Karnataka Reforms Jamma Bane Land Records to Fix Decades-Old Issues in Kodagu

The Karnataka government has taken an important step to modernise land governance in the Kodagu region. Through a recent amendment to the land revenue law, the state aims to resolve long-pending documentation problems related to Jamma Bane lands. The reform is expected to benefit indigenous communities by ensuring clear ownership records and easier access to legal and financial services.

Why in News?

The Karnataka government amended its land revenue law to reform Jamma Bane land records in Kodagu district. The amendment received the Governor’s assent on January 7, 2026, and has now been officially notified.

Assent to the Land Revenue Amendment

• The Karnataka Land Revenue (Second Amendment) Act, 2025 was notified after receiving assent from Thawarchand Gehlot.
• The amendment seeks to align Kodagu’s unique land record system with the Karnataka Land Revenue Act, 1964.
• It also supports the state’s ongoing land record digitisation under the Bhoomi Project. This legal update provides a statutory framework to correct outdated and inconsistent entries that have continued for generations, despite changes in actual ownership.

What Are Jamma Bane Lands?

• Jamma Bane lands are hereditary land holdings unique to Kodagu district.
• These lands were granted between the 17th and 19th centuries by Coorg kings and later by the British, mainly in return for military service.
• The holdings include paddy fields and forested uplands, many of which later became coffee plantations.
• Traditionally, land records retained the name of the original pattedar, even as ownership passed through generations, creating long-term legal complications.

Problems With Legacy Land Records

• Despite multiple generations of ownership transfer, land records continued to show deceased ancestors as pattedars.
• This caused serious difficulties in land mutation, inheritance, sale, and access to bank credit.
• Even after the Karnataka Land Revenue Act, 1964 replaced the older Coorg Land Revenue Act, 1899, some outdated practices continued informally.
• The Karnataka High Court has upheld Kodava ownership rights in several cases, including Chekkera Poovaiah vs State of Karnataka.

Key Changes Introduced by the Amendment

• The amendment empowers Tahsildars in Kodagu to correct inconsistencies in the Record of Rights after conducting due enquiry.
• A new subsection has been added to Section 127 of the Karnataka Land Revenue Act, 1964, allowing deletion or correction of improper historical entries.
• The law also provides safeguards such as appeal mechanisms to ensure transparency.
• These changes will help rightful owners obtain legally valid land records that reflect actual succession across generations.

Key Summary at a Glance

Question

Q. Jamma Bane lands are primarily associated with which district?

A. Chikkamagaluru
B. Kodagu
C. Hassan
D. Shivamogga