Pune Land Transaction Stamp Duty Appeal Hearing Rescheduled
The second hearing in the high-profile stamp duty dispute involving Amadea Enterprises LLP has been officially rescheduled to March 9, according to officials from the registration department. The hearing was originally slated for March 3, but that date coincided with a government holiday, necessitating the postponement.
Background of the Stamp Duty Demand
Amadea Enterprises LLP, a firm where Digvijay Patil and Parth Pawar—son of the late political figure Ajit Pawar—are listed as partners, received a formal notice demanding payment of a stamp duty shortfall amounting to Rs 21 crore. This demand pertains to a sale deed executed in May 2025 for a land transaction in Mundhwa, Pune.
Under the provisions of the Maharashtra Stamp Act, a statutory penalty of 1% per month has been applied to the outstanding amount. The firm failed to clear the dues by the stipulated deadline of February 10, leading to the initiation of legal proceedings.
Legal Proceedings and Firm's Response
Following the missed payment deadline, Amadea Enterprises LLP formally challenged both the calculated shortfall and the associated penalty. The first hearing in this appeal took place on February 16. During that session, the firm's legal representatives requested additional documentation and sought a one-month extension before the next hearing, which has now been set for March 9.
Registration department officials have clarified that no stamp duty waiver has been granted to the firm. "This is a quasi-judicial process. Since the firm has disputed the demand notice and refused to accept the liability and penalty, the Inspector General of Registration (IGR) is legally obligated to grant a hearing. A final decision will only be made after that," stated a senior official.
Recovery Measures and Current Status
The department had previously issued warnings that coercive recovery measures would commence if the dues remained unpaid by February 10. Officials confirmed that some preliminary internal steps toward recovery have already been initiated. However, the ultimate course of action is contingent upon the outcome of the ongoing appeal.
"There is no stay order currently in effect. The recovery process will proceed in accordance with standard procedure," another official emphasized, highlighting that the legal framework allows for continued enforcement while the appeal is under review.
Implications and Next Steps
This case underscores the stringent enforcement of stamp duty regulations in Maharashtra, particularly for high-value real estate transactions. The involvement of prominent individuals like Parth Pawar adds a layer of public interest to the proceedings.
Key points to note:
- The appeal hearing is now scheduled for March 9.
- Amadea Enterprises LLP disputes a Rs 21 crore stamp duty shortfall and a monthly penalty.
- Recovery actions are ongoing, pending the appeal's resolution.
- No waiver has been provided, and the process remains strictly quasi-judicial.
Stakeholders and observers will be closely monitoring the March 9 hearing, as its outcome could set a precedent for similar stamp duty disputes in the region. The firm's ability to present compelling evidence and arguments will be critical in determining the final liability and potential penalties.
