Amadea Enterprises LLP, the company embroiled in the controversial Mundhwa land transaction, has formally requested an exemption from a Rs 21 crore stamp duty shortfall. The firm submitted its detailed legal arguments to the Maharashtra state registration department on Thursday, marking a crucial step in the ongoing probe.
Legal Arguments and Final Hearing
Two legal representatives for Amadea Enterprises appeared before senior registration officials to present a comprehensive written response. The firm contested the applicability of the Rs 21 crore stamp duty demand, putting forward nearly 20 distinct points to justify why the exemption should be approved. A senior department official confirmed that this session was the final hearing for the company's legal team, and no further summons are planned.
With the hearing now concluded, the registration department will meticulously examine the legal validity of each argument presented by the firm. A final order is anticipated within the next five to six days, following internal scrutiny and consultations with legal experts. The official stated that all aspects would be considered before the order is issued.
Background of the Mundhwa Land Scrutiny
The Mundhwa land deal has been under intense investigation since a five-member committee, led by Joint Inspector General of Registration Rajendra Muthe, submitted its findings last month. The report implicated suspended sub-registrar Ravindra Taru and both parties involved in the sale deed. It highlighted multiple procedural violations, including discrepancies in property valuation, documentation issues, and non-compliance with registration norms. The committee's report has been sent to the state government for further action, with officials awaiting directions from Mantralaya.
Officials clarified that the notice served to Amadea Enterprises pertains solely to the Rs 21 crore stamp duty deficiency. They emphasized that this is separate from an additional Rs 21 crore liability, which would only arise if the firm chooses to cancel the sale deed executed on May 20—an option entirely at the company's discretion and unrelated to the current proceedings.
Wider Departmental Audit Uncovers Potential Loss
In a related development, the registration department has launched an independent, department-wide review of all documents handled by suspended official Ravindra Taru during his tenure. Preliminary findings from this audit suggest a potential revenue loss of approximately Rs 60 lakh.
This estimated loss stems from several irregularities, including:
- Registration of multiple properties below their market value.
- Acceptance of insufficient stamp duty payments.
- Failure to register documents even after stamp duty was paid in certain instances.
Officials confirmed that this internal audit is a separate process from the specific inquiry into the Mundhwa deal. The complete audit report is still being prepared as more files are under examination, and additional irregularities may come to light. The department has stated that any identified systemic lapses will lead to appropriate departmental action.
The firm, which is linked to deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar's son Parth Pawar, has engaged about ten lawyers for this case. Previously, on November 24, it had sought a two-week extension to file its reply, showing no inclination to pay the demanded stamp duty amount.
