Pune: In a significant surge, the Pune district has witnessed a notable increase in land dispute complaints, with the state revenue department recording a staggering 91,624 cases in 2023. This surge represents a substantial rise from the previous year’s figure of 50,485, shedding light on the growing complexities surrounding land-related issues in the region.
Property prices in Pune have experienced an upward trajectory, making land transactions and disputes increasingly intricate. Among the prominent causes of these disputes are challenges related to the correction of 7/12 extracts, boundary disputes, and disagreements over property ownership between involved parties.
The state government, recognizing the urgency of resolving land litigations, issued a general resolution (GR) in 2015, stipulating that land-related disputes should ideally be resolved within six months to one year. However, the current backlog of cases reflects a challenging scenario in achieving this swift resolution.
Those entangled in land disputes have recourse to various authorities within the revenue department for redressal. They can seek assistance and resolution from tehsildars, divisional regional officers, additional collectors, divisional commissioners, the revenue secretary, and even the revenue minister.
As per data provided by the state revenue department, a total of 15,392 land appeals are currently pending before 678 judicial courts. Additionally, 27,570 cases await resolution at 31 revenue courts within the Pune division. Delays in the disposition of these appeals have arisen due to staff members being diverted to other duties, including responsibilities related to elections, on-site visits, and inspections.
The Maharashtra Land Revenue Code Act governs the timeline for filing appeals or applications for revision under the land revenue code section. According to this legislation, such appeals or applications must be submitted within 60 days from the date of the government official’s order or decision. Provisions outlined in Sections 4, 5, 12, and 14 of the Limitation Act, 1963 are also applicable to the filing of these appeals or revision applications.
As Pune grapples with an upsurge in land disputes, it is imperative to streamline the resolution process and ensure that parties involved find timely and equitable solutions to their land-related grievances.
