Section 7 in The West Bengal Irrigation (Imposition of Water Rate) Act, 1974
7. Liability for payment of water rate.
- Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in any other law for the time being in force or in any custom, usage or contract, the liability for payment of water rate shall be on the occupiers of lands included in the notified area in which the water rate is imposed :Provided that where any such land is cultivated by a bargadar as defined in clause (2) of section 2 of the West Bengal Land Reforms Act, 1955, the liability for payment of the water rate shall be on the owner of such land:Provided further that when water rate is paid by the owner of any land cultivated by a bargadar, the owner shall be entitled to recover from the bargadar half of the amount paid by him as water rate.
