any engagement entered into by the defaulter
with anyone in respect of any immovable property after the service of the
written demand on him shall not be binding upon the Government.
(2)
Any transfer of immovable property made by a
defaulter after public revenue due on any land from him has fallen in arrear
with intent to defeat or delay the recovery of such arrear, shall not be
binding upon the Government.
(3)
Where a defaulter transfers immovable
property to a near relative or for grossly inadequate consideration after
public revenue due on any land from him has fallen in arrear, it shall be
presumed until the contrary is proved, that such transfer is made with intent
to defeat or delay the recovery of such arrear, and the Collector or the
authorised officer may, subject to the orders of a competent Court, proceed to
recover such arrear of public revenue by attachment and sale of the property so
transferred, as if such transfer had not taken place:
Provided
that before proceeding to attach such property, the Collector or the authorised
officer shall
(i)
give the defaulter an opportunity of being
heard; and (ii) record his reasons therefor in writing.
Explanation.--
For the purposes of this section "linear relative" includes husband,
wife, father, mother, brother, sister, son, daughter, step son, stepdaughter,
uncle, aunt, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, nephew or niece of
the transferor.
Section 45 - Payment by tenants
All
payments on account of rent or profits actually due, made before attachment, to
or on behalf of any land-holder, by any person holding under him, shall be
valid against the Government; and all such payments made after attachment, or
made before they were actually due, shall be null and void against the
Government, who shall be entitled to recover as arrears of rent the full amount
from the parties who made the payments leaving them to sue the defaulter in the
ordinary Courts of law.
Section 46 - Claim for release of attachment by third parties
If
within fourteen days from the date of attachment of any immovable property any
objection is made in writing by any person other than the defaulter-to the
attachment of the whole or any portion of such property on the ground that such
property was not liable for the arrears of public revenue for which attachment
was made, the Collector or the authorised officer shall, after making such
enquiries into the objection as he deems fit, decide whether such property is
liable to be attached, and shall promptly communicate the decision to the
objector in writing. In cases where the officer conducting the enquiry finds
the attachment untenable, he shall forthwith direct the release of the
property.
Section 47 - Persons interested in land may obtain release from attachment
It
shall be lawful for any person claiming an interest in the immovable property
which has been, or is about to be, attached, to obtain its release by paying
the arrears of public revenue due thereon, with interest and cost of process;
and all such sums, if paid by a tenant, may, subject to the contract of
tenancy, be deducted from any rent then or afterwards due by him to the
defaulter; and if paid by a bonafide mortgagee or other encumbrancer upon the
property, or by any person not being in possession thereof but bonafide
claiming an interest therein adverse to the defaulter, shall be a charge upon the
property, but shall only take priority over other charges according to the date
on which the payment was made. Such sums when paid by a bonafide mortgagee or
other encumbrancer shall further constitute a debt from the defaulter.
Section 48 - Judgment creditor of the defaulter may pay arrears
Whenever
any land, which is under attachment in execution of a decree of Civil Court, is
attached under this Act for arrears of public revenue due on such land, the
judgment-creditor at whose instance the Civil Court attached the property may
pay the arrears of public revenue due on the land, with interest and cost of
process, to the Collector or the authorised officer, and add the amount so paid
to the debt due from the judgment-debtor and recover it as such. The officer
receiving the amount shall grant a receipt under his signature and it shall be
conclusive evidence of such payment. Upon such payment, the attachment under
this Act shall be withdrawn.
Section 49 - Procedure for sale of immovable property
Immovable
property attached under this Act may be sold in accordance with the following
provisions namely:
(1)
The sale shall be by public auction to the
highest bidder. The time and place of sale shall be fixed by the Collector or
the authorised officer having jurisdiction, over the village in which the
property is situate.
