The Andhra Pradesh government has introduced the Andhra Pradesh Land Grabbing (Prohibition) Bill-2024, aiming to combat rampant land grabbing across the state. This new legislation, replacing the outdated 1982 Act, introduces stricter penalties, including minimum prison terms of 10 to 14 years and fines aligned with the market value of the seized property. The bill also streamlines judicial processes by establishing Special Courts with both civil and criminal jurisdiction, ensuring swift and comprehensive resolution of land-grabbing cases. To further strengthen the legal framework, the bill mandates the appointment of dedicated public prosecutors for each Special Court and shifts the burden of proof onto the accused, particularly in cases where assets exceed their legitimate income. The bill also introduces provisions for compensation to victims and aims to conclude cases within six months, minimizing delays and reducing the backlog. The Andhra Pradesh government believes this new legislation will deter land grabbing, safeguard landowners’ rights, and create a more secure environment for all.