Land sharks, politicians opposed to Tenancy Act changes:Goa CM

Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar today warned the agricultural tenants against falling prey to "politically motivated leaders" and "land sharks" who are opposed to the last month's amendments in the tenancy law.
"The amendments to the Goa Tenancy Act seek to get rid of land grabbers who survive on the discord between the land owner and the tenant.
"The same land-grabbers and politically motivated leaders are now misleading the people, provoking them against the amendments," he said while talking to reporters.
The amendments introduced 'sunset clause' of three years, providing that cases must be filed within three years of the amendments coming into effect.

They also take away the powers of district administration officer to adjudicate these cases. The jurisdiction will now only be with the judicial magistrate first class.
The amendment was unanimously passed in the Assembly, but a few MLAs opposed it outside the House.
Parsekar said the sunset clause was misunderstood by the tenants. "Within three years, the claim for the land has to be filed by the tenants. The sunset clause is not for closing of the judicial proceedings," the chief minister said.
Also, if a tenant fails to file the claim within three years, the state government can grant more time in some cases, he said, adding no injustice would be done to the land tenants.