The Municipal Corporation (MC) of Mohali has initiated a rigorous enforcement campaign targeting persistent property tax defaulters, signaling an end to leniency. The drive is squarely focused on significant commercial and industrial entities that have ignored repeated notices to settle their outstanding dues.
Final Notice and Sealing Threat
MC Commissioner Parminder Pal Singh stated that sealing notices have been served under Section 138-C of the Punjab Municipal Corporation Act, 1976. He issued a stern warning, clarifying that a final grace period of three days has been given in deserving cases. "If dues are not cleared within this period, the premises will be sealed without any further notice," Singh declared.
The commissioner made it explicitly clear that once a property is sealed, the onus for any loss or damage to goods, stock, or machinery inside falls entirely on the owner or occupier. The municipal corporation will bear no liability whatsoever.
Strict Legal Powers and Auction Warning
Joint Commissioner Jasjit Singh elaborated on the severe legal consequences that follow sealing. He explained that the Act empowers the corporation to take stricter action. "The corporation can dispose of sealed properties through public auction to recover outstanding tax," he said.
This recovery process is not limited to the principal tax amount. It includes a penalty that can go up to 20% of the tax due, plus interest calculated at a rate of 18% per annum from April 1, 2014, until the full recovery date.
Who is Targeted and How to Pay
Officials revealed that the current drive encompasses prominent industrial and commercial units spread across various phases and sectors of Mohali. These entities feature on a defaulter list meticulously prepared by the MC.
Issuing a final appeal, the MC has urged all remaining defaulters to immediately deposit their pending property tax, along with the applicable penalty and interest. Payments can be made at the Municipal Corporation office, Municipal Bhawan, Sector 68, Mohali, or through prescribed online modes like the M-Seva App.
The Corporation has cautioned that any further delay will invite coercive measures, including property sealing, auction proceedings, and other legal actions as per the law.
MC officials appealed to citizens, emphasizing that timely payment of property tax is vital for maintaining and upgrading essential civic services. These include roads, sanitation, street lighting, and other public amenities. Taxpayers seeking clarification on dues or payment procedures can contact the Property Tax Branch of the Municipal Corporation, Mohali, during office hours.