(2)
Previous to the sale, the Collector or the
authorised officer, as the case may be, shall issue a notice thereof in English
and in Malayalam and also in the language of the locality where such language is
not Malayalam specifying,-
(i)
the name of the defaulter;
(ii)
the position and extent of the land and of
his buildings and other known improvements thereon;
(iii) the amount of revenue assessed on the land, or upon its
different sections;
(iv)
the amount for the recovery of which the sale
is ordered;
(v)
the proportion of the public revenue due
during the remainder of the current financial year; and
(vi)
the time, place and conditions of sale.
The
notice shall be duly served and published at least thirty days before the date
of sale.
(3)
A sum of money not less than fifteen per cent
of the bid amount of the immovable property shall be deposited by the person
declared to be the purchaser with the officer conducting the sale immediately
after such declaration and where the remainder of the purchase money is not
paid within thirty days of the sale, the money so deposited shall be liable to
forfeiture.
(4)
The officer conducting the sale may, in his
discretion, adjourn the sale to a specified day and hour, recording his reasons
there for. If the date to which the sale is so adjourned is within sixty days
of the original sale, notice of the adjourned sale shall be published in the
taluk and village offices concerned, in the office of the local authority
within whose jurisdiction the property is situate and also on some conspicuous
part of the immovable property brought to sale. If the date of the adjourned
sale is beyond sixty days of the original sale, fresh notice shall be served
and published as if it were the original sale.
(5)
Where the purchaser refuses or omits to
deposit the said sum of money or to complete the payment of the remaining
purchase money, the property shall be re-sold at the expense and hazard of such
purchaser, and the amount of all loss and expense which may attend such refusal
or omission shall be recoverable from such purchaser in the same manner as
arrears of public revenue due on land. Where the immovable property is sold at
the second sale for a higher price than at the first sale, the difference shall
be the property of the defaulter.
(6)
All persons bidding at a sale shall be
required to state whether they are bidding on their own behalf or as agents,
and in the latter case to deposit a written authority signed by their
principals. If such requisition be not complied with, their bids shall be
rejected.
Section 50 - Bidding on behalf of Government
(1)
When an immovable property is put up for sale
at the time and place specified in the notice under clause (2) of Section 49
for the recovery of arrears of public revenue due on land, if there be no bid
or if the highest bid be insufficient to cover the said arrears and those
subsequently accruing due, up to the date of sale, together with interest and
cost of process, the officer conducting the sale shall postpone the sale to
another date which shall not be later than sixty days from the date of the
first sale and give notice of the subsequent sale as required under clause (4)
of Section 49.
(2)
When the property is put up for sale on the
date to which it was postponed under sub-section (1) at the time and place
specified in the notice,-
(i)
if there be no bid, the officer conducting
the sale may purchase the property on behalf of the Government for an amount of
ten paise;
(ii)
if the highest bid be insufficient to cover
the arrears referred to in sub-section (1) and those subsequently accruing due
upto the date of the sale and interest and cost of process, such officer may
bid on behalf of the Government for an amount higher than such bid by ten
paise, and in either case the Government shall acquire the property subject to
the provisions of this Act.
(3)
The provisions of clause (3) of Section 49
and Section 84 shall not apply to cases where immovable property is purchased
on behalf of the Government under this section.
(4)
Notwithstanding anything contained in this
Act, after the confirmation of the sale, all the right, title and interest of
the defaulter, purchased on behalf of the Government, shall be deemed to have
vested in the Government from the date of purchase and if the defaulter is in
actual possession of the property or if he is entitled to possession, the Collector
or the authorised officer shall, immediately after the confirmation of the
sale, take possession of the property. If the Collector or the authorised
officer is opposed or impeded in taking possession, he shall, if a Magistrate,
enforce the surrender of the land to himself and, if not a Magistrate, he shall
apply to a Magistrate, and such Magistrate shall enforce the surrender of the
land to the Collector or the authorised officer as the case may be.
