NAGPUR: On Wednesday, the Maharashtra legislature unanimously approved the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code (Second Amendment) Bill, 2026. This new legislation empowers district-level authorities to regularize most cases of land-use breaches.
Introduced by Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, this amendment transitions from a centralized approach to a decentralized one, allowing collectors and divisional commissioners to manage nearly 90% of these cases at the local level. The change is anticipated to alleviate backlog, reduce bureaucratic hold-ups, and improve citizen access to administrative solutions.
“Previously, even minor breaches were sent to the Mantralaya, overloading the secretariat and obligating citizens to make numerous trips to Mumbai,” Bawankule stated during discussions. “We are decentralizing these powers. Only exceptionally high-value cases will still be directed to the Mantralaya.”
Until now, the lack of a clear statutory provision in the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code resulted in regularization via government resolutions and circulars, often causing legal confusion and drawn-out litigation. The amendment fills this gap by establishing a legal framework through newly added sections, including Section 37A.
Officials noted that the absence of codified rules left many cases unresolved for years, creating procedural inconsistencies for applicants. By providing statutory support, the government aims to streamline the process and ensure consistent decision-making across districts.
The Bill garnered bipartisan support, with legislators from various political backgrounds recognizing the importance of simplifying land-related procedures and fostering responsive governance. Delays in regularization have disproportionately impacted small landowners and businesses, reinforcing the necessity for reform.
While high-value or complex cases will still be handled at the state level, the new system is aimed at resolving routine matters within districts, ultimately minimizing delays and procedural hurdles.
This amendment is expected to significantly influence land administration, enhance legal clarity, and improve the business environment in Maharashtra as the state seeks to establish itself as a prime investment destination, according to revenue officials.
