Maharashtra Govt Fixes Timeline For Mutation in Land Acquisition Cases
**State Government Issues Strict Deadlines to Complete Land Mutation Process and Prevent Ownership Disputes**
The state government has taken a strong stand to address the ongoing issues concerning delays in the mutation process following land acquisition. Several instances have come to light where mutations have remained pending for years, resulting in disputes over land ownership and consequent court cases.
**Mutation Delays Leading to Ownership Disputes**
Various government agencies—including highway authorities, railways, water resources, Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), and Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC)—engage in acquiring land for their infrastructure projects. Although the award is declared and the land is handed over to the concerned agency, registration of the agency’s name often remains incomplete for years.
Because the mutation is not executed promptly, the original owners’ names continue to appear in the state land records. This discrepancy has led to multiple litigations, with original owners asserting their rights in courts, thus complicating ownership clarity.
**Government Orders Issued After Review Meeting**
The issue gained attention during a recent discussion held between officials from the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) and the Chief Secretary of Maharashtra. Recognizing the urgency, the state Settlement Commissioner and the Director of Land Records were instructed to formulate a streamlined procedure for addressing pending mutations.
Based on the Settlement Commissioner’s report, the Revenue Department has now mandated all concerned agencies to submit the necessary documents for mutation to their respective Deputy Directors of Land Records within 15 days.
**Enforcing Strict Deadlines on Agencies**
According to a government resolution (GR) issued on Friday, land acquisition officers from each agency must submit the mutation documents along with a copy to the Commissioner. Simultaneously, the Department of Land Records has been directed to expedite the updating of land records accordingly.
**Preventing Misuse and False Ownership Claims**
Delays in mutation have sometimes been exploited, with original titleholders continuing to exercise ownership rights even years after the acquisition process started. To curb such misuse and avoid false ownership claims, the state government’s decisive action aims to bring transparency and timeliness to the mutation process, thereby reducing disputes and legal complications.
With the implementation of these time-bound measures, the government hopes to streamline post-acquisition land record updates and protect the interests of both the acquiring agencies and rightful landowners.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/maharashtra-govt-fixes-timeline-for-mutation-in-land-acquisition-cases
