Land Reform 1972 (Law No. 1 of 1972).

Any agricultural land owned by any person in excess of the ceiling established by the Land Reform Commission shall (a) be deemed to vest in the Commission; and (b) be deemed to be held by the former owner under a statutory lease from the Commission in compliance with the terms and conditions set out by the Law. The statutory lessee of any agricultural land may be requested by the Commission to make a declaration containing among other matters: the name of each agricultural land owned; the situation of each land; the nature of the crops grown on the land; the income derived from any land; the value of the lands. Any agricultural land vested in the Commission may be used for any of the following purposes: (a) alienation for agricultural development or animal husbandry; (b) alienation for a cooperative or collective farm; (c) construction of residential houses. Moreover, the Law establishes the criteria to be taken into account for the calculation and payment of the compensation in respect of land vested in the Commission. Part III A contains special provisions relating to estate lands owned by public companies. Part IV provides for the establishment, constitution and functions of the Land Reform Commission, which shall exercise the following powers: (a) acquire, hold, take or give on lease or hire, exchange, mortgage, pledge, sell or otherwise dispose of, any movable or immovable property; (b) carry out investigations, surveys and record data relating to agricultural lands; (c) conduct, assist and encourage research into all aspects of land tenure and land reform; (d) establish and maintain branch offices for the purposes of the Commission; (e) enter upon and inspect any agricultural land; (f) direct and decide any matters connected with the administration of its affairs; (g) establish and manage its own fund. Further provisions regulate the appointment of officers and servants, the powers of the Commission in regard to its staff, the financial management and accounts of the Commission, offences and penalties.

Amended by: Land Reform (Amendment) Act. (1983)
Amended by: Land Reform (Special Provisions) Act (No. 14 of 1986). (1986-06-20)