JAMABANDI

Jamabandi is a legal record of land ownership, tenancy, and cultivation maintained by the Revenue Department of a state or district in India. It is a key document that contains details about the landowner, land area, type of land, revenue assessment, and any encumbrances (like mortgages or loans) on the land.

The term "Jamabandi" originates from Persian, where "Jama" means collection and "Bandi" means organization or grouping. The document is primarily used in states like Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Rajasthan.

1. Purpose of Jamabandi

The Jamabandi serves the following purposes:

✅ Proof of Ownership – Establishes the legal owner of the land.
✅ Revenue Assessment – Determines the land revenue payable to the government.
✅ Legal Reference – Acts as a reference in land disputes or legal cases.
✅ Mutation Record – Reflects changes in ownership due to sale, inheritance, or partition.
✅ Loan and Mortgage – Acts as collateral while securing agricultural loans.
✅ Government Records – Used by government agencies for land acquisition or development planning.

2. Information Contained in Jamabandi

A Jamabandi record contains the following key information:

Section

Details

Khewat Number

Identifies the landowner or group of owners.

Khatauni Number

Identifies the list of landholdings under a single owner.

Khasra Number

Unique number for identifying specific land parcels.

Owner's Name

Names of the landowner(s).

Cultivator's Name

Name of the person cultivating the land (if different from the owner).

Type of Land

Agricultural, non-agricultural, residential, or commercial.

Land Area

Total area of the land (in acres, hectares, or bighas).

Revenue Payable

Amount of land revenue to be paid to the government.

Encumbrances

Details of any loans, mortgages, or legal claims on the property.

Mutation Record

Record of ownership changes due to inheritance, sale, or partition.

3. How Jamabandi is Created

The Jamabandi is updated and maintained by the Patwari (village revenue officer) under the supervision of the Tehsildar (revenue officer). It is revised every 4 to 5 years during the settlement period.

✅ Step 1: Land Survey and Classification

• The Patwari conducts a physical survey of the land.

• Land boundaries, type of land, and area are recorded.

• Land is classified as agricultural, residential, commercial, or barren.

✅ Step 2: Record of Ownership and Tenancy

• Details of the current landowner and tenant are recorded.

• Names of co-owners, if any, are included.

• Mutation records are updated to reflect changes in ownership.

✅ Step 3: Revenue Assessment

• Land revenue payable is assessed based on:

  • Type of land

  • Productivity of land

  • Market value of the land

• Revenue assessment is documented in the Jamabandi.

✅ Step 4: Verification and Approval

• The Jamabandi draft is reviewed by the Tehsildar.

• Public objections are invited and addressed.

• The final Jamabandi is prepared and signed by the Tehsildar.

4. How to Access Jamabandi Records

Jamabandi records can be accessed in the following ways:

🔹 Online:

• Most state governments have digitized Jamabandi records.

• Landowners can visit the state’s official revenue department website and search using the Khasra or Khewat number.

🔹 Offline:

• Landowners can visit the local Patwari or Tehsildar Office.

• Certified copies can be obtained upon payment of a fee.

5. Importance of Jamabandi

📌 Legal Ownership: – Acts as proof of ownership in case of legal disputes.
📌 Property Transfer: – Required during sale, gift, inheritance, or mortgage.
📌 Loan and Mortgage: – Used as collateral for securing agricultural loans.
📌 Mutation Record: – Reflects any change in ownership due to sale, gift, inheritance, or partition.
📌 Government Compensation: – Used as proof during government acquisition of land for public projects.

6. Difference Between Jamabandi and Other Land Records

Document

Purpose

Authority

Jamabandi

Record of ownership, tenancy, and revenue assessment

Patwari/Tehsildar

Khasra

Survey record of specific land parcels

Patwari/Revenue Department

Khatauni

Record of landholdings under one owner

Patwari/Revenue Department

Mutation Record

Record of ownership changes

Patwari/Tehsildar

Fard (Land Record Certificate)

Certified copy of land record

Patwari/Tehsildar

Encumbrance Certificate

Confirms absence of legal dues or claims

Sub-Registrar Office

7. How to Get a Copy of Jamabandi

To obtain a certified copy of Jamabandi, follow these steps:

✅ Online:

1. Visit the official state government land record website.

2. Enter the required details:

   • Khewat number

   • Khasra number

   • Owner’s name

3. View the record and download the certified copy.

✅ Offline:

1. Visit the local Tehsildar Office.

2. Fill out the application form and provide supporting documents:

   • Identity proof

   • Land ownership proof

3. Pay the applicable fee.

4. Obtain the certified copy from the revenue office.

8. Challenges in Jamabandi Records

🚫 Outdated Records: – Changes in ownership due to inheritance or sale are not always updated promptly.
🚫 Errors in Entry: – Spelling errors or incorrect survey details can lead to confusion.
🚫 Multiple Ownership Claims: – Disputes over ancestral property or unregistered sales can lead to conflicting Jamabandi records.
🚫 Encroachments: – Illegal occupation or encroachment on land can result in inaccurate records.

9. Legal Implications of Jamabandi

📜 Legal Ownership Proof: – Jamabandi serves as a legal document in court cases.
📜 Protection Against Illegal Claims: – An updated Jamabandi protects the landowner from third-party claims.
📜 Inheritance Rights: – Jamabandi reflects legal heirs and succession rights.
📜 Property Tax Assessment: – Local authorities use Jamabandi for property tax collection.

 Conclusion

  Jamabandi is a critical legal document that establishes ownership and tenancy rights over land. It is             essential for property transfer, revenue assessment, inheritance, and securing loans. Regular updating of Jamabandi records ensures accurate land ownership and protects the landowner’s legal rights.