<h1>India Strengthens Anti-Benami Law: 2016 Amendment Enforces Property Confiscation, Sets Penalties, and Establishes Tribunals.</h1> The Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Amendment Act, 2016, amends the original 1988 Act to strengthen the framework against benami transactions in India. Effective from November 1, 2016, the Act introduces provisions for the confiscation of benami properties by the government and prohibits their re-transfer. It establishes an Adjudicating Authority and an Appellate Tribunal to handle disputes and appeals. The Act defines key terms such as benami transactions, benamidar, and beneficial owner, and sets penalties for violations, including imprisonment and fines. It also bars civil courts from interfering in matters under the Act.