Ajit Pawar Criticizes Document Registration Amid Controversial Land Deal

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar criticizes officials for processing unlawful document registrations after a notice was issued to his son's firm regarding a controversial land deal in Pune. He emphasizes that officials should have exercised due diligence, while a legislative bill shifts redressal hearings to the revenue minister.

On Saturday, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar expressed criticism towards officials involved in registering documents linked to agreements not permissible under the law. He stressed the need for these officials to have stopped such registrations, instead of advancing agreements that breach legal boundaries.

His remarks follow a notice issued by the deputy registrar to his son Parth Pawar's firm, which is embroiled in a controversial land deal in Pune. This has led to a demand for Rs 21 crore in stamp duty and penalties. The Bombay High Court has questioned the police investigation, suggesting possible shielding of Parth by not naming him in the FIR.

Pawar addressed perceptions concerning a legislative assembly bill allowing the revenue minister to conduct hearings on contentious cases, asserting that the responsibility for the registrations lay with the officials. Meanwhile, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule highlighted the updated redress mechanisms now available through ministerial hearings.