The Government of Karnataka on August 24, 2026, issued the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj (Second Amendment) Bill, 2026, to further amend the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj Act, 1993.
The following has been amended, namely:
• It amends the definition of “Public Street” to include streets, roads, passages, riding paths, bridges, footways and attached drains maintained by Rural Local Bodies, Government or public authorities, along with adjoining land up to the boundaries of adjacent properties.
• A new Section 63-A empowers the Government-authorized authority to declare a private street or part thereof as a public street where its poor condition poses a risk to public safety or health, after issuing public and owner notices and considering objections. The provision applies where the private street has connectivity to a public road/street and may also cover roads constructed using public funds. Where a landowner had shown such a road in registered conveyance documents and benefited by selling adjoining sites, the landowner will not be entitled to compensation or Development Rights Certificates upon its declaration as a public street.
• The Act also provides for removal of difficulties and repeals the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026, while saving actions already taken under it.
[LA Bill No. 21 of 2026]
