Section 3 in The Bengal Land-Revenue Settlement Regulation, 1822
3. Settlements how made.
- With respect to estates which are at present let to farm, a settlement thereof shall be made on the expiration of the existing leases for such a period as the [State Government] [Words 'Provincial Government' first substituted for the words 'Local Government' by the Government of India (Adaptation of Indian Laws) Order, 1937, then the word 'State' substituted for the word 'Provincial' by the Adaptation of Laws Order, 1950.] may direct.A preference shall be given to the zamindars or other persons possessing a permanent property in the mahals, if willing to engage for the payment of the public revenue on reasonable terms :Provided also that, in cases wherein such mahals may be let in farm, the term of the lease granted to the farmers shall not exceed twelve years.The above rules shall likewise be applicable to estates now held khas.So in any case wherein the zamindars and other proprietors may refuse to continue their existing engagements, or to enter into new engagements, on equitable terms, it shall be competent to the Revenue-authorities to let the lands in farm for such period, not exceeding twelve years, as the [State Government] [Words 'Provincial Government' first substituted for the words 'Local Government' by the Government of India (Adaptation of Indian Laws) Order, 1937, then the word 'State' substituted for the word 'Provincial' by the Adaptation of Laws Order, 1950.] shall appoint, or to assume the direct management of them, and to retain them under khas management during the period aforesaid or such shorter period as may be judged proper :Provided further that, if in any case it shall appear to the Revenue-authorities that the continuance or admission of any Raja, zamindar, talukdar or other person who may have engaged, or may claim to engage, for any mahal or mahals, in or to the management of such mahal or mahals, would endanger the public tranquillity or otherwise be seriously detrimental, it shall be their duty to report the circumstances [to the State Government] [Words 'to the Provincial Government' first substituted for the words 'to Government' by the Government of India (Adaptation of Indian Laws) Order, 1937, then the word 'State' substituted for the word 'Provincial' by the Adaptation of Laws Order, 1950.], and it shall be competent to the [State Government] [Words 'Provincial Government' first substituted for the words 'Local Government' by the Government of India (Adaptation of Indian Laws) Order, 1937, then the word 'State' substituted for the word 'Provincial' by the Adaptation of Laws Order, 1950.] [by notification in the (Official Gazette)] [Words 'by notification in the local Official Gazette' substituted for the words 'by an Order in Council' by Act 1 of 1903.], to cause such mahal or mahals to be held khas or let in farm, for such term as may appear expedient and proper, not exceeding the period above specified.
