PUNE: A five-member inquiry committee, led by Joint Inspector General of Registration Rajendra Muthe, has proposed significant reforms to enhance Maharashtra’s property registration system and reduce revenue loss. This recommendation follows an investigation into irregularities linked to a ₹300-crore land purchase case in Mundhwa involving Amadea Enterprises LLP, associated with Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s son, Parth.
According to sources familiar with the report, the committee has advised that registrars must obtain a formal decision from the Stamp Collector under Section 31 of the Maharashtra Stamp Act before granting stamp duty exemptions based on government notifications. “This measure is vital for thorough verification and to prevent abuse of exemptions,” a senior official informed TOI.
To authenticate property ownership, the report calls for the mandatory attachment of recent property sheets or 7/12 extracts, not older than one month at the time of registration, in accordance with Section 18C of the Registration Act, 1908.
Emphasizing the need for strict oversight, the committee suggests appointing only qualified, senior joint deputy registrars in districts crucial for state revenue. “Experienced officials will help maintain high registration standards and accountability,” the official added.
The committee also highlighted limitations in Section 18A of the Registration Act, which currently only prohibits the registration of government-owned properties. The recommendation includes amending the section to encompass lands owned or controlled by government entities, preventing illegitimate registrations on such properties.
Another significant suggestion is the establishment of a negative property list by district collectors, which would cover village model 1C lands and other properties with transaction restrictions or contested ownership. This list should be shared with district registrars and integrated into the i-Sarita e-registration system, enabling sub-registrars to promptly flag and reject unauthorized registrations.
Overall, these measures aim to strengthen legal protections, increase transparency, and ensure proper revenue collection from stamp duties and registration fees.
The committee members supporting the report alongside Muthe include Assistant Inspector General Anuja Kulkarni, Deputy IG Udayraj Chavan, Assistant IG Sanjay Patil, and Deputy IG Dharmdev Mainkar. The report has been officially submitted to the Inspector General of Registration and Controller of Stamps for further action.
