What is the required duration for occupancy rights under the Act?

The acquisition of occupancy rights under the Punjab Tenancy Act 1887 is fundamentally tied to the duration of continuous possession of the land. The correct answer is 20 years. This specific period of uninterrupted cultivation under the same landlord is a crucial statutory requirement for a tenant to claim and be recognized as an occupancy tenant, granting them enhanced security and rights over the land.

• Options A, B, and D (10 years, 15 years, and 25 years respectively) are incorrect durations. The Act explicitly sets the threshold at 20 years for establishing occupancy tenancy rights, reflecting a long-standing relationship with the land.