CENTRAL GOVERNMENT ENFORCES MAJOR LEGAL REFORMS IN CHANDIGARH THROUGH EXTENSION OF STATE LAWS
The Voice of Chandigarh
Reforms in Chandigarh through Extension of Laws to Enhance Transparency in Administrative and Regulatory Frameworks and Improve Ease of Living.
As part of a set of governance and regulatory reforms aimed at modernising legal frameworks, enhancing transparency and improving ease of living and ease of doing business, the Central Government has extended the provisions of State legislations to the Union Territory of Chandigarh.
I. LANDMARK LEGAL REFORMS TO TRANSFORM GOVERNANCE, TRANSPARENCY AND EASE OF LIVING IN CHANDIGARH
Reforms in Chandigarh through extension of laws to enhance transparency in administrative and regulatory frameworks and improve ease of living and ease of doing business.
As part of a far-reaching set of governance and regulatory reforms aimed at modernising legal frameworks, enhancing transparency, and improving ease of living and ease of doing business, the Central Government has extended the provisions of five State legislations to the Union Territory of Chandigarh.
II. CONSTITUTIONAL AND STATUTORY SANCTION: EXTENSION UNDER SECTION 87 OF THE PUNJAB REORGANISATION ACT, 1966
The extensions have been made through notifications issued under Section 87 of the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966, in accordance with the established practice of extending suitable State laws to Chandigarh, which does not have its own legislature.
III. STRICT PROPERTY VALUATION AND STAMP DUTY REGIME TO CURB EVASION AND ENSURE REVENUE TRANSPARENCY
The reforms include extension of three laws of the State of Punjab.
The Indian Stamp (Punjab Amendment) Acts, 2001 and 2003 introduce a strengthened framework for valuation of properties and collection of stamp duty, including a clear mechanism for detection and correction of undervaluation, thereby improving transparency and significantly reducing the scope for evasion in property transactions.
IV. LEGAL RECOGNITION OF ABADI DEH AREAS: ENDING AMBIGUITY IN OWNERSHIP AND LAND RECORDS
The Punjab Abadi Deh (Record of Rights) Act, 2021 provides a modern legal framework for survey and recording of ownership rights in habitation areas which have historically remained outside formal land records.
The Act is expected to bring clarity in ownership, reduce disputes, and support better land administration and planned urban development.
V. ZERO-TOLERANCE LEGAL FRAMEWORK AGAINST HUMAN SMUGGLING AND TRAVEL AGENT FRAUD
The Punjab Prevention of Human Smuggling Act, 2012 and Amendment Act, 2014 establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for travel agents, including licensing, enforcement and stringent penal provisions.
These laws are aimed at effectively addressing human smuggling and protecting citizens, particularly students and job seekers, from fraudulent and exploitative practices.
VI. MODERN RISK-BASED FIRE SAFETY LAW TO PROTECT LIFE, PROPERTY AND PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE
In addition, the Haryana Fire and Emergency Services Act, 2022 has been extended to replace the existing legal framework and introduce a contemporary, risk-based fire safety regime in Chandigarh.
The Act provides for:
- Streamlined approvals
- Longer validity of Fire Safety Certificates
- Professional compliance mechanisms
- A rationalised penalty framework
This ensures enhanced safety of life and property while substantially reducing compliance burden.
VII. SWEEPING TENANCY LAW REFORM TO REPLACE OUTDATED RENT CONTROL AND BOOST RENTAL HOUSING
Further, the Assam Tenancy Act, 2021, aligned with the Model Tenancy Act, 2021, has been extended to replace the East Punjab Urban Rent Restriction Act, 1949.
The Act introduces a modern and balanced tenancy framework and provides for:
- Mandatory formal tenancy agreements
- Clear delineation of rights and obligations of landlords and tenants
- Structured and lawful eviction procedures
- Time-bound dispute resolution mechanism
These provisions are designed to promote transparency and significantly improve availability of rental housing.
VIII. COMPREHENSIVE LEGAL OVERHAUL TO STRENGTHEN GOVERNANCE AND CITIZEN PROTECTION
Taken together, these measures represent a decisive and comprehensive effort to address long-standing gaps in existing legal frameworks, bring greater clarity and uniformity in regulation, strengthen citizen protection, and support efficient, accountable and future-ready governance in the Union Territory of Chandigarh.
