Uzbekistan strengthens responsibility for violation of land legislation

The law “On amendments and additions to some legislative acts of the Republic of Uzbekistan in connection with the allocation and use of land plots, as well as improving the land registration system and maintaining the state land cadaster” was signed by the President.

According to the amendment to the law “On state power at places”, the documents of the council of people’s deputies can be appealed in court, and the prosecutor can appeal against them.

Direct criminal liability has been established for unauthorized occupation of irrigated land for construction (from 2 to 3 years in prison). Liability for the sale of irrigated land or its illegal transfer has also been established. Accordingly, if these actions are committed under aggravating circumstances, the punishment is up to 8-10 years in prison.

In addition, the law has strengthened administrative and criminal liability for violation of land legislation.

The Land Code abolishes the powers of the regional khokims to provide land for ownership, use and lease for the needs of agriculture and other state and public needs, the khokims will be able to approve the results of the competition for the provision of land for lease.

Drafts of land decisions of regional khokims are subject to legal examination by territorial bodies of justice.

The right of district khokims to lease land is limited. Accordingly, lease agreements are concluded with the district khokimiyats for the following types of land plots:

- lands provided by the government to research and educational institutions, agro-industrial clusters, investors;
- lands allocated on the basis of the decision of the regional khokim after the approval of the results of the electronic competition;
- lands provided at an electronic auction;
- lands allocated by the government to enterprises with foreign investment, international associations and organizations, foreign individuals and legal entities.