Maha issues SOP to streamline revenue hearings, curb delays in quasi-judicial cases

Pune: The Maharashtra govt on Friday issued a comprehensive standard operating procedure (SOP) for revenue department hearings, aimed at streamlining quasi-judicial proceedings and ensuring the time-bound disposal of cases. The move seeks to address chronic delays and procedural lapses that have long plagued revenue authorities across the state.

Revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule stated that the SOP was introduced to standardise and strengthen proceedings handled by revenue officers. A government resolution (GR) issued on Friday makes the use of Marathi mandatory for all quasi-judicial proceedings and final orders issued by the department.

The 29-page GR provides a detailed framework for handling cases filed before revenue authorities. According to officials, these directions follow a push from chief minister Devendra Fadnavis to modernise the department.

The reform comes in response to several “serious procedural lapses” observed in the current system. These include a lack of awareness among presiding officers regarding their duties, failure to adhere to the principles of natural justice, passing orders without proper application of mind, and granting appeals without adequate justification for delays.

“The new SOP simplifies hearings and makes the integration of technology mandatory,” a senior revenue official said. “It specifies the number of days allowed for hearings and mandates that both interim and final orders be uploaded to the ‘e-qj court’ system using digital signatures.”

The guidelines also include specific protocols for various types of disputes, including minor mineral cases, disputes regarding access to farm roads and correction of clerical errors under Section 155.

Minister Bawankule emphasised that the framework balances previous govt directives, recommendations from the high and Supreme Courts, and suggestions from the Pune divisional commissioner. “Our goal is to make revenue administration more people-centric and efficient, providing significant relief to farmers and citizens while reducing the massive pendency in revenue courts,” he added.