LAHORE: The Punjab government has promulgated the Punjab Protection of Ownership of Immovable Property Ordinance 2025, a comprehensive new law designed to robustly safeguard lawful property owners and deliver swift justice against land grabbing and illegal possession.
The ordinance, immediately effective across the province, was introduced under Article 128 of the Constitution, citing the need for immediate action while the Provincial Assembly is not in session.
Dual Focus: Civil and Criminal Mechanisms
This law aims to be the definitive legal framework for property rights, overriding existing statutes. It provides dual mechanisms—civil and criminal—to tackle illegal dispossession, fraudulent occupation, and coercive seizure of both private and public property.
Criminal Penalties Tightened
The ordinance declares the illegal occupation or retention of property through deceit, coercion, or fraud a serious criminal offence, punishable with rigorous imprisonment ranging from five to ten years.
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Abetment: Those who facilitate or abet such acts face imprisonment of one to three years and fines up to Rs. 1 million.
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Corporate Liability: Directors and responsible officers of companies or societies involved in property offences will also be held liable, unless they can prove they lacked knowledge or exercised due diligence.
Two-Tier System for Swift Dispute Resolution
To ensure faster justice, the law introduces a mandatory two-tier system for resolving property disputes:
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Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC):
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To be established in every district, chaired by the Deputy Commissioner and including senior police/administrative officers.
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It holds powers equivalent to a civil court to summon records and take administrative steps.
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It is mandated to decide complaints within 90 days (with one possible extension of 90 days). The DRC focuses on achieving an amicable settlement.
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Property Tribunal:
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If the DRC fails to achieve settlement, the case moves to a newly created Property Tribunal in each district.
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Headed by a former Lahore High Court or District Judge.
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It has exclusive jurisdiction to try all offences and title disputes, functioning as both a civil and sessions court.
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Proceedings must be conducted daily and concluded within 90 days of receiving the case.
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The ordinance represents one of the most significant legal overhauls by Punjab to date, aiming to finally curb unchecked land grabbing and provide robust, enforceable protection for property ownership rights.
