Pune: A property tax dispute between a taxpayer and the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) over additional penalty and late fees was amicably resolved in the Lok Adalat. The taxpayer, Jijo Mathew, had filed a complaint after being served a notice for penalties despite paying his property tax regularly.

Mathew, who had paid property tax through his savings account until 2010, claimed that his payments were not reflected in the PMC’s records. The PMC subsequently issued a notice imposing additional late fees and penalties. In response, Mathew approached the Pune District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum to contest the charges.

The case, which was initially reviewed by the Consumer Commission, was referred to the Lok Adalat for settlement. During the hearing, the Lok Adalat panel, comprising Nishant Ardhapure and Niresh Bharate, mediated between the two parties. Advocate Rishikesh Ganu represented the PMC, supported by Chief Legal Advisor Advocate Nisha Chavan.

Verification and Refund

A detailed investigation by the PMC’s tax department revealed that Mathew had indeed paid his property tax and had even overpaid. The PMC returned the excess amount of ₹1,95,612 to Mathew through a cheque. Additionally, the PMC issued a certificate confirming that Mathew’s property tax payments were up to date.

This settlement highlights the effectiveness of the Lok Adalat system in resolving disputes between citizens and local authorities in a time-bound and amicable manner.