Rajasthan Approves Disturbed Area Act: Stricter Rules on Property Transactions in Sensitive Areas

Jaipur: The Rajasthan government has approved the Disturbed Area Act, a new legislation aimed at preventing the migration of specific communities and maintaining social balance in sensitive areas. With this approval, Rajasthan becomes the second state in India, after Gujarat, to implement such a law.

The state cabinet, led by Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, sanctioned the Act during a meeting on Wednesday. The government stated that the law is intended to prevent population imbalance and manage potential communal tensions proactively. It grants authorities additional powers to maintain law and order in sensitive areas.

Declaration of Disturbed Areas
Under the Act, the government can declare any area with a significant minority population or sensitive social composition as a “disturbed area.” In such zones, property transactions will be strictly monitored to prevent forced or coerced sales.

Once an area is declared disturbed, the purchase or sale of property can be restricted for up to three years. No property transfer will be allowed without prior administrative approval.

Strict Penalties for Violations
The legislation includes stringent penalties for violations. Individuals or groups found contravening the Act can face up to five years of imprisonment, along with financial fines. The government believes that such measures will ensure effective enforcement of the law.

Government’s Rationale
Officials stated that rapid changes in population composition in certain areas can disturb social harmony, leading to tensions. The Act is therefore a precautionary measure to ensure that no community feels threatened or compelled to migrate, and that all residents feel secure.

Other Cabinet Decisions
In the same cabinet meeting, the government also approved the Rajasthan Aerospace and Defence Policy–2026, aimed at boosting investment in the state and generating new employment opportunities. The Disturbed Area Act has sparked widespread discussion at political and social levels, and more details regarding its implementation and impact are expected in the coming days.