The Government of India extended the provisions of five state legislations, including three of Punjab, to the Union Territory of Chandigarh. The move is part of a set of governance and regulatory reforms which are aimed at modernising legal frameworks, enhancing transparency, and improving ease of living and ease of doing business.
Further, the Assam Tenancy Act, 2021, aligned with the Model Tenancy Act, 2021, has been extended to replace the existing East Punjab Urban Rent Restriction Act, 1949, and introduce a modern and balanced tenancy framework. The Act provides for formal tenancy agreements, clear delineation of rights and obligations, structured eviction procedures and a time-bound dispute resolution mechanism, thereby promoting transparency and improving availability of rental housing.
Hemant Kumar, an Advocate at Punjab & Haryana High Court, said that the exercise of the powers conferred by section 87 of the Punjab Reorganization Act, 1966 (31 of 1966), the Central Government has extended the Assam Tenancy Act, 2021 (Assam Act No. XXXI of 2021), as in force in the State of Assam on the date of notification, to the Union territory of Chandigarh, subject to the certain modifications. He further informed that before the latest extension of the Assam Tenancy Act, 2021, to Chandigarh by MHA, the City Beautiful of Chandigarh was being governed by the erstwhile old Punjab rent law, viz. East Punjab Urban Rent Restriction Act, 1949, as extended to Chandigarh in the year 1974.
These measures, taken together, represent a comprehensive effort to address gaps in existing legal frameworks, bring greater clarity and uniformity in regulation, strengthen citizen protection, and support efficient governance in Chandigarh UT. The notifications were issued by the Centre on May 6. The reforms comprise the extension of three laws of the state of Punjab.
The Indian Stamp (Punjab Amendment) Acts, 2001 and 2003, introduce a strengthened framework for valuation of properties and collection of stamp duty, including a clear mechanism for detection and correction of undervaluation, thereby improving transparency and reducing scope for evasion in property transactions.
The Punjab Abadi Deh (Record of Rights) Act, 2021, provides a modern legal framework for survey and recording of ownership rights in habitation areas, which have historically remained outside formal land records. The Act is expected to bring clarity in ownership, reduce disputes, and support better land administration and planned urban development.
The Punjab Prevention of Human Smuggling Act, 2012, and Amendment Act, 2014, establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for travel agents, including licensing, enforcement, and penal provisions, aimed at addressing human smuggling and protecting citizens, particularly students and job seekers, from fraudulent practices.
In addition, the Haryana Fire and Emergency Services Act, 2022, has been extended to replace the existing legal framework and introduce a contemporary, risk-based fire safety regime in Chandigarh. The Act provides for streamlined approvals, longer validity of fire safety certificates, professional compliance mechanisms and a rationalised penalty framework, thereby improving safety of life and property while reducing compliance burden.
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