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Revenue authorities in Nashik have issued revision notices to 439 individuals linked to 49 land transactions, invoking Section 257 of the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code, 1966, over alleged manipulation of land records. The action relates to claims that developers used fabricated subdivision maps to fragment land parcels below 4,000 sqm, thereby avoiding the mandatory 20 per cent reservation for economically weaker section (EWS) and low-income group (LIG) housing. The transactions span multiple localities including Adgaon, Deolali and Mhasrul. Authorities estimate that such practices may have resulted in the loss of nearly 6,500 affordable housing units. Hearings have been scheduled, with officials warning of further action, including removal of names from land records, in cases of non-compliance.
The Nashik revenue department has issued revision notices to 439 individuals associated with 49 land transactions in the past week, invoking Section 257 of the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code, 1966, to examine alleged irregular subdivision of land parcels and manipulation of official records. The action follows a revision application submitted by the tehsildar, seeking verification of documents supporting the subdivision of plots across several parts of Nashik, Maharashtra. Advertisement
The notices, issued by the office of the assistant collector and sub-divisional officer, require landholders to present valid documentation to justify the subdivision of their plots. The properties under scrutiny are located across areas such as Adgaon, Deolali, Wadner Dumala, Panchak, Mhasrul, Nandur Dasak, Gangapur and Chincholi. Authorities have indicated that failure to respond or appear for hearings could result in ex parte decisions, including the removal of names from the Record of Rights.
Preliminary findings by the land records department indicate that developers allegedly submitted fabricated subdivision maps to local revenue offices. Despite the absence of actual measurement or legal partition, land records were altered to reflect fragmented plots in the names of multiple individuals. Officials have stated that such practices were carried out systematically, with forged documents and manipulated layouts used to legitimise these entries in official records.
The alleged subdivisions are linked to attempts to bypass provisions under the state's Inclusive Housing Scheme, which mandates that residential developments exceeding 4,000 sqm must reserve 20 per cent of the land for EWS and LIG housing. By artificially splitting land into parcels below this threshold, developers are believed to have avoided these obligations. Authorities estimate that the practice may have deprived the city of approximately 6,500 affordable housing units.
The irregularities came to light following an investigation by a committee led by the additional district collector, which examined 128 development projects and identified 49 with significant violations. The matter has also led to a parallel criminal case involving multiple builders and landowners, with allegations of forgery and cheating under relevant legal provisions.
Officials have scheduled hearings for the concerned parties later this month, during which documentary evidence and explanations will be examined. The proceedings under Section 257 empower revenue authorities to review and, if necessary, modify or annul decisions or records deemed irregular or unlawful.
The action forms part of a broader scrutiny of land record practices in Maharashtra, where authorities have been tightening oversight on subdivision approvals and compliance with affordable housing mandates. The outcome of these proceedings is expected to determine the validity of the contested land transactions and may have implications for both property ownership records and housing policy enforcement in the region.
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