Pune, 11th May 2026: Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Monday warned that plots created after October 2024 in residential areas cannot be sold without official layout approval from municipal corporations or planning authorities.
He said strict criminal cases would be registered against those involved in unauthorized plotting and illegal land sales.
Speaking at a press conference in Pune, Bawankule said the government has regularized land parcels created before October 2024, but no further subdivision or sale of plots will be allowed without proper permissions. “Land parcels created after October 2024 cannot be sold without official approval. Strict action will be taken against illegal transactions,” he said.
The minister also stated that the government is investigating suspicious land deals linked to advance information about land acquisition projects. According to him, some traders and individuals allegedly purchased land after getting prior knowledge of acquisition plans.
“The probe is being conducted using Google Maps data, registration records, and other technical evidence. Those involved in irregularities will not receive any compensation,” Bawankule said.
He further announced that the Maharashtra government plans to implement the Land Titling Act from July. Explaining the need for the law, Bawankule said the current 7/12 extract and property card only serve as records and do not guarantee ownership rights.
“The new law will provide citizens with confirmed ownership rights and simplify property transactions through online systems,” he said, adding that Maharashtra aims to become the first state in the country to implement such legislation.
Bawankule also spoke about alleged misuse of powers under Section 155, saying some officials used correction powers to change land ownership records illegally. “The government has started reviewing the work of nearly 2,000 tehsildars across the state, and wrongful entries are being cancelled,” he said.
On temple lands, the minister said Maharashtra government is preparing a draft law to protect temple properties while also addressing the concerns of people holding long-standing cultivation or tenancy rights.
He added that action has been initiated against around 40 officials in Pune, and further decisions will be taken after receiving legal advice from the Law and Judiciary Department.
Referring to the Mundhwa land-related issue, Bawankule said the government has already acted under the Registration Act and is framing stricter rules to prevent encroachment on government land in the future.
