Tehri Garhwal admin makes Gram Pradhan and co-sharers’ consent mandatory before registration of jointly held agricultural land
SUNIL NEGI
New Tehri: In a major step to curb land disputes in rural areas, the Tehri Garhwal district administration has issued an order making it mandatory to obtain the consent of the Gram Pradhan and all co-sharers before any jointly held agricultural land is registered for sale.
According to the order issued by the Additional District Magistrate, Tehri Garhwal on 15 July 2026, bearing letter no. 364/5-7/Stamp (2025-26), all Tehsildars and Sub-Registrars in the district have been directed to ensure this procedure to prevent irregularities in the sale and purchase of “Sanyukt Khatawari” or jointly owned agricultural land.
The order was issued following a joint representation submitted to the District Magistrate by Yudveer Singh Rawat, President of Pradhan Sangathan, Dhillangarh, Tehri Garhwal. In the complaint, it was stated that in rural Tehri, cases have come to light where one co-sharer sells land related to their share without informing or taking consent of other co-sharers. Taking advantage of lack of legal and financial awareness among villagers, land mafias often facilitate such deals.
The administration noted that after registration, disputes drag on for years in courts. By the time Gram Panchayat objections or Gram Sabha resolutions are sent, the ownership has already transferred, making it difficult for economically weaker co-sharers to fight legal battles.
Citing the Uttar Pradesh Zamindari Abolition and Land Reforms Act, 1956 and the Indian Registration Act, 1908, the order states that the intent is to ensure that the process of sale-purchase of land is conducted in a manner that prevents future disputes and protects the rights of every co-sharer.
As per the new directive, before registering any land being sold by a khatedar in any village of Tehri Garhwal, the Sub-Registrar will have to ensure that consent of the Gram Pradhan and all co-sharers has been obtained as per rules.
Officials said the move aims to bring transparency to land transactions in the hills and to stop exploitation of villagers by middlemen. The order has been circulated to all tehsils and the President of Pradhan Sangathan has also been informed.
Local pradhans have welcomed the decision, saying it will give them a role in verifying land deals and help protect common village land from fraudulent sales.
