Section 3 in The Bengal Land-Revenue Settlement Regulation, 1822
3. Settlement 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] [Substituted by ALO.] Government may direct.A preference shall be give 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 estate 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] [Substituted by ALO.] Government 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 authority 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] [Substituted by ALO.] Government, and it shall be competent to the [State] [Substituted by ALO.] Government, [by notification in the [Official Gazette] [The words 'by an Order in Council, in the original text, are to be read as if the words 'by Notification in the Local Official Gazette' were substituted therefor - see Act 1 of 1903, Schedule II.], to cause such mahal or mahals or let in farm, for such term as may appear expedient and proper, not exceeding the period above specified.
