Surat woman’s property sealed under the ‘Disturbed Area Act’ for selling it to a Muslim woman

Surat (Gujarat) – A Hindu woman sold her property to a Muslim woman in Salabatpura, Surat. The District Magistrate sealed that property under ‘Disturbed Area Act’ and nullified the registration. Under section 5 (A) of the Act, the seller of the property must apply for the consent of the District Magistrate. The District Magistrate conducts a formal inquiry, listens to various parties and then he has the right to approve or disapprove the agreement.

What is Disturbed Area Act ?

Under the Disturbed Area Act, a specific area of a town or village is notified as a disturbed area by the District Magistrate. The basic rule for such declaration is the history of riots due to religious provocations in the area. After this notification, clear permission from the District Magistrate for property deals in such areas is mandatory. The application should have an affidavit attached to it, which declares, “He/she has sold the property at his/her own will and he/she has received the right market price for the sale. Violation of the provisions of this Act can lead to imprisonment and fine. In 2020, the amendments in this Act have given more powers to the District Magistrate and the government. Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, Anand, Amareli, Bhavnagar, Panchmahal and many areas in other districts are under the purview of this Act and many other districts are being added.

Editorial Perspective

This Act is necessary in every State. It will help to stop Hindus from selling their properties to the religious fanatics and they will be saved from fleeing.