The Maharashtra government has made the use of Marathi compulsory in hearings and all orders passed by authorities in quasi-judicial proceedings within the revenue department. This decision was announced on Friday by Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, who also unveiled a new standard operating procedure (SOP) for these proceedings.
New Standard Operating Procedure
A comprehensive 29-page government resolution has been issued, detailing the procedures for handling quasi-judicial cases filed before revenue officers. The SOP aims to streamline processes and ensure transparency.
"Under the guidance of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, we intend to make the revenue administration more citizen-centric and dynamic," Bawankule stated.
Key Reforms in the SOP
The revised procedures incorporate earlier directives, recommendations from divisional commissioners, field-level instructions, and observations from the Bombay High Court and the Supreme Court. Key changes include:
- Mandatory Marathi: All hearings and orders must now be conducted and issued in Marathi.
- Hearing Schedule: Revenue officers are required to conduct hearings at least twice a week, preferably on Tuesdays and Fridays.
- Limited Adjournments: Adjournments will be allowed only once and solely for valid reasons.
- Digital Orders: All interim and final orders must be uploaded on the ‘e-QJ Court’ system and issued only with digital signatures.
- Reasoned Judgments: No order can be passed without hearing both parties and recording proper reasoning. Speaking orders must be issued within a maximum period of eight weeks.
Specific Guidelines for Various Cases
Separate guidelines have been framed for cases related to minor minerals, farm access roads, petition matters, correction of clerical errors, and various proceedings under the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code.
Expected Impact
Officials believe that these new rules will significantly reduce the pendency of cases in revenue courts, making the system more efficient and accessible for citizens.