Section 51 - Tender of arrears before sale
It
shall be competent to the defaulter or to any person acting on his behalf or
claiming any interest in the immovable property put up for sale, to tender to
the Collector or the authorised officer or to the officer conducting the sale
the full amount of the arrears of public revenue due on land with interest
thereon and cost of process, and apply in writing with receipt in token of
payment, to the officer conducting the sale before the commencement of the
sate, to stay the proceedings, and thereupon, the sale shall be stayed:
Provided
that all sums paid under this section or under Section 52 by any tenant or
bonafide mortgagee or other encumbrancer or any person bonafide claiming an
interest in the property adverse to the defaulter, may be recovered in the
manner provided in Section 47.
Section 52 - Application to set aside sale of immovable property on deposit
(1)
Any person owning or claiming an interest in
immovable property sold under this Act may, at any time within thirty days from
the date of sale, deposit in the treasury of the taluk in which the immovable
property is situate or if there be no treasury in the taluk in the nearest
treasury-
(a)
a sum equal to five per cent of the purchase
money; and
(b)
a sum equal to the arrears of pubic revenue
due on land for which the immovable property was sold together with interest
thereon and cost of process and may apply to the Collector to set aside the
sale.
(2)
If such deposit and application are made
within thirty days from the date of the sale, the Collector shall pass an order
setting aside the sale, and shall repay to the purchaser the purchase money so
far as it has been deposited, together with the five per cent deposited by the
applicant:
Provided
that if more persons than one have made deposit and application under this
section, the application of the first depositor shall be accepted.
(3)
If a person applies under Section 53 to set
aside the sale of immovable property, he shall not, unless he withdraws such
application, be entitled to make an application under this section.
Section 53 - Application to set aside sale on ground of material irregularity, mistake, etc
(1)
At any time within thirty days from the date
of the sale of immovable property, application may be made to the Collector to
set aside the sale on the ground of some material irregularity or mistake fraud
in publishing or conducting it; but, except as otherwise hereinafter provided
no sale shall be set aside on the ground of any such irregularity or mistake,
unless the applicant proves to the satisfaction of the Collector that he has
sustained substantial injury by reason thereof.
(2)
If the application is allowed, the Collector
shall set aside the sale and may direct a fresh sale.
Section 54 - Order confirming or setting aside sale
On the
expiration of thirty days from the date of the sale, if no application to have
the sale set aside is made under Section 52 or Section 53 or if any such
application has been made and rejected, the Collector shall make an order
confirming the sale:
Provided
that if the Collector has reason to think that the sale ought to be set aside
notwithstanding that no such application has been made or on grounds other than
those alleged in any application which has been made and rejected, he may,
after recording his reasons in writing, set aside the sale.
Section 55 - Refund of deposit or purchase money when sale set aside
Whenever
the sale of any immovable property is not confirmed or is set aside, the
deposit or the purchase money, as the case may be, shall be returned to the
purchaser.
Section 56 - On confirmation Purchaser's name to be registered
(1)
After the confirmation of any such sale, the
Collector shall register the immovable property sold in the name of the person
declared to be the purchaser and shall execute and grant a certificate of sale
bearing his seal and signature to such purchaser.
(2)
Such certificate shall state the property
sold and the name of the purchaser, and it shall be conclusive evidence of the
fact of the purchase in all Courts and Tribunals where it may be necessary to
prove the same; and no proof of the Collector's seal or signature shall be
necessary, unless the authority before whom it is produced shall have reason to
doubt its genuineness.
Section 57 - Name and title of such purchaser to be published
(1)
Before the issue of the certificate referred
to in sub-section (1) of Section 56, the Collector or the authorised officer
shall cause the publication of the name of the purchaser and the date of
purchase, together with a declaration of the lawful succession of such purchaser
to all the rights of the former land-holder in the said immovable property.
(2)
The registration of the certificate of sale
under the Indian Registration Act, 1908 (Central Act 16 of 1908) shall be
insisted upon in case the purchaser requests that he may be put in possession
of the land.
