Archive · 14 Dec 2025
Maharashtra Amends Stamp Duty Act
The Maharashtra government has passed a new law to change how people can appeal decisions about stamp duty, which is a tax on property deals.
Before, people had to go to the High Court to appeal, but now they can go directly to the state government.
The government says this will make things faster and easier.
However, some people think the law was changed quickly to help Parth Pawar, who is involved in a controversial land deal.
In this deal, his company paid very little tax for buying a lot of land.
The government says the new law won't help Parth Pawar with his current problems, but critics are not sure they believe this.
They worry that the new law might let politicians interfere in legal matters more than before.
The Maharashtra Legislative Assembly passed the Maharashtra Stamp (Second Amendment) Bill, 2025, allowing direct appeals to the state government in stamp duty matters.
The amendment inserts a new Section 53B, enabling appeals within 60 days of receiving an order from the Chief Controlling Revenue Authority.
Government officials state the amendment will not have retrospective effect and is intended for future cases.
Critics argue the amendment is rushed to protect Parth Pawar, who is involved in a controversial land deal where his firm paid minimal stamp duty.
The government claims the amendment will reduce the burden on the High Court and streamline administrative processes, but critics fear it may encourage political interference.
- Who
- Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Parth Pawar, Critics and Opposition Parties
- What
- Amendment of the Maharashtra Stamp Act, 1958, to allow direct appeals to the state government in stamp duty matters
- When
- Bill passed on Friday, amendment to take effect after notification
- Where
- Maharashtra, India
- Why
- To reduce the burden on the High Court and streamline administrative processes, though critics suspect it is to protect Parth Pawar
Government and Revenue Minister
Critics and Opposition
Purpose of the Amendment
Government and Revenue Minister
The amendment is to reduce the burden on the High Court, save citizens' time and legal expenses, and ensure faster recovery of stalled government revenue.
Critics and Opposition
The amendment is seen as a move to protect Parth Pawar and other influential figures from legal scrutiny, encouraging political interference and potential future scams.
Retrospective Effect
Government and Revenue Minister
The government officials state that the amendment will not have retrospective effect and is intended for future cases.
Critics and Opposition
Critics suspect that the amendment is being rushed to provide relief to Parth Pawar and question the timing, suggesting it is to benefit him retroactively.
- Bill Name
- Maharashtra Stamp (Second Amendment) Bill, 2025
- Amendment Details
- Inserts new Section 53B allowing direct appeals to the state government within 60 days of receiving an order from the Chief Controlling Revenue Authority.
- Appeal Fee
- Rs 1,000
- Effect of Amendment
- Prospective effect, not retrospective
- Government's Claim
- Reduces burden on High Court, saves time and legal expenses, ensures faster revenue recovery
- Critics' Concern
- Potential for political interference and future scams
- Land Deal Details
- Amadea Enterprises paid Rs 500 stamp duty for land worth Rs 1,800 crore purchased for Rs 300 crore
- Notice to Parth Pawar
- Rs 21 crore stamp duty and penalties
Sources
Ajit Pawar blames officials over land deal linked to son
'Officials Should Have Refused Illegal Agreements At Registration Stage': Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar Amid Parth Pawar Land Deal Row
Mundhwa land deal: Change in Stamp Duty Act won’t give relief to Parth Pawar, say govt officials
Ajit Pawar Hopes for Alliance with Mahayuti Partners
‘Bogus sale deed, forgery’: Court rejects Eknath Khadse, family members’ discharge plea in ED’s land deal case
