Section 144 in The U.P. Zamindari Abolition and Land Reforms Act, 1950
144. Use of land for agricultural purposes.
(1)Whenever any land held by a bhumidhar which is not used for the purposes connected with agriculture, horticulture or animal husbandry which includes pisciculture and poultry farming, has become land used for such purposes, the [Assistant Collector-in-charge of the sub-division may suo motu or on an application, after making such enquiry as may be prescribed] [Substituted by U.R Act No. 37 of 1958.], make a declaration to that effect and thereupon the bhumidhar shall, as respects the land, be subject to the provisions of this chapter.(2)Upon the grant of the declaration under sub-section (1) in respect of any land any person other than the bhumidhar in possession of the plot shall-(a)if he holds it under any contract or lease which is inconsistent with any of the provisions of this chapter, be deemed to be an occupant liable to ejectment under Section 209; and(b)if he holds it under any contract or lease which is not inconsistent with any of the provisions of this chapter, be entitled to the rights in the land determined in accordance with the provisions thereof.(3)Any contract or lease referred to in sub-clause (a) of sub-section (2) which is inconsistent with the provisions of the chapter shall, to the extent of the inconsistency, become void with effect from the date of declaration :Provided that any mortgage with possession existing on any such land shall, to the extent of the amount due and secured on such land, be deemed to have been substituted by a simple mortgage carrying such rate of interest as may be prescribed.