Section 58 - Delivery of possession
(1)
Where, notwithstanding such publication, any
lawful purchaser of immovable property is resisted and prevented from obtaining
possession of the immovable property purchased by him, the Collector, on
application and production of the certificate of sale referred to in
sub-section (1) of Section 56 duly registered as provided for in sub-section
(2) of Section 57, shall cause the proper process to be issued for the purpose
of putting such purchaser in possession in the same manner as if the immovable
property had been decreed to the purchaser by a decision of a Civil Court:
Provided
that no application for putting the purchaser in possession of the immovable
property shall be entertained by the Collector if such application is not made
within one year from the date of confirmation of the sale:
Provided
further that the Collector may entertain any such application made within two
years from the date of confirmation of the sale if he is satisfied that the
applicant had sufficient cause for not making the application within the said
period of one year.
(2)
For the purposes of this section, the
Collector may exercise all the powers of a Civil Court under the Code of Civil
Procedure, 1908 (Central Act 5 of 1908).
Section 59 - Contracts and payments binding on purchaser
(1)
All engagements entered into and transfer made by the defaulter which are not
binding on the Government under Section 44 shall not be binding upon the
purchaser.
(2)
All contracts entered into by the defaulter with his tenants and payments to
him by them shall be binding upon the purchaser to the same extent and under
the same conditions as laid down in Section 45.
Section 60 - Sale to be free of all encumbrances
All
immovable property brought to sale on account of arrears of public revenue due
on land shall be sold free of all encumbrances, and if any balance shall remain
after liquidating the arrears with interest thereon and cost of process, it
shall be paid over to the defaulter.
Section 61 - Recovery of arrears due to defaulter on day of sale
Arrears
of rent, which on the day of the sale may be due to the defaulter from his
tenants, shall, in the event of the sale, be recoverable by him after the sale
by any process which might have been used by him for that purpose before the
said sale.
Section 62 - Sale of land for arrears
The
Collector or the authorised officer may sell the whole or any portion of the
land of a defaulter in discharge of the arrears of public revenue due on such
land, provided always that so far as may be practicable no larger section of
the land shall be sold than be sufficient to discharge the arrears with
interest thereon and cost of process.
Section 63 - Sale may be postponed on tender of security
When a
defaulter tenders security, at any time before the commencement of sale, it
shall be lawful for the Collector or the authorised officer to accept it and
postpone the sale of the defaulter's property upon such conditions and until
such time as he may appoint; and in the event of default being made in the
performance of such conditions, the Collector or the authorised officer, as the
case may be, may sell the property and proceed against the defaulter or against
his security or both.
Section 64 - Apportionment of assessment when part only of a single property is sold
Where
only a part of a property bearing a single surveyor sub-division number in the
accounts subject to the payment of assessment, is sold, the assessment upon
such part shall be apportioned in the manner laid down in the rules or orders
in force from time to time.
Section 65 - Arrest in case of willful and fraudulent non-payment of arrears
(1)
When arrears of public revenue due on land,
with interest thereon and cost of process, are not paid after the service of
the written demand under Section 34 and the District Collector is satisfied
that the defaulter or his surety is willfully withholding payment of the
arrears or has dishonestly transferred any part of his property, or has been
guilty of fraudulent conduct in order to evade payment, or that the defaulter
has the means to pay the arrears or some substantial part thereof and refuses
or neglects to pay the same, or the proceeds of the sale of the property of the
defaulter and his surety are not sufficient to liquidate the arrears with
interest thereon and cost of process, he may issue a warrant for the arrest of
the defaulter. No such warrant shall be issued before serving a notice upon the
defaulter calling upon him to appear before the District Collector at the time
and place specified in the notice and to show cause why he should not be
committed to the civil prison. The District Collector shall on the appearance
of the defaulter, hear him and consider such other evidence as may be produced
by him. Upon the conclusion of the enquiry, the District Collector may, if he
is convinced that such course is necessary make an order for the detention of
the defaulter in the civil prison and shall, in that event, cause him to be
arrested:
Provided
that, in order to give the defaulter an opportunity to clear the arrears, the
District Collector may, before making the order of detention, grant him time
not exceeding thirty days on his furnishing security to the satisfaction of the
District Collector for his appearance at the expiration of the specified
period. If the arrears are not paid by that date, the District Collector shall
pass orders for the arrest and detention of the defaulter in the civil prison
of his district or, if there is no suitable accommodation in that civil prison,
in the civil prison of any neighboring district.
