Maharashtra launches statewide review of stamp duty cases from 2021 amid fraud allegations

Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said the probe would be conducted by a special task force under the supervision of the accountant general (AG). PIC/X

Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Thursday announced a statewide investigation into all stamp duty adjudication cases handled between April 1, 2021, and March 31, 2026, saying preliminary indications suggested irregularities worth Rs 10,000 crore to Rs 20,000 crore may have occurred.

Replying to a question raised by legislator Jitendra Awhad in the legislative assembly, Bawankule said the probe would be conducted by a special task force under the supervision of the accountant general (AG). The government has taken serious note of alleged irregularities in stamp duty assessments and property registrations that may have caused losses to the state exchequer, he stated.

The announcement comes in the wake of a case detected in Navi Mumbai, where a senior clerk functioning as a stamp officer allegedly processed and registered more than 800 documents within a span of 10 days.

According to the minister, preliminary findings indicate that provisions of the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning (MRTP) Act, 1966, and registration laws were allegedly violated to facilitate the registration of unauthorised constructions. The irregularities are estimated to have caused a loss of around Rs 13.99 crore to the state government.

A first information report (FIR) has been registered at Turbhe Police Station in connection with the case, and the officer concerned has been suspended. The government is also examining legal provisions to initiate proceedings for the officer's permanent dismissal from service.

"The irregularities appear to have been carried out systematically and in collusion with vested interests. Officers involved in such serious misconduct have no place in public service. The government will pursue the strongest possible action against those found guilty," Bawankule said.

Officials misusing quasi-judicial powers will face criminal action, says minister

The minister further stated that the government had received reports of alleged irregularities in adjudication proceedings, wherein stamp duty assessments were purportedly revised through misuse of quasi-judicial powers.

To ascertain the extent of the alleged malpractice, the revenue department has ordered a comprehensive review of all adjudication cases across Maharashtra during the five-year period from April 2021 to March 2026.

Given the scale of the exercise, a dedicated special task force will be constituted under the accountant general, with the state government providing manpower, administrative support and financial resources for the investigation.

"This inquiry will separate facts from manipulation and establish accountability. Preliminary indications suggest that irregularities amounting to Rs 10,000 crore to Rs 20,000 crore may have occurred. The truth will emerge through a comprehensive and impartial investigation," the minister said.

Bawankule also announced that the government would issue a new standard operating procedure (SOP) and detailed guidelines governing adjudication proceedings to prevent recurrence of such incidents.

He said quasi-judicial powers must be exercised strictly within the framework of the Stamp Act and other applicable laws. Officials found to have misused their authority or caused losses to government revenue would face criminal proceedings in addition to departmental action.

The revenue department has adopted a zero-tolerance approach towards corruption, abuse of authority and revenue leakages, the minister added.