Mrudula Narale
In a major move, the government of Maharashtra suspended Ranjit Bhosale, Tehsildar of Mulshi, on charges of land record irregularity. The step comes in the wake of a disputed case involving Bhosale himself allegedly altering records to delete Tata Power Company Limited’s name from the 7/12 extract and replacing it with Dhondu Gopal Dhore’s name, giving rise to doubts over administrative malpractices.
The controversy arose when Tata Power petitioned against the unauthorized modification in the Bombay High Court. The court, back in October last year, overturned Bhosale’s order to modify the land records, citing breaches of the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code. The judgment led to a thorough investigation by the Additional Divisional Commissioner, whose report, filed on April 21, vindicated the irregularities. The evidence indicated intentional manipulation, emphasizing a lapse in procedure in the documentation of land ownership records.
The 7/12 extract, a pivotal document under the Maharashtra Land Revenue Rules, is a record of rights, specifying land ownership and use. Bhosale’s action in manipulating this document without authorization undermined the rule of law as well as put the credibility of land administration in Mulshi into question. The case has highlighted the larger issue of tainted practices in the management of land records, which can have serious consequences for property disputes and corporate investments.
The Revenue Department of the state, based on the findings of the inquiry, sent suspension orders by Additional Secretary Pravin Patil. Bhosale has been charged with dereliction of duty and misconduct under the Maharashtra Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1979, for not maintaining professionalism and integrity as a public servant. A departmental probe has been ordered to look into his malfeasance further and decide on further disciplinary action.
This case highlights the Tehsildars’ key position in ensuring up-to-date land records, as stipulated in the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code, where they are given powers to administer revenue affairs and rectify records when needed. This power, though, has to be exercised transparently and following legal protocols, which Bhosale is claimed to have undermined.
The case has also highlighted the issue of land administration in regions such as Mulshi, where massive projects, including those by Tata Power, converge with land rights among locals. The government’s quick response is meant to re-establish confidence in the system and set the record straight. As the departmental inquiry continues, officials are expected to review similar cases to avoid future irregularities. The suspension of Bhosale is a step in the right direction towards strengthening ethical governance and upholding the sanctity of land records in Maharashtra.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newsdotz/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NewsDotz
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573903448264
Twitter: https://x.com/NewsDotz
