**State Government Orders Timely Completion of Land Mutation Process to Prevent Ownership Disputes**

The state government has recently highlighted the persistent issue of delayed mutation in land acquisition cases, which has often led to prolonged disputes over land ownership. Several instances were observed where the mutation process remained pending for years, causing confusion and court litigations.

**Mutation Delays Leading to Court Disputes**

Various government agencies such as the highway authorities, railways, water resources department, Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), and Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) regularly undertake land acquisition for their projects. However, even after the award is declared and the required land is handed over, the process of registering the agency’s name in land records remains incomplete.

Because the mutation process is not finalized, the names of the original landowners continue to appear in the state land records. This discrepancy has resulted in numerous legal disputes, with former owners contesting ownership rights in courts.

**Orders Issued After Review Meeting**

The issue came into sharp focus during a recent meeting between officials from the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) and the Chief Secretary of Maharashtra. To expedite the mutation process, the state settlement commissioner and the director of land records were tasked with formulating a standardized procedure.

Based on their report, the revenue department has now directed all concerned agencies to submit the necessary documents for mutation to the respective Deputy Directors of Land Records within 15 days. This move aims to close gaps in documentation and speed up the mutation cycle.

**Strict Deadlines for Agencies**

According to a government resolution (GR) issued on Friday, land acquisition officers from all agencies must submit the relevant documents along with a copy to the commissioner. Meanwhile, the Department of Land Records has been instructed to promptly complete the mutation process by updating the records accordingly.

**Preventing Misuse and False Ownership Claims**

Delays in mutation have often allowed original titleholders to exercise ownership rights even after considerable time has passed, leading to legal complications and misuse. The state government’s clear deadline-driven approach seeks to eliminate such discrepancies, ensuring that ownership records reflect the current status accurately and preventing fraudulent claims.

By enforcing timely completion of land mutations, the government aims to streamline the acquisition process and reduce litigation, facilitating smoother execution of public projects across the state.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/maharashtra-govt-fixes-timeline-for-mutation-in-land-acquisition-cases