On July 24th, the Andhra Pradesh Assembly approved the Andhra Pradesh Land Titling Repeal Bill 2024, which abolishes the law. Additionally, they passed the Dr. YSR University of Health Sciences (Amendment) Bill 2024, reinstating the name of former Chief Minister N.T. Rama Rao to the university. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu criticised the Land Titling Act as harmful to the interests of landowners in Andhra Pradesh. During discussions on the Land Titling Act Bill, Naidu expressed dissatisfaction with the previous administration for implementing the law without fully assessing its consequences. 

Revenue Minister Anagani Satya Prasad introduced the AP Land Titling Repeal Bill, 2024, while Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav introduced the Health University Bill. Both bills garnered unanimous support from legislators, and Speaker Chintakayala Ayyanna Patrudu announced their unanimous passage in the Andhra Pradesh Assembly. The bills also received unanimous approval in the legislative council. 

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu criticised the Land Titling Act, describing it as a problematic law introduced without adequate consideration. He highlighted issues in his constituency of Kuppam, where, despite his long tenure as CM, MLA, and Leader of the Opposition over 40 years, land disputes have surged due to irregularities in the past five years. 

Naidu expressed concerns about the implications of the Land Titling Act, stating that individual lands were categorised under the 22A Prohibition list. He criticised the process where parties negotiated settlements by agreeing to remove the 22A classification, thereby converting land back to private status, which he described as indicative of illegal land practices. 

He further argued that the law could potentially lead to the seizure of citizens' properties. Naidu specifically pointed out Section 335 of the law, which restricts the authority of 533 civil courts in adjudicating land disputes, compelling litigants to approach the high court directly. He questioned the practicality of this approach, highlighting the financial burden it imposes on individuals who may not afford the costs associated with litigation in the high court. 

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu strongly criticised the AP Land Titling Act, asserting that several provisions within it contradict established laws such as the Indian Succession Act and constitutional articles like 21, 246, and 300. He specifically highlighted Sections 10, 13, 14, 15, 25, 34, 36, and 46 of the Act as unconstitutional. Naidu also expressed concern that the implementation guidelines for the Act, outlined in Government Order (GO) 512, were not transparently disclosed to the public. 

Naidu labeled the Land Titling Act as dangerous, emphasising that he and Pawan Kalyan had assured the public they would repeal it if given the opportunity. He warned that failure to repeal the law could jeopardise citizens' property rights and safety. Naidu recounted that among his first actions upon assuming office was to initiate the process of repealing the Act. He stressed that a Bill for its repeal was swiftly introduced in the Assembly, demonstrating his administration's commitment to safeguarding the rights and assets of the people of Andhra Pradesh. 

Image source: Deccan Chronicle