Mahesh Chand vs Brijesh Kumar And Ors. on 15 February, 2024
15. The respondents have placed reliance upon the recitals in the exchange deed in which it is mentioned that the land in question is not an "agricultural land" and also the counter-affidavit of the State filed before the High Court, wherein it is mentioned that the hotel in the disputed land is situated in the market area of Munsiari township. In this regard, it is pertinent to note that for changing the nature of land from "agricultural" to "abadi", declaration as stipulated in Sections 143 and 144 is required. The provisions under Section 143 of the Act are initiated suo motu or on an application moved by a bhumidhar with transferable rights and an enquiry is required to be conducted by the Assistant Collector as prescribed under the Act. Section 143 of the Act reads as under: