MUMBAI: Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule has initiated an investigation into a significant stamp duty scam in the state, potentially valued between Rs 10,000 crore to Rs 20,000 crore.
During a session in the state assembly on Thursday, he mentioned that the government has received reports of severe discrepancies in adjudication proceedings, where stamp duties were allegedly inflated and later reduced through misuse of quasi-judicial powers.
The investigation will cover stamp duty adjudications across the state from April 1, 2021, to March 31, 2026. Bawankule stated, “Preliminary findings indicate possible irregularities amounting to between Rs 10,000 crore and Rs 20,000 crore.”
“We are taking these irregularities very seriously, as they have resulted in significant losses to the state. These actions seem to have been carried out systematically and in collaboration with various interests,” Bawankule added.
He addressed a case in Navi Mumbai reported by NCP SP MLA Jitendra Awhad, involving a senior clerk functioning as a stamp officer, who allegedly processed and registered over 800 documents within ten days. These documents facilitated the registration of unauthorized constructions, leading to approximately Rs 13.9 crore in lost stamp duty.
An FIR has been lodged at Turbhe police station, and the officer in question has been suspended while legal avenues for dismissal are being explored.
Bawankule also announced that the state government will establish new standard operating procedures and detailed guidelines governing stamp duty adjudication processes.
“Any officer exceeding their legal authority, misusing their position, or causing financial losses to the government will face criminal charges in addition to departmental actions. We maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, abuse of power, and revenue losses. Our department is devoted to ensuring transparency, accountability, and safeguarding public resources,” he emphasized.
