Gandhinagar: The Gujarat Assembly on Wednesday passed a Bill proposing amendments to the Disturbed Areas Act, introducing significant changes in provisions related to the transfer of immovable property in notified localities. With the passage of the amendment, disturbed areas will henceforth be referred to as “specified areas.”

The Gujarat Disturbed Areas (Amendment) Bill, 2026 was introduced to regulate the transfer of immovable property and to provide protection against eviction of occupants in such areas. Minister of State for Revenue Sanjaysinh Mahida said the primary objective of the amendment is to prevent involuntary transfer of properties in specified areas and to safeguard the interests of lawful owners.

The Bill was passed in the Assembly after discussion.

The minister said the amendment aims to strengthen the existing law and ensure that property transactions in sensitive areas take place in a transparent and lawful manner.

He stated, “The main objective of this amendment is to prevent involuntary transfer of properties in specified areas and to protect the interests of legitimate property holders.”

Key amendments in the Bill

Explaining the major provisions, the minister said the government has introduced several changes to make the law more effective:

Increase in scope of ‘aggrieved person’:
Any person residing in a specified area will now be able to present his or her case before the Collector regarding property transfer.

Provision for maintaining public order:
An area where there is a possibility of breach of public order can also be declared a ‘specified area’ as per the provisions of the law.

Enhanced powers to the Collector:
The Collector will have the authority to initiate action suo motu or on the application of any aggrieved person to protect property.
If a transfer of property is found objectionable, the Collector will also have the power to take possession of such property.

Provision for financial assistance:
To prevent distress sale of property, a new provision allows residents of specified areas to obtain loans or financial assistance by mortgaging their property with recognised financial institutions.

Investigation and Advisory Committee strengthened:
The amendment also makes the role of the investigation team and the monitoring and advisory committee more effective for examining the ground situation before declaring any area as a specified area.

The minister expressed confidence that the amendment will help prevent forced property transfers, protect the rights of owners, and maintain social harmony in sensitive areas.