(2)
Every person detained in the civil prison
under sub-section (1) may be so detained-
(a)
when the amount of arrears due from the
defaulter does not exceed five hundred rupees, for a period not exceeding three
months;
(b)
in all other cases, for a period not
exceeding two years.
Such
imprisonment shall not extinguish the liability to pay the amount due to the
Government by the defaulter or his surety.
(3)
The defaulter shall be released from
detention-
(i)
on the amount mentioned in the warrant for
his detention being paid to the officer in charge of the civil prison or to the
District Collector or any other officer specially authorised by the District
Collector in this behalf;
(ii)
on the ground of the defaulter's serious
illness or on the ground of his suffering from any infectious or contagious
disease or for any other reason recorded by the District Collector in writing.
A
defaulter released under clause (ii) may be re-arrested but the period of his
detention in the civil prison shall not in the aggregate exceed the period
allowed by subsection (2).
(4)
The District Collector shall not order the
arrest and detention, in the civil prison of
(a)
a woman; or
(b)
any person who, In his opinion, is a minor or
of unsound mind.
(5)
(i) When a defaulter is arrested or detained
in the civil prison, the sum payable for the subsistence of the defaulter from
the time of arrest until he is released shall in the first instance be borne by
the Government.
(ii)
Such sum shall be calculated on the scale fixed by the Government for the
subsistence of a judgment-debtor arrested in execution of a decree of a Civil
Court.
(iii)
Sum payable under this sub-section shall be deemed to be cost of proceedings:
Provided
that the defaulter shall not be detained in the civil prison or arrested on
account of any sum so payable.
Section 66 - Procedure in case of arrest
The
District Collector shall issue under his seal and signature the warrant for the
arrest of the defaulter, which shall specify his name, the amount of public
revenue due on land, interest thereon and cost of process and the date on which
the public revenue became payable. The officer charged with the execution of
the warrant shall thereupon arrest the defaulter, and" convey him to the
civil prison and deliver the warrant to the Jailor, which shall be
sufficient-authority to him to receive the prisoner. A copy of such warrant
shall be retained by the Jailor who shall forth-with despatch the original to
the officer in charge of the prison.
Section 67 - Mode of enforcing payment by sureties
All
the remedies prescribed by this Act in respect of defaulters of public revenue
due on land except the power of arrest and detention in prison may be employed against
their sureties, and the Collector or the authorised officer may enforce the
same simultaneously with, or either previously or subsequently to, their
enforcement against the principal, so nevertheless that not more than the total
sum in arrears and interest and cost of process shall be realised from both.
Section 68 - Application of the Act for the recovery of certain other dues to Government
(1)
All sums due to the Government on account of
quit rent or revenue other than public revenue due on land;
all
moneys due from any person to the Government which under a written agreement
executed by such person are recoverable as arrears of public revenue due on
land or land revenue, and all specific pecuniary penalties to which such person
renders himself liable under such agreement or contract;
all
sums declared by any other law for the time being in force to be recoverable as
arrear of public revenue due on land or land revenue; and
all
fees and other dues payable by any person to the Government, may be recovered
under the provisions of this Act.
(2)
Any person who has received from the
Government a free grant of money for any agricultural or other purpose, on
default to refund the same consequent on his failure to observe any of the
conditions of the grant, shall be liable to be proceeded against under the
provisions of this Act for the recovery of the amount granted to him together
with interest thereon and cost of process.
(3)
Arrears of rent due to the Government,
recoverable, as a result of any agreement, through a Civil Court, shall,
notwithstanding anything contained in such agreement, be recoverable as an
arrear of public revenue due on land under the provisions of this Act.
(4)
For the removal of doubts, it is hereby
declared that the provisions of Sections 44 and 50 shall apply in the case of
recovery of any sum under the provisions of this section.
