President Pranab Mukherjee on Thursday gave his assent to the Karnataka Land Grabbers’ (Prevention) Bill, which provides for setting up fast-track courts to try cases of encroachment of government lands.
Law Minister T.B. Jayachandra told reporters here that the Bill had been adopted by the State legislature in 2007 itself, but had been pending with the Union government.
The Minister, who made two visits to Delhi to request the Centre to expedite the process of clearing the Bill, said the assent was granted after the State provided various supporting documents.
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He said the government would set in motion the process of setting up special courts to try land-grabbers.
Interestingly, the Presidential assent comes at a time when the monthlong dharna by social activists in Bangalore seeking stern action against land-grabbers culminated with victory celebrations, in the wake of the State government accepting their demands.
The agitation ended with leaders of over 50 social organisations forming a human chain in front of the Town Hall on Thursday.
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Freedom fighter H.S. Doreswamy, who led the protest, said the government should protect people’s land and not allow encroachment. Meanwhile, the Cabinet gave permission to various companies and trusts, including JSW Steel and Sri Sri Ravishankar Vidyamandir Trust, to buy agricultural lands.