Maharashtra Government Uncovers Widespread Land Mutation Irregularities in Pune District
The Maharashtra state government has identified serious irregularities in 424 land mutation cases within Pune district, involving the alleged misuse of Section 155 of the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule declared on Wednesday that strict disciplinary measures, including suspensions and criminal proceedings, will be initiated against the responsible officials.
Committee Investigation Reveals Systemic Abuse of Legal Provisions
In a statement delivered to the legislative council, Minister Bawankule emphasized that the state government has taken serious cognizance of illegal orders issued through the misuse of Section 155. To address this, a committee chaired by Nashik Divisional Commissioner Praveen Gedam was established to investigate cases in Pune district dating back to 2020.
The committee conducted a preliminary review of 38,027 cases. Documents were accessible for 2,337 of these, and a thorough examination exposed that 424 cases involved illegal orders executed through improper administrative and legal procedures.
Categorization of Cases and Proposed Actions Against Officials
Based on the severity of the irregularities, the 424 cases have been classified into three categories:
- Category A: Comprises 13 extremely serious cases where suspension and criminal action against guilty officers and employees will be determined following legal consultation.
- Category B: Officials implicated in serious irregularities under this category will be transferred out of the Pune division to non-executive positions.
- Category C: Includes other cases with varying degrees of procedural lapses.
The committee has recommended the immediate suspension of officials involved in more than 30 irregular cases, and action is currently being proposed, according to officials from the state revenue department.
Restoration of Property Records and Statewide Expansion of Probe
Minister Bawankule affirmed, "The government will conduct suo motu reviews of illegal cases through senior officers. Original property records will be restored within the next six months." He further announced that the state will launch a similar investigation across Maharashtra. Committees modeled on the Nashik panel will be established in other divisions to examine the misuse of Section 155 and related provisions.
These panels are mandated to submit their reports within six months, which will form the foundation for a comprehensive state-level assessment. The priority is to ensure justice for citizens adversely affected by illegal land mutation orders while holding officials accountable and streamlining the land administration system.
Legislative Amendments to Prevent Future Misuse
To prevent future abuses, the government plans to introduce a bill to amend the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code during the upcoming monsoon session. These amendments are designed to strengthen land mutation processes, enhance transparency, and increase accountability within revenue administration. This legislative move aims to safeguard property rights and restore public trust in governmental procedures.
