What is 22A Land in Andhra Pradesh?
Section 22A is a provision under the Indian Registration Act, 1908 that allows the government to prohibit registration of certain lands.
In Andhra Pradesh, lands listed under 22A Prohibited Properties cannot be:
- Sold
- Registered
- Gifted
- Mortgaged
- Transferred
If a land parcel is marked under 22A in the Sub-Registrar system, registration is automatically blocked.
Why Were Lands Added to 22A List in AP?
Over the years, many lands were placed under 22A due to:
- Assigned land transfer violations
- Government land disputes
- Unclear ownership records
- Old revenue record mismatches
- Survey errors
- Court litigations
- Webland data mistakes
Unfortunately, even genuine private patta lands were wrongly included, causing hardship to farmers and investors.
2026 Update: 5 Categories of Private Lands Eligible for Removal from 22A
The Andhra Pradesh Government has identified five major categories eligible for removal from the prohibited list.
✅ 1. Lands Assigned to Defence Personnel
Land granted to serving or retired defence personnel.
✅ 2. Lands Assigned to Freedom Fighters
Government-allotted lands to freedom fighters.
✅ 3. Lands Given to Political Victims
Recognized beneficiaries under political victim compensation schemes.
✅ 4. Lands Assigned Before 18 June 1954
Old assignments made before 18-06-1954 are eligible for review and removal.
✅ 5. Private Patta Lands Wrongly Included
Genuine privately owned lands mistakenly marked under 22A.
Additionally, if only part of a survey number is disputed, authorities may subdivide and release the undisputed portion.
What Are the Implications of 22A on Landowners?
If your land is under 22A:
🔴 You cannot register sale deeds
🔴 Banks will reject loan applications
🔴 Buyers avoid the property
🔴 Market value drops significantly
🔴 Development approvals become difficult
This directly impacts agricultural investors, plot buyers, and real estate developers in Andhra Pradesh.
Step-by-Step Process to Remove Land from 22A in Andhra Pradesh
Step 1: Verify 22A Status
Check through:
- Sub-Registrar Office (SRO)
- Encumbrance Certificate (EC)
- MeeSeva / Webland records
If EC shows “Prohibited Property – 22A”, registration is blocked.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Mandatory Documents:
- Latest Adangal / Pahani
- 1B / RoR
- Registered Sale Deed Copies
- Pattadar Passbook
- Encumbrance Certificate (30 years preferred)
- Aadhaar Copy
- Land tax receipts
Additional (If Applicable):
- Assignment order copy
- Court decree
- Legal heir certificate
- FMB sketch
- Pre-1954 revenue records
Step 3: Submit Application
Submit representation to:
- Tahsildar (Mandal Level)
- RDO (if required)
- Through MeeSeva (in applicable districts)
Clearly mention:
- Survey number
- Extent
- Category eligible under 5 identified types
- Supporting evidence
Step 4: Revenue Verification
Authorities will:
- Verify Webland records
- Conduct field inspection
- Cross-check assignment conditions
- Recommend removal if eligible
Final approval may require District Collector authorization.
How Long Does 22A Removal Take?
- Private patta error cases → 15 to 45 days
- Old assignment cases → 1 to 3 months
- Court-related cases → Depends on litigation
The AP government is currently conducting special drives to simplify and fast-track removals.
Important Precautions Before Buying Land in Andhra Pradesh
✔ Always verify 22A status before payment
✔ Check EC thoroughly
✔ Confirm whether land is assigned or freehold
✔ Consult revenue records before marketing
✔ Avoid presale transactions without 22A clearance
Future Outlook: Will All 22A Issues Be Cleared?
The Andhra Pradesh government is working toward systematic land record correction and dispute resolution. However:
- Each case requires individual verification
- Litigation matters may take longer
- Full clarity depends on land resurvey completion
Investors should conduct due diligence before entering transactions.
Conclusion
The 22A provision under the Indian Registration Act, 1908 was intended to protect government lands but has also affected genuine private landowners.
With the government now identifying five eligible categories for removal, many farmers and investors can seek relief.
If your land is under 22A, initiate verification immediately and apply for removal under the appropriate category.