The Santhal Parganas Tenancy (Supplementary Provisions) Act, 1949 is one of India's strictest land protection laws. Operating across Deoghar, Dumka, Godda, Jamtara, Sahibganj, and Pakur, Section 20 strictly restricts the transfer of agricultural (Rayati) land.
Section 20 unequivocally states that no transfer, exchange, gift, will, mortgage, or lease of any Rayati land is valid unless the right to transfer is specifically recorded in the record-of-rights. Any registration done in contravention of Section 20 is void, and the Deputy Commissioner has summary powers to evict the purchaser and restore land to the original tenant.
Only lands categorized as 'Basauri' (homestead/urban settlement land created under specific statutory settlement rules), Chhaparbandi land, or municipal areas held under valid non-agricultural grants are legally transferable. LandAmin verifies the historical settlement jamabandi to ensure buyers do not purchase restricted Rayati plots under disguised agreements.
Transactions violating Section 20 SPT Act carry legal nullity and risk of state forfeiture without compensation.