Jaipur, January 22, 2026 – In a move aimed at preserving communal harmony and preventing "demographic imbalances," the Rajasthan Cabinet on Wednesday approved a draft bill that imposes stringent restrictions on property sales in areas prone to communal tensions. The legislation, modeled after a similar law in Gujarat, marks a significant step toward regulating real estate transactions in sensitive zones, but has already drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties as "unconstitutional" and politically motivated.
The proposed "Rajasthan Prohibition of Transfer of Immovable Property and Provision for Protection of Tenants from Eviction from Premises in Disturbed Areas Bill, 2026" empowers the state government to designate specific locales as "disturbed areas" based on factors such as rising dominance of one community, communal riots, mob violence, or forced distress sales of properties. Once labeled as such, any transfer of immovable property—including sales, gifts, or leases—without prior approval from a competent authority, such as the district magistrate, will be deemed null and void. The declaration can last up to three years, with provisions for extension or revocation depending on ground conditions.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Jogaram Patel, who piloted the proposal, emphasized the bill's role in safeguarding long-term residents and tenants from exploitation during unrest. "In many areas of our state, the widespread impact of increasing population of a particular community, demographic imbalance, communal tension, and lack of public harmony has been seen on the community for quite some time," Patel told reporters after the cabinet meeting. He highlighted instances where "riots, mob violence, and unrest are created; and many long-time residents are even forced to sell their assets at throwaway prices," underscoring the need to protect ancestral properties and rental rights.
Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma echoed these sentiments in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating that the bill seeks to "stop unrest in areas due to population imbalance" and ensure the "protection of properties of permanent residents and rights of tenants in disturbed areas." The cabinet decision comes amid growing concerns over shifting demographics in parts of Rajasthan, where officials claim such changes have eroded social fabric and public order.
Under the bill's provisions, violations will be treated as cognizable and non-bailable offenses, attracting imprisonment ranging from three to five years, along with fines. Proponents argue it will deter forced evictions and maintain ethnic balance, drawing parallels to Gujarat's Disturbed Areas Act of 1991, which Rajasthan would join as the second state to enact such a measure if passed.
However, the opposition Congress has slammed the initiative as a "diversionary tactic" from governance failures. Rajasthan Congress President Govind Singh Dotasra accused the BJP-led government of using "political language" to stoke divisions, claiming the bill infringes on constitutional rights to equality and property ownership. "The language of this Bill itself is not constitutional... It violates principles of natural justice and could deter investments while disrupting social cohesion," Dotasra said, vowing fierce resistance in the upcoming Assembly budget session where the bill is slated for tabling. He further contended that existing laws under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita already suffice for maintaining law and order.
The cabinet meeting, chaired by Sharma in Jaipur, also cleared other key policies, including a semiconductor promotion initiative to attract high-tech investments. As the state gears up for legislative scrutiny, the bill's fate could hinge on heated debates over its implications for minority rights and economic activity in affected regions. Analysts suggest it reflects a broader national trend toward localized interventions in communal hotspots, though its implementation will be closely watched for potential legal challenges.
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