Senate approves reforms to strengthen fight against unauthorized land seizures

This new legislation introduces changes to existing legal frameworks, with a focus on more effective land use and mechanisms to prevent land-related violations. The law, which will now be sent to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev for approval, also strengthens administrative and criminal penalties for violations of land regulations.

Senator Shuhrat Chulliev highlighted the recent passage of a separate law that recognizes the rights to land plots and buildings that were previously occupied illegally but lacked official cadastral documentation. He emphasized, however, that this should not be interpreted as permission for future unauthorized land seizures or construction of illegal structures with the intent to legalize them later.

Previously, both the Prosecutor’s Office and law enforcement agencies had the authority to investigate illegal land seizures. Under the new law, only the Prosecutor’s Office will have this responsibility, streamlining the process and ensuring that such cases are handled more effectively.

According to Senator Botir Matmurodov, law enforcement agencies often identified violations but lacked the legal authority to initiate court proceedings for land restitution or demolition of illegal structures. The new provisions aim to address this gap by empowering prosecutors to act on these cases, especially when public officials are involved.

Chulliev added that previously, illegal structures were often built on seized land before legal action could be taken, and those responsible sometimes demanded compensation for demolishing these buildings. Under the current law, local authorities are given clear procedures to handle these cases, including mandatory demolition of illegal buildings within a specified timeframe.

The law also amends the Economic and Civil Procedure Codes, introducing a simplified and expedited process for the return of seized state lands and the demolition of illegal structures. It establishes specific timelines and document requirements to reduce bureaucratic delays.

Additionally, local executive bodies will now be exempt from paying state duties when filing lawsuits related to land violations, further streamlining the process.

The law is expected to significantly improve the effectiveness of the fight against land-related offenses and ensure timely recovery of damages caused by such crimes.