Question

Under the Land Acquisition Act, the arable land means

• A. Useful for residential purpose
• B. Useful for commercial purpose
• C. Useful for cultivation
• D. Useful for industrial purpose

Hint:

Associate legal terms with their literal meanings. 'Arable' is directly linked to agriculture and ploughing, which makes 'cultivation' the most logical answer. Understanding the etymology of legal terms can often help in answering definition-based questions.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The term "arable land" refers to land that is capable of being ploughed and used to grow crops. This distinction was important under the now-repealed Land Acquisition Act, 1894.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The word 'arable' itself is derived from the Latin word 'arabilis', meaning 'able to be ploughed'. In the context of land use and agriculture, it specifically means land that is fit for cultivation.
Under the Land Acquisition Act, 1894, this distinction was particularly relevant in the context of Section 17, which contained an 'urgency clause'. This clause allowed the government to dispense with certain procedures and take immediate possession of land. However, this urgency clause could not be invoked for arable land unless it was for a purpose that was temporary and the land was to be returned after use.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Therefore, under the Land Acquisition Act, "arable land" means land that is useful for cultivation.