Leasehold Reform in the Modern Era: Examining Tenant Rights and Security of Tenure in India

In India, the leasehold system, which grants tenants temporary use of land or property for a fixed period, has come under increasing scrutiny as urbanization and housing demands intensify. The system often leaves tenants vulnerable to unfair eviction and exploitation, raising concerns about their rights and security. Public movements and political pressures have sparked debates on leasehold reform, focusing on the need for better tenant protection and addressing the system's inequities. This paper examines these calls for reform, explores political responses, and compares India's leasehold system with international practices, particularly the freehold systems in other countries. It also discusses potential paths for reform to enhance tenant rights and security in India.