(5)
Without prejudice to the provisions of
sub-section (4), where any person has, by a written agreement, agreed that
specific immovable property belonging to such person shall be security for the
payment by him of any tax or other amount due by him to the Government, any
engagement entered into by such person with anyone in respect of such property,
during the period when the agreement is in force, shall not be binding on the
Government.
Section 69 - Procedure for recovery of public revenue due on land when defaulter or surety resides outside the district and for the recovery of dues other than public revenue due on land
(1)
When public revenue due on land is in arrear
and the defaulter or his surety resides or holds property outside the district
wherein default has been made, the Collector of the district in which the
arrear arose shall sign a certificate in the prescribed form specifying therein
the amount of the demand, the name of the defaulter and such other particulars
as may be necessary for the identification of the defaulter or his surety or
both and forward the certificate to the Collector of the district in which the
defaulter or his surety resides or holds property.
(2)
When any amount, other than public revenue
due on land, which is recoverable under this Act, is due, the officer charged
with its realisation may send to the Collector of the district in which the
demand arose a written requisition in the prescribed form, duly verified, and
certified by him.
(3)
On receipt of the requisition under
sub-section (2), the District Collector, if he is satisfied that the demand is
recoverable under this Act, may sign a certificate to that effect in the
prescribed form specifying therein the amount of the demand, the account on
which it is due, the name of the defaulter, and such other particulars as may
be necessary for his identification, and shall cause the certificate to be
filed in his office.
(4)
If the defaulter resides or owns property in
any other district, the District Collector shall forward a copy of the
certificate referred to in sub-section (3) to the Collector of such other
district.
(5)
When a certificate is received under
sub-section (1) or sub-section (4). the Collector of the district shall proceed
against the defaulter and his surety and his or their property in the same
manner as if the default had been made in his own district. Every certificate
filed under sub-section (3) or received under sub-section (1) or sub-section
(4) shall be conclusive proof as to the amount due and the party in arrear in
all proceedings taken by the Collector acting under such certificate or by any
person acting under his authority and no proof of the seal or signature or official
character of the District Collector issuing the certificate shall be required,
unless the officer dealing with such certificate has reason to doubt its
genuineness, provided always that nothing herein contained shall affect the
right of any party to sue in his own district the District Collector who issued
the certificate.
(6)
The certificate issued under sub-section (1)
and the requisition issued under sub-section (2) may be modified from time to
time by the issuing officer and the certificate or requisition so modified
shall be the authority of the Collector or the authorised officer to modify the
demand.
Section 70 - Payment under pro test
(1)
When proceedings are taken under this Act
against any person for the recovery of any sum of money due from him, such
person may, at any time before the commencement of the sale of any property
attached in such proceedings, pay the amount claimed and at the same time
deliver a protest signed by himself or by his authorised agent to the officer
issuing the demand or conducting the sale, as the case may be, who shall
thereupon drop further proceedings for the recovery of the money.
(2)
When the amount is paid under protest under
sub-section (1), such amount together with the protest, if received by an
officer other than the one who has issued the demand, shall be forwarded to the
officer who has issued the demand. The officer issuing the demand shall, if
proceeding have been initiated at the instance of any other officer, forward
the amount and the protest to the officer at whose instance the proceedings
have been initiated. The officer issuing the demand or the officer at whose
instance the proceedings have been initiated, as the case may be, shall enquire
into the protest and pass appropriate orders. If the protest is accepted, the
officer disposing of the protest shall immediately order the refund of the
whole or part of the money paid under protest and initiate fresh proceedings
for the realisation of the amount if any, due.
(3)
Subject to the provisions contained in sub-section
(4), the person making a payment under protest shall have the right to
institute a suit for the refund of the whole or part of the sum paid by him
under sub-section (2).
(4)
No suit under sub-section (3) shall be
instituted if the law under which the amount paid under protest is due provides
a remedy, whether by way of appeal, revision or other proceedings, to the
person who paid such amount, before exhausting such remedy.
