Pune Registration Department Grants Hearing in High-Value Stamp Duty Dispute
The Inspector General of Registration (IGR) in Pune has officially scheduled a crucial hearing for February 16, granting Amadea Enterprises LLP an opportunity to present its case. This development comes despite the expiration of the deadline for clearing outstanding dues on Tuesday, as confirmed by senior officials from the registration department. The firm has filed a formal appeal challenging both the stamp duty liability and the associated penalty imposed for a land registration transaction in Mundhwa.
No Waiver Announced as Coercive Recovery Looms
Department authorities have made it explicitly clear that no waiver of the stamp duty has been announced. Prior warnings indicated that coercive recovery proceedings would be initiated if the firm failed to settle the dues by February 10. Senior officials elaborated that, in the absence of a stay order, standard procedures will continue to move forward. Given the quasi-judicial nature of the matter, the IGR is legally obligated to grant a hearing to Amadea Enterprises after the firm contested the demand notice and refused to accept the liability and penalty.
Substantial Financial Liability and Penalty Details
Amadea Enterprises LLP, which includes partners Digvijay Patil and Parth Pawar—son of the late deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar—is facing a significant financial obligation. The firm is required to pay a stamp duty shortfall of Rs 21 crore for a sale deed executed in May 2025. Additionally, a statutory penalty of 1% per month applies under the provisions of the Maharashtra Stamp Act. Officials have calculated that this penalty amounts to Rs 21 lakh per month, resulting in a total of Rs 1.47 crore for the seven-month period up to November 2025. Consequently, the combined dues currently stand at Rs 22.47 crore, with further increases expected as penalties for December and January are yet to be added.
Firm's Legal Position and Departmental Actions
Representatives from Amadea Enterprises stated on Tuesday that the liability is unacceptable and that they have presented their contentions 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 the IGR." The firm has also submitted its formal response to the department. In November 2025, the registration department issued a formal demand notice, providing a 60-day window from December 10 for clearing the dues. The department subsequently rejected Amadea's plea for exemption from the stamp duty liability, reiterating that the full deficit amount along with penalties must be paid.
Potential Recovery Measures and Future Implications
Retired officials from the department have outlined 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 entirely on its outcome. This case highlights the stringent enforcement of stamp duty regulations and the legal avenues available for contesting such demands in Maharashtra.
