Parth Pawar's Firm Challenges Rs 21 Crore Stamp Duty in Controversial Pune Land Transaction
Amadea Enterprises LLP, a company where Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar's son Parth Pawar serves as a director, has formally appealed against a hefty Rs 21 crore stamp duty and associated delay fines. This financial penalty stems from the firm's contentious purchase of a 44-acre land parcel in Pune's Mundhwa area. The appeal was filed last week, with hearings scheduled to commence from February 16 onwards, according to Dharmadev Mainkar, Deputy Inspector General of Registration and Controller of Stamps (DIG) in Pune.
Details of the Disputed Land Deal and Stamp Duty Shortfall
The core of the controversy revolves around a Rs 300-crore transaction executed in May. Despite the massive valuation, a mere Rs 500 was paid as stamp duty, drastically lower than the expected Rs 21 crore, which represents 7% of the transaction value. The appeal specifically contests a December 10 ruling by the Joint District Registrar, which mandated the full stamp duty payment plus a delay penalty. This appeal has been lodged with the Inspector General of Registration and Controller of Stamps (IGR), a higher authority.
Dharmadev Mainkar provided further insight into the legal process, noting that initial hearings might be followed by additional sessions if extensions are requested. He emphasized that a final decision typically takes one to two months after the conclusive hearing. Mainkar also clarified that the original December ruling remains enforceable unless the appellate authority issues a stay order or overturns it. The department currently has approximately 4,000 similar cases pending, highlighting the scale of such disputes.
Penalties and Legal Ramifications
In addition to the 7% stamp duty, officials confirmed in December that a 1% monthly penalty from May is applicable due to late payment. This penalty compounds the financial burden on Amadea Enterprises LLP. The initial concession in May, which allowed the minimal Rs 500 stamp duty, was reportedly based on a letter of intent issued by the general manager at the Pune District Industries Centre. However, this concession has since been scrutinized and overturned.
The fallout from this transaction has led to significant disciplinary actions. Tehsildar Suryakant Yewale and Sub-registrar Ravindra Taru have been suspended in connection with the deal, with Taru even facing arrest by Pune police. These measures underscore the seriousness with which authorities are treating the irregularities associated with this land purchase.
Background of the Land and Involved Parties
The land transaction involved Amadea Enterprises LLP and Sheetaj Tejwani, who held power of attorney on behalf of the original 272 watandars of the Mahar Watan land. Complicating matters further, the land was actually under state government possession, leased to the Botanical Survey of India, which currently operates a conservation garden on the site. This adds layers of legal and administrative complexity to the case. Sheetaj Tejwani has also been arrested by Pune police, indicating broader investigations into the deal's legitimacy.
This case highlights ongoing issues in real estate governance and stamp duty compliance in Maharashtra. With hearings set to begin, all eyes are on the appellate authority's decision, which could set a precedent for similar high-value land transactions in the region. The outcome may also influence public perception of political accountability and regulatory enforcement in property dealings.
