The Karnataka Assembly has passed a crucial legislative amendment aimed at resolving long-standing complexities surrounding land ownership in the picturesque Kodagu district. On Tuesday, December 16, 2025, the House approved The Karnataka Land Revenue (Second Amendment) Bill, 2025, which seeks to provide a modern legal framework for the unique Jamma Bane land tenure system.
Addressing a Historic Anomaly
Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda tabled the Bill, which was the result of extensive deliberations. Following its initial introduction in August, the Bill was referred to a select committee of legislators, including Kodagu MLAs A S Ponnanna and Mantar Gowda. The sub-committee held five separate meetings to address the specific concerns of Kodagu's landholders.
The core issue stems from a historical transition. Until 1964, the Coorg Land Revenue and Regulations Act of 1899 governed land in Kodagu. With the introduction of the statewide Karnataka Land Revenue Act, 1964, certain customary provisions of the old Act for Jamma Bane lands were continued informally, leading to a legal grey area.
What is the Jamma Bane System?
Jamma Bane is a special form of land tenure prevalent only in Kodagu district. Historically, these lands have been held by members of joint families based on customary rights, often without clear entries in the official Record of Rights (RTC). Over generations, this has created significant complications in accurately documenting ownership, inheritance, and transfers.
The absence of explicit provisions in the 1964 Act to record joint family rights led to difficulties in mutation, registration, and inheritance processes. This ambiguity spawned numerous disputes over succession and land privileges, resulting in protracted litigation and administrative delays.
Key Provisions of the New Amendments
The newly passed amendments are designed to inject clarity into this system. Their primary objectives are:
- Allowing inclusion of joint family members' details in the Register of Mutations for Jamma Bane holdings.
- Enabling reporting of rights acquired as a member of a joint family.
- Empowering local revenue officers in Kodagu to formally recognise these rights.
- Ensuring registration of rights in land records with relevant information on family trees, survivorship, and inheritance.
As stated in the Bill, the amendments seek to "bring clarity, reduce litigation, and safeguard the rights of all stakeholders in Jamma Bane lands" while conforming to the broader Karnataka Land Revenue Act.
Implementation and Political Consensus
Congress MLA from Virajpet, A S Ponnanna, welcomed the Bill on behalf of Kodagu's people. He highlighted that the lack of clarity had adversely affected land sales, bank loan approvals, and inheritance. However, he stressed that careful implementation and well-framed rules would be critical for the Bill's success.
Responding to queries from Leader of the Opposition R Ashok regarding multiple generations named in old records, Revenue Minister Gowda outlined the implementation plan. He stated that local tahsildars would conduct 'adalats' (public hearings) to address objections before modernising and finalising land records, with provisions for appeal.
The legislative move builds on previous judicial recognitions. The ownership rights of Kodagu people over Jamma Bane lands were affirmed by a full bench of the Karnataka High Court in 1993 (Chekkera Poovaiah vs State of Karnataka). Last year, the HC also upheld the 2011 amendment that granted full ownership rights to Kodava families.
This Bill represents a significant step towards reconciling a unique traditional land system with the needs of a modern administrative and legal framework, promising greater security for landowners in Kodagu.
