Pune IGR Schedules Next Hearing in Amadea Enterprises Stamp Duty Case for March 16
The Inspector General of Registration (IGR) in Pune has officially set the next hearing date for the appeal filed by Amadea Enterprises LLP against a substantial stamp duty shortfall and penalty demand. The hearing is now scheduled for March 16, following a request from the firm's legal representatives for additional time to gather necessary government documents.
Firm Seeks Extension to Collect Documents
According to state IGR officials, lawyers acting on behalf of Amadea Enterprises LLP requested at least a month's extension to compile specific government records. However, the IGR opted for a shorter timeframe, confirming the new date as March 16. An official from the registration department stated, "The IGR set the next date as March 16 after considering the firm's request for more time."
Background of the Controversial Land Transaction
This appeal centers on the contentious registration of a sale deed involving Amadea Enterprises LLP and power of attorney holder Sheetal Tejwani. The transaction pertains to approximately 40 acres of government land located in Mundhwa. The case gained notoriety after suspended registrar R B Taru was accused of illegally waiving the stamp duty for this deal.
Amadea Enterprises LLP, which includes partners Digvijay Patil and Parth Pawar—son of deputy chief minister Sunetra Pawar—was directed to pay a stamp duty shortfall of Rs21 crore for the sale deed executed in May 2025. Under the Maharashtra Stamp Act, a statutory penalty of 1% per month applies until the outstanding dues are settled.
Timeline of the Appeal Process
The appeal was initiated after the February 10 deadline for clearing the stamp duty shortfall and associated penalty expired. The first hearing occurred on February 16, with Monday's session following the cancellation of an earlier March 3 date due to a government holiday. Officials have emphasized that no waiver of stamp duty has been granted at this stage.
A senior official explained, "The matter is quasi-judicial in nature. The IGR is legally required to grant a hearing after the firm contested the demand notice and refused to accept the liability and penalty. Any further decision will be taken after the hearing."
Legal Stance and Potential Consequences
Previously, lawyers representing Amadea had asserted that the liability was unacceptable and that they had presented their arguments to the authority. They noted, "They have to give us a hearing, and they cannot auction or initiate any action since we have already filed an appeal before the IGR."
Officials have clarified that if the dues remain unpaid following the due legal process, recovery proceedings under the Maharashtra Stamp Act could be initiated. These measures may include the attachment and auction of the firm's movable and immovable properties to recover the owed amounts.