Section 71 - Power of Government to declare the Act applicable to any institution
The
Government may, by notification in the Gazette declare, if they are satisfied
that it is necessary to do so in public interest that the provisions of this
Act shall be applicable to the recovery of amounts due from any person or class
of persons to any specified institution or any class or classes of institutions
and thereupon all the provisions of this Act shall be applicable to such
recovery.
Section 72 - General bar to jurisdiction of Civil Courts save where fraud alleged
Except
as otherwise expressly provided in this Act, every question arising between the
Collector or the authorised officer and the defaulter or his representative or
any other person claiming any right through the defaulter, relating to the
execution, discharge or satisfaction of a written demand issued under this Act
or relating to the confirmation or setting aside by an order under this Act of
a sale held in execution of such demand, shall be determined not by suit, but
by order of-
(i)
the Board of Revenue, where the Collector is
a party to the question;
(ii)
the Collector, in other cases:
Provided
that a suit may be brought in a Civil Court in respect of any such question on
the ground of fraud.
Section 73 - Delegation of powers of the Collector
The
Collector may authorise any officer to exercise any of the powers or perform
any of the functions conferred or imposed on him by this Act.
Section 74 - Service of notice
Where
any [4][notice,
demand or order] has to be served under this Act, such service shall be made-
(a)
by delivery of a copy of such notice demand
or order to the person concerned, or where such delivery is not possible to an
adult male member of his family, or, where this is not also possible, by
affixture of a copy of the notice demand or order on the outer door of his
usual place of residence; or
(b)
by registered post.
Section 75 - Mode of publication of notices, etc
(1)
Where any notice, order or list is required
to be published under this Act, the publication shall unless it is expressly
provided otherwise, be made as follows:
(i)
by affixture of a copy of the notice, order
or list-
(a)
where it relates to immovable property, on a
conspicuous part of the property; or
(b)
where it relates to movable property, on a
conspicuous part of the premises from where the property was attached; and
(ii)
by affixture of a copy of the notice, order
or list on the office of the village in which, and on the office of the local
authority within whose jurisdiction, the attachment or sale takes place.
(2)
The Collector or the authorised officer may,
in his discretion, publish any notice, order or list in the Gazette or in one
or two newspapers having circulation in the area in which the attachment or
sale takes place or in both.
Section 76 - Process servers to be paid batta
Persons
employed in serving notice or other process under this Act shall be entitled to
batta at such rates as may, from time to time, be fixed by the Government or
such authorities as the Government may authorise in that behalf, and published
in the Gazette.
Section 77 - Interest and charges recoverable as arrears
The
batta mentioned in Section 76, as well as interest and cost of process incurred
under the authority of this Act, shall be recoverable from the defaulter and
his surety in the same manner as arrears of public revenue due on land.
Section 78 - Liability for expenses of countermanded sale
Where
the property is ordered to be put up for sale and sale countermanded, the
defaulter shall, nevertheless, be responsible for the expenses incurred in
consequence of the attachment in the same manner as if the sale had taken
place, unless the Collector or the authorised officer decides otherwise, and,
in the event of such defaulter omitting to discharge the amount, it shall be
recoverable by the process under which the original demand would have been
recoverable.
Section 79 - Cognizance of questions relating to rate of public revenue
No
Civil Court shall take into consideration or decide any question as to the rate
of public revenue due on land payable to the Government or as to the amount of
assessment fixed or to be hereafter fixed on the portions of a divided field.
Section 80 - Attachment of salaries and debts of defaulters
The
salaries or allowances and debts due to a defaulter may be attached and realised
for the recovery from him of any arrear of public revenue due on land, in the
manner and to the extent provided for attachment and realisation of debts and
salaries in the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (Central Act 5 of 1908).
Section 81 - Saving of right to sue
(1)
Nothing in this Act shall be held to prevent
parties, deeming themselves aggrieved by any decision or order passed or
proceedings taken (or purporting to be passed or taken) under this Act for
arrears due or alleged to be due from such parties, from suing the Government
in the Civil Court.
