State-Directed Inspection Team Investigates Allegations of Stamp Duty Evasion in Mira Bhayander Municipal Corporation
The Mira Bhayander Municipal Corporation has recently come under scanner for its issuance of building permits and Transferable Development Rights (TDRs) to various developers and right holders without the payment of stamp duty through registered agreements. In response to directives from the State Government, a team of nine government officials has been tasked with reviewing the municipal corporation's documents, particularly in instances where stamp duty payments have been omitted in development and lease agreements.
Allegations have surfaced that some municipal officials in connivance with developers, and political figures received construction permits without fulfilling stamp duty obligations, facilitated through unregistered agreements or power of attorney. Similar concerns have been raised regarding the allocation of TDRs, lease agreements resulting in a loss of government revenue.
Numerous concerned citizens have lodged complaints with stamp inspectors and government authorities over the past years, alleging the involvement of illegal and undisclosed funds through unregistered contracts, thereby evading substantial stamp duty payments.
Complainant demanded to pursue legal action against implicated parties, including the collection of outstanding government fees and fines, as well as the cancellation of permits issued based on unregistered agreements and TDRs. In certain instances, investigations by the Anti Corruption Department are underway.
One of the complainant Amol Rakvi had complained to the State Revenue Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil as no concrete action was taken in this matter. In view of the seriousness of the complaint and the documentary evidence available in person, Revenue and Forest Department has informed the state's Inspector General of Registration and Controller of Stamps through a letter that an inspection team of 9 officers has been appointed.
A specialized inspection team comprising nine individuals, led by the Divisional Deputy Inspector General of Registration and Deputy Controller of Stamps from Aurangabad, has been tasked with reviewing all relevant documents and records within the Mira Bhayander Municipal Corporation.
This team, comprising officials from various departments, is mandated to ensure compliance with stamp duty regulations in agreements related to TDR transfers, development contracts, work agreements, leases, among others.
The Municipal Corporation has been instructed to furnish all necessary documents and contracts to the inspection team for thorough review. Any deviations or irregularities discovered during the inspection will be subject to strict disciplinary action, as per the provisions of the Stamp and Registration Act.
The inspection team is required to submit weekly reports to the Inspector General of Registration and the Controller of Stamps, with feedback on their findings. Sunil Jadhav, Executive Officer of the Revenue and Forest Department, has set a deadline for the submission of the comprehensive inspection report by March 15, 2024.
In recent days, the inspection team has been diligently examining documents at the town planning office of the Municipal Corporation to ensure adherence to stamp duty regulations and proper documentation procedures.
