Section 3 of PLRA : Section 3: Definitions

Explanation using Example

Imagine a scenario where Mr. Singh owns a piece of land in Punjab, which is recognized as an "estate" because a separate record of rights has been made for it. Mr. Singh is considered a "landowner" as per the Punjab Land-Revenue Act, 1887. One day, Mr. Singh decides to lease a portion of his estate to Mr. Kumar, making that portion Mr. Kumar's "holding."

Under the terms of the lease, Mr. Kumar agrees to "pay" a certain amount of money as "rent" to Mr. Singh. Unfortunately, Mr. Kumar faces financial difficulties and is unable to pay the rent on time. This unpaid rent becomes an "arrear of land - revenue" because it remains unpaid after the due date.

As a result, Mr. Kumar is classified as a "defaulter" under the Act. Additionally, the land is subject to "rates and cesses," which include local rates and the zaildari and village-officers' cesses. Mr. Singh, as the landowner, is primarily responsible for these payments, but he may have an agreement with Mr. Kumar that includes the transfer of these obligations.

If Mr. Singh needs to take legal action to recover the unpaid rent, he might hire a "legal practitioner" to represent him in court. Any proceedings would need to take place in accordance with the agricultural year and notifications as defined by the Act.