State Act

The Odisha Prevention of Land Encroachment Act, 1972.

2[8-A. Settlement of land in cases of encroachment for more than thirty years :– (1) Where in the course of any proceeding instituted under Secs. 4, 6, 7 or 8 against any person unauthorisedly occupying any land it is proved by such person that he has been in actual, continuous and undisputed occupation of the land for more than thirty years by the date of institution of the proceeding, the Tahasildar shall refer the case to the Sub-divisional Officer. (2) On receipt of a reference under Sub-Sec. (1) the Sub-divisional Officer shall given the Department of the State Government (other than the Revenue Department) to which the land belongs, an opportunity to show cause against the settlement of the land may make such further enquiry as he deems necessary. (3) If after making such enquiry the Sub-divisional Officer is satisfied that such person has been in such occupation of the land as aforesaid, he may by order, settle the land with him and every such settlement shall be subject to such conditions, regarding assessment and payment of rent (including arrears of rent) as may be prescribed by rules under this Act.]