Karnataka Amends Land Law to Reform Jamma Bane Records

The Karnataka government has amended its land revenue law to modernise the unique and long-standing system of land records in the Coorg region, officially known as Kodagu district. The reform seeks to resolve decades-old documentation issues affecting Jamma Bane land holdings, which are central to the heritage and livelihoods of the indigenous Kodava community.

Assent to Karnataka Land Revenue Amendment

The “Government of Karnataka” notified the Karnataka Land Revenue (Second Amendment) Act, 2025 after receiving assent from Governor “Thawarchand Gehlot” on January 7, 2026. The amendment focuses on aligning land records in Kodagu with the Karnataka Land Revenue Act, 1964, as part of ongoing digitisation under the Bhoomi Project.

What Are Jamma Bane Lands?

Jamma Bane lands are hereditary land holdings unique to Kodagu district. Granted between the 17th and 19th centuries by Coorg kings and the British, these lands were allotted to local families in return for military service. The holdings include paddy wetlands and forested highlands, many of which later became coffee plantations. Ownership records traditionally retained the name of the original pattedar, even as land passed through generations, creating legal and financial complications.

Problems With Legacy Land Records

Despite changes in ownership, land records continued to reflect deceased ancestors as pattedars. This made mutation, sale, inheritance, and access to institutional credit difficult. While the Coorg Land Revenue and Regulations Act, 1899 governed the region earlier, certain provisions continued informally even after the Karnataka Land Revenue Act, 1964 came into force. Judicial recognition of Kodava ownership was affirmed by the “Karnataka High Court” in multiple rulings, including Chekkera Poovaiah vs State of Karnataka.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• Jamma Bane lands are hereditary holdings unique to Kodagu district.
• They were granted for military service by Coorg kings and the British.
• Karnataka Land Revenue (Second Amendment) Act, 2025 addresses record anomalies.
• Tahsildars are empowered to correct land records after due enquiry.

Key Changes Introduced by the Amendment

The amendment empowers Tahsildars in Kodagu to correct inconsistencies in the Record of Rights to ensure legal conformity. A new subsection has been added to Section 127 of the Karnataka Land Revenue Act, 1964, allowing corrections or deletions of entries transferred improperly in earlier decades. The law mandates due enquiry and provides for appeals, ensuring transparency while enabling rightful owners to obtain legally valid land records across generations.