A piece of land (about six kattah) within the CMC area was given on lease for 21 years in 1971 on the condition that the period would be further enhanced to another 11 years. The lessee had done some construction on that land and started production and business. The lessor (my father) died in 1973. Mutation was done in my mother’s favour and also her sons. As per the lease, it was decided that the lessee would pay the CMC taxes. When the Kolkata Thika Tenancy Acquisition and Regulation Act, 1981, was promulgated, we ceased to get the rent of the land from 1986 onwards. We did not approach the court of law at that time. Now I need to know the following:

(a) Are we still the owners of the land?

(b) What steps can still be taken to get back ownership?

(c) Can we sell the land to the lessee?

(d) Can we approach the court now?

Manik Lal Pal,
Calcutta 700006

It is not possible to advise you without checking the contents of the lease deed. Also, it is not clear how your property is affected by the Thika Tenancy Acquisition and Regulation Act. Please consult an advocate with all the relevant documents and papers for proper guidance.