Hyderabad, July 22, 2025 –
If your land has been transferred to someone else’s name *without your knowledge, it is not just a mistake—it’s a *punishable criminal offense under Indian law.
Several cases have emerged across Telangana and other states where farmers and landowners have discovered their land records altered online, with their names replaced in Adangal, 1B, or Pattadar Passbooks—all without their consent or knowledge.
Who Is Legally Responsible for Illegal Land Transfers?
If any land is transferred in someone else’s name *without your direct involvement or knowledge, the following revenue officials can be *held criminally liable under Section 197 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC):
- Village Revenue Officer (VRO)
- Mandal Revenue Inspector (MRI)
- Mandal Surveyor
- Tahsildar
These government officers can face criminal charges for facilitating or approving such transfers without inquiry.
What If Your Land Appears in Someone Else’s 1B or Adangal?
If your *1B or Adangal reflects another person’s name, or a *Pattadar Passbook has been issued to someone else for your land, you do not need to approach the Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) or Joint Collector to appeal, as many mistakenly believe.
Instead, you should:
- File a written application directly with your local Tahsildar, explaining the discrepancy.
- Attach copies of your land documents (title deed, old 1B, Adangal, passbook, etc.) along with the application.
- Request a full inquiry and correction of online records.
The law mandates that you must be heard before any land title changes. If this step was skipped, officials involved can be prosecuted.
What the Supreme Court Says: No Need for Government Permission to Prosecute Officials
According to the *Supreme Court ruling in Criminal Appeal No. 1837/2019, *no prior approval is required to initiate criminal proceedings against revenue officials involved in such fraudulent land transfers. Every public servant is accountable under the same legal framework.
Your Legal Rights
- Section 197 CrPC allows direct criminal action against revenue officials who abuse their authority.
- You can file a complaint with higher officers if the local Tahsildar or other authorities do not act.
- If they fail to respond, you can escalate the issue through legal channels, including court petitions.
Farmers: Don’t Panic If Land Is Misused in Your Name
If your land ownership appears compromised:
- *Stay calm—you have *legal protection.
- Act promptly—submit your application with evidence.
- *Push for accountability—fraudulent land allotments are *punishable offenses.
No one should live in fear of losing land due to administrative manipulation or digital fraud.