The Government of Karnataka on September 1, 2026, published the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj (Second Amendment) Act, 2026, after receiving the Governor’s assent on the same date. The Act further amends the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj Act, 1993, and, except where otherwise provided, is deemed to have come into force from July 16, 2026.
The amendment substitutes the definition of “Public Street” to include streets, roads, squares, courts, alleys, passages, riding paths, public bridges, footways and attached drains maintained by Rural Local Bodies, Government or public authorities. A new Section 63-A empowers the Government-authorised authority to declare a private street, including its drains, as a public street where its poor condition endangers public safety or health, either suo motu or upon a request from relevant owners. Such declaration requires public notice and an opportunity to raise objections, and the private street must have connectivity with a public road or public street.
The Act further provides that where a road shown by an erstwhile landowner in a registered transfer/conveyance was used to carve out and sell adjoining building sites, the landowner will not be entitled to compensation, including Development Rights Certificates under Section 14-B of the Karnataka Town and Country Planning Act, 1961, if that road is subsequently declared a public street. A new Section 165A also provides for appointment/designation of Electoral Registration Officers, Assistant Electoral Registration Officers and Booth Level Officers for preparation and revision of Grama Panchayat electoral rolls. The earlier Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026 is repealed, subject to savings for actions already taken under it.
[Karnataka Act No. 34 of 2026]
