Bill passed to seize properties derived from illegal mining

The Legislative Assembly passed the Karnataka Appointment of Recovery Commissioner for Seizure and Attachment of Property of Illegal Mining and Proceeds of Crime Bill, 2025, on Thursday, which seeks to appoint a recovery commissioner to seize and attach properties derived from illegal mining activities.

The Bill said a serving or retired officer, not below the rank of Additional Chief Secretary, would be appointed as the recovery commissioner to supervise recovery proceedings.

The Bill said the recovery commissioner shall issue directions to subordinate officers for the timely enforcement of attachment or forfeiture orders, receive complaints from individuals, and recommend further legal or criminal action where necessary.

The Bill also provides the recovery commissioner with powers similar to those of a civil court, and ensures that officers cannot be prosecuted for acts done in good faith.

The House passed the Karnataka Traditional Migratory Shepherds (Welfare Measures and Protection Against Atrocities) Bill, 2025, for registration and identification of traditional migratory shepherds and to establish a fund for implementing welfare schemes for shepherds.

The Karnataka Lifts, Escalators and Passenger Conveyors (Amendment) Bill, 2025, was passed to ensure trust-based governance for ease of living and doing business. It aimed to comply with the modifications specified in the Central Electricity Authority (measures relating to safety and electric supply) Regulations, 2003.

The Basavanabagewadi Development Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2025, was passed to include the representing MLC as part of the whole of the Basavanabagewadi, whose territory lies within the limits of the authority, as a member of the authority.