Maharashtra Government Approves Free Regularisation of Land Deals Flagged Under Fragmentation Act
Maharashtra Government Approves Free Regularisation of Land Deals Flagged Under Fragmentation Act ( Representative Image )
In a major policy move, the Maharashtra government has approved a simplified and free process to regularise land transactions previously deemed invalid under the Fragmentation Act. The Revenue Department has issued fresh standing orders directing all district and divisional authorities to begin implementing the changes immediately. This decision is expected to bring relief to nearly 60 lakh landholders, impacting close to 3 crore citizens across the state.
Under the new framework, thousands of long-pending property transactions—stalled due to restrictions under the Fragmentation Act—will now receive full legal recognition. Importantly, the notation “transaction in violation of Fragmentation Act” will be removed from the 7/12 land records (Satbara), clearing the path for lawful ownership.
The new rules apply to land purchases carried out between 15 November 1965 and 15 October 2024. Following the government’s gazette notification dated 3 November, district collectors, settlement officers, land records departments and divisional commissioners have all been instructed to begin regularisation procedures without delay.
The decision covers lands located in regions such as MMRDA, PMRDA, NMRDA jurisdictions, cantonment areas, residential and commercial zones, non-agricultural designated regions in regional plans, and village gaothan peripheries.
Key Highlights of the Regularisation Process:
- Names to be Updated on 7/12 Extracts:
Small-plot purchases or gunta-based transactions that were earlier rejected will now be reviewed and approved. Buyers’ names will be entered in the main ‘occupant’ column, and any previous annotations of violations will be deleted. - Relief for Unregistered Property Holders:
Individuals who acquired land through notarised documents or non-registered agreements will be guided by talathis and circle officers to complete registration. After paying the applicable stamp duty, their names will also be added to the land record. - Freedom to Sell or Transfer Land:
Once regularised, the property will carry full legal validity, allowing owners to sell or transfer it without restrictions.
For years, citizens faced heavy penalties—previously as high as 25% of the land’s market value—for regularisation. Despite reducing the fine to 5%, the response remained minimal. By completely waiving all charges, the government has removed a major financial hurdle for countless families.
Calling the move historic, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said the decision reflects the government’s commitment to resolving long-pending land issues and ensuring legal clarity for citizens across the state.
