Thika tenancy is a uniquely Kolkata form of land tenure. If you're a thika tenant or landlord, understanding your rights — and having the right documents — is essential.
What Is Thika Tenancy?
Thika tenancy is a form of land tenure specific to Kolkata (and a few other parts of West Bengal) in which the land is owned by one party (the landlord) and the structure built on it is owned by another (the thika tenant). The thika tenant pays rent for the land but owns the building. This arrangement dates back to the colonial era and is governed by the West Bengal Thika Tenancy (Acquisition and Regulation) Act, 1981.
Why Documentation Matters
Thika tenancy rights are valuable — and contested. Without proper documentation, thika tenants risk losing their rights when landlords attempt to reclaim the land. Similarly, landlords need proper documentation to establish their ownership of the land when dealing with thika tenants who refuse to pay rent or vacate.
Key Documents
For thika tenants: the original thika tenancy agreement (or evidence of the tenancy if the original agreement is lost); rent receipts; and any correspondence with the landlord. For landlords: the original land title deed; evidence of the thika tenancy arrangement; and rent receipts.
KMC's Role
KMC maintains records of thika tenancies within the city. We can obtain certified extracts from these records, which are often required in legal proceedings involving thika tenancy disputes.
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