The Bihar Revenue and Land Reforms Department has launched a stringent crackdown on land-related fraud, making criminal prosecution mandatory in cases where forged or fabricated documents are submitted. The new directive mandates circle officers (COs) to immediately register an FIR upon detecting prima facie evidence of forgery in any land revenue proceeding.
Directive from the Top: Zero Tolerance Policy
Department Secretary Gopal Meena has issued a formal letter to all circle officers across the state, instructing them to ensure an FIR is lodged at the local police station under the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. The order has been disseminated to all divisional commissioners, district magistrates, SSPs, SPs, and deputy collectors of land reforms for strict compliance.
Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of the department, Vijay Kumar Sinha, declared that manipulating land records using fake documents will no longer be tolerated. "Whether it is mutation, transfer of ownership, or cases involving government land, criminal action will be mandatory against the person concerned as soon as fake documents come to light," Sinha stated. He emphasized that the CO will himself register the FIR, and any negligence or complicity will be treated as serious misconduct.
Addressing Systemic Lapses and Public Grievances
This decisive action follows numerous complaints received during public interaction programs held at divisional headquarters as part of the ongoing Land Reforms Public Welfare Dialogue initiated by the deputy CM. The department noted that attempts to mislead the administration by submitting fake documents are frequent in cases related to:
- Mutation and transfer of ownership
- Parimarjan Plus
- Settlement and demarcation
- Land acquisition
- Public land disputes
Secretary Meena pointed out that despite such issues being flagged in earlier review meetings, FIRs were not registered at the circle level in many instances, which was viewed as a serious lapse.
Clear Legal Protocols and Personal Accountability
The order explicitly lists legal provisions related to forgery, use of forged documents, cheating, mischief, and criminal conspiracy. It establishes a clear protocol:
In cases involving government land, the Circle Officer will directly register an FIR. For disputes concerning private or raiyati land, an FIR will be lodged after an investigation based on the CO's or revenue officer's recommendation.
The directive also clarifies that no order should be passed based on forged documents. It mandates a legal review of any past orders passed on such documents, with action to be taken according to the rules. The order holds COs personally responsible, stating that failure to register an FIR or attempts to suppress such matters will be considered gross negligence and misconduct.
Deputy CM Sinha reinforced the government's stance, saying, "The policy of the double-engine government against land mafia, brokers, and fraudsters is clear: the harshest possible legal action and zero tolerance." This move aims to restore integrity to land administration and protect the rights of legitimate landowners in Bihar.
