THE BENAMI TRANSACTIONS (PROHIBITION) AMENDMENT BILL, 2016

Benami Transactions law strengthened: expanded definitions, provisional attachment, adjudication and confiscation procedures, and new appellate and special courts. The Amendment expands definitions and creates a structured enforcement regime: Initiating Officers and Approving Authorities may issue notices, provisionally attach suspected benami property with approvals and limited retention of documents; Adjudicating Authorities (constituted with specified qualifications and benches) adjudicate references, may confirm attachment and order confiscation vesting title in the Central Government; an Appellate Tribunal and Special Courts are established for appeals and prosecutions; offences and penalties for benami transactions and false information are prescribed, with specified procedural safeguards and rule-making powers.