(2)
Civil Courts shall not take cognizance of any
suit instituted as provided for in this Act, unless such suit has been
instituted within ninety days from the time at which the cause of action arose:
Provided
that the whole time occupied by the Board of Revenue in revising the orders
passed or proceedings taken by the Collector or the authorised officer or by
the Government in revising the orders passed or proceedings taken by the Board
of Revenue shall be excluded in computing the said period or ninety days.
Section 82 - Suits or prosecutions by persons aggrieved by proceedings
Except
as specifically provided for in this Act, no suit or prosecution shall lie
against any officer to anything in good faith done or intended to be done by
him under the provisions of this Act or the rules or orders made there under.
Section 83 - Power of revision of Board of Revenue and Government
(1)
The Board of Revenue may, either of its own
motion or on an application by any person interested, call for any proceeding
which has been taken by the Collector or the authorised officer under this Act
and may make such inquiry or cause such inquiry to be made and, subject to the
provisions of this Act may pass such orders as it thinks fit:
Provided
that no order shall be passed under this sub-section without previous notice to
the party who may be affected by such order.
(2)
The Government may, either suo motu or on an
application by any person interested, call for the record of any proceeding
taken by the Board of Revenue under sub-section (1) and may make such inquiry
or cause such inquiry to be made and, subject to the provisions of this Act,
may pass such orders as they think fit:
Provided
that no order shall be passed under this sub-section without previous notice to
the party who may be affected by such order.
(3)
An application for revision under sub-section
(1) or sub-section (2) shall be made within ninety days from the date on which
the order in question was communicated to the applicant:
Provided
that the Board of Revenue or the Government, as the case may be, may, if it or
they is or are satisfied that the applicant was prevented by sufficient cause
from making the application within that period, admit an application made after
the expiry of that period.
Section 84 - Who shall not bid at revenue sales
Subject
to the provisions of Section 50, no officer having in his official capacity any
duty to perform in connection with any sale under this Act shall, either
directly or indirectly bid for, acquire or attempt to acquire any interest in
any property sold at such sale.
Section 85 - Penalty for fraudulent conveyance of property to prevent attachment or for forcibly taking away property attached
Any
person who is found guilty of fraudulent conveyance of property to prevent the
attachment for arrears of public revenue due on land or of forcibly or
clandestinely taking away property attached, shall, on conviction before a
Magistrate, be punishable with imprisonment for a period which may extend to
six months, or with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees, or with both.
Section 86 - Power to make Rules
(1)
The Government may make rules to carry out
all or any of the purposes of this Act.
(2)
Every rule made under this Act shall be laid
as soon as may be after it is made before the Legislative Assembly while it is
in session for a total period of fourteen days which may be comprised in one
session or in two successive sessions and, if before the expiry of the session
in which it is so laid or the session immediately following, the Legislative
Assembly makes any modification in the rule or decides that the rule should not
be made, the rule shall thereafter have effect only in such modified form or be
of no effect, as the case may be; so however that any such modification or
annulment shall be without prejudice to the validity of anything previously
done under that rule.
Section 87 - Repeal
The
Madras Rent and Revenue Sales Act, 1839 (Central Act 7 of 1839) and the Madras
Revenue Recovery Act, 1864 (Madras Act 11 of 1864), as in force in the Malabar
district referred to in sub-section (2) of Section 5 of the States
Reorganisation Act, 1956 (Central Act 37 of 1956) and the Travancore-Cochin
Revenue Recovery Act 1951 (Travancore-Cochin Act VII of 1951) are hereby
repealed.
[1] Published in K.G. Ex. No. 111 dated 25-051968.
[2] Interest enhanced to 12 per cent per annum from
01-04-1983,
[3] Substituted by Act 13 of 1985 pub. In K.G. Ex. No. 324
dated 17-4-1985.
[4] Substituted by the Revenue Recovery (Amendment) Act, 1985
(15 of 1985) pub. in K.G. Ex. No 324 dated 17-4-1985