Assembly passes Disturbed Areas Property Bill amid Oppn criticism

Jaipur: The Rajasthan Assembly Friday passed the Rajasthan Prohibition of Transfer of Immovable Property and Protection of Tenants from Eviction from Premises in Disturbed Areas Bill, 2026 by voice vote, with the state govt saying the law aims to prevent distress sales of property and protect tenants in areas affected by communal tension.The legislation introduces provisions to regulate property transactions in areas that may be declared "disturbed" due to serious law and order concerns. The govt said the measure is intended to ensure that property owners are not forced to sell assets at throwaway prices during periods of unrest.
Replying to the debate in the House, law and parliamentary affairs minister Jogaram Patel said the legislation does not target any religion or community. "There is no mention of Hindu, Muslim, majority, minority, or any specific community in the bill. For us, all citizens are equal," he said. Patel said that an area would only be declared disturbed in exceptional circumstances. "If there are no riots, an area will not be declared disturbed," he said, adding that authorities would scrutinise property transactions to ensure fairness. "Officials will also check whether a property has been sold below its market value. Authorities will ensure that property is not sold below market price. This law protects weaker sections from distress sales," Patel said. He added that during communal tension or violence, people sometimes feel compelled to sell their property at prices far lower than the prevailing market value due to fear or pressure. According to him, the law seeks to prevent such situations and safeguard property owners. Patel also claimed that some areas in the state were becoming socially inaccessible due to demographic changes. "There are places in Jodhpur and elsewhere where people cannot even enter. Such areas are increasing in Rajasthan," he said. The bill, however, drew criticism from the Opposition. Former chief minister Ashok Gehlot alleged that the move was aimed at diverting attention from governance issues. "It is unfortunate that in an attempt to conceal its political failures, the BJP govt has brought the Disturbed Area Act, pushing a peaceful state like Rajasthan towards an atmosphere of hatred. Such a divisive law deserves outright condemnation," Gehlot said.
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