MOHALI: The municipal corporation has initiated a rigorous enforcement campaign targeting persistent property tax defaulters, emphasizing that further non-compliance will not be tolerated. This initiative specifically focuses on major commercial and industrial entities that have neglected to settle their financial obligations despite several notifications.
MC Commissioner Parminder Pal Singh stated that sealing notices were dispatched under Section 138-C of the Punjab Municipal Corporation Act, 1976, to non-compliant properties. “A final grace period of three days was extended for clearing outstanding property tax. Should payment not be made during this window, the premises will be sealed without additional notification,” he warned.
The commissioner further explained that once a property is sealed, the owner or occupant assumes full responsibility for any losses or damages to belongings within the sealed premises, with the municipal corporation bearing no liability.
Joint Commissioner Jasjit Singh noted that the law empowers the MC to take even more severe actions post-sealing. “Under the Punjab Municipal Corporation Act, 1976, the corporation has the authority to auction sealed properties to recover outstanding property tax, which may include penalties of up to 20% of the tax amount and interest at 18%, accruing from April 1, 2014, until the dues are settled,” he said.
Officials indicated that this enforcement initiative encompasses significant industrial and commercial units across various sectors of Mohali, as listed in the defaulters’ registry compiled by the MC.
Issuing a final advisory, the MC urged all remaining defaulters to promptly address their overdue property tax along with any applicable penalties and interest at the Municipal Corporation office, Municipal Bhawan, Sector 68, Mohali, or via the designated online platforms, including the M-Seva App.
The Corporation warned that any further delays or failures to comply would result in coercive measures such as property sealing, auction procedures, and other legal action as per the Act.
MC officials appealed to residents, emphasizing that timely property tax payments are essential for sustaining and enhancing vital civic services like road maintenance, sanitation, street lighting, and other public amenities. For any inquiries regarding dues or payment methods, taxpayers may contact the Property Tax Branch of the Municipal Corporation, Mohali, during business hours.
