Pune IGR Sets February 16 Hearing in High-Value Stamp Duty Dispute
The Inspector General of Registration (IGR) in Pune has officially granted a hearing to Amadea Enterprises LLP on February 16, following the firm's appeal against a substantial stamp duty liability and penalty imposed for a land registration in Mundhwa. This development comes despite the official deadline for clearing the dues having expired on Tuesday, as confirmed by senior officials from the registration department.
Department authorities have made it clear that no waiver of the stamp duty has been announced, and the earlier warning of initiating coercive recovery proceedings if the firm failed to pay by February 10 remains in effect. Officials explained that, until a formal stay order is issued, they will proceed with standard procedures. Given the quasi-judicial nature of the matter, the IGR is legally obligated to provide a hearing after Amadea contested the demand notice and refused to accept the liability and penalty.
Details of the Stamp Duty Liability and Penalty
Amadea Enterprises LLP, which includes partners Digvijay Patil and Parth Pawar—son of the late deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar—is facing a stamp duty shortfall of Rs 21 crore for a sale deed executed in May 2025. Under the Maharashtra Stamp Act, a statutory penalty of 1% per month is also applicable.
As of November 2025, the penalty amounts to Rs 21 lakh per month, totaling Rs 1.47 crore for seven months. Combined with the principal amount, the current dues stand at Rs 22.47 crore. This liability is expected to increase further, as penalties for December and January have yet to be added to the total.
Legal Standoff and Departmental Actions
In November 2025, the registration department issued a formal demand notice to Amadea Enterprises, providing a 60-day window from December 10 to clear the dues. The department later rejected the firm's plea for exemption from the stamp duty liability, reiterating that the full deficit amount along with penalties must be paid.
Amadea's legal representatives stated on Tuesday that the liability is unacceptable and that they have presented their contention before the IGR. They emphasized, "They have to give us a hearing, and they cannot auction or carry out any action as we already filed an appeal before IGR," noting that they have already submitted their response to the department.
Potential Recovery Measures and Future Implications
Retired officials from the department indicated that if the dues remain unpaid after due process, recovery measures under the Maharashtra Stamp Act could include the attachment and auction of the firm's movable and immovable properties. However, with the hearing now pending, the final decision will hinge on its outcome, as noted by a retired official.
This case highlights the stringent enforcement of stamp duty regulations in Maharashtra and the legal avenues available for disputing such liabilities. The hearing on February 16 will be a critical juncture in determining whether Amadea Enterprises must pay the escalating dues or if a resolution can be reached through legal proceedings.
