Maharashtra Suspends 15 Revenue Officials Over Alleged Land Record Manipulation

The Maharashtra government on Friday suspended 15 revenue department officials , including deputy collectors and tehsildars, over the alleged misuse of the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code to manipulate land ownership records. The action follows an inquiry into irregularities involving Section 155 , a provision meant only for correcting clerical or typographical errors in land records.

Announcing the action, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said the suspensions were only the first step and warned that officials found guilty would face criminal cases and possible dismissal from service. He said the government has begun re-verifying disputed land records and restoring properties to their original owners.

The inquiry by the Pune Division uncovered 424 suspicious cases . Of these, 13 of the most serious cases led to the suspension of 15 officials. Disciplinary proceedings have been recommended in 247 serious cases , while inquiries have been ordered in 164 minor cases . Officials linked to more than 30 serious violations will face immediate suspension, while others will be transferred to non-executive posts outside the Pune Division.

Authorities also found instances where official files were allegedly removed or destroyed to conceal evidence. Proceedings have been initiated under the Public Records Act, 2005 , to register criminal cases related to the missing records.

Bawankule also announced an inquiry into complaints of land grabbing and encroachments around the Tuljapur temple , with a committee headed by the Pune Divisional Commissioner overseeing the investigation.

The government has directed all District Collectors to verify every order issued under Section 155 during the past five years across Maharashtra. The exercise must be completed within three months, and an Action Taken Report (ATR) will be presented in the next legislative session.

The state also alleged misuse of Sections 70(B) and 85 of the Revenue Code. A law committee is reviewing these provisions, and the government plans to introduce amendments to strengthen safeguards, improve administrative accountability , and prevent future manipulation of land records.