BMC Takes Action: Seizure Notices Issued to Property Tax Defaulters

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued property seizure notices to several major defaulters who have failed to pay their property taxes despite having the financial capacity, officials said. The action has been taken under Section 203 of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act, civic officials stated.

Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) Dr Ashwini Joshi has directed that strict legal action be taken if dues are not cleared immediately. According to the notice, if tax payment is not made within the prescribed period, movable property will first be seized and auctioned under Sections 204 and 205. If the outstanding amount is still not recovered, the property itself will be auctioned under Section 206.

Property tax is a major source of revenue for the civic body and must be paid within 90 days of receiving the bill, the officials emphasized. The BMC follows a step-by-step recovery process, including personal follow-ups, demand letters, and a final 21-day notice before seizure.

According to an official statement, despite repeated reminders and the availability of online payment facilities, several large numbers of defaulters have not paid their dues. As a result, seizure notices have been served, including penalty amounts. The BMC has appealed to notice recipients to clear their dues immediately to avoid further action.

The list of the top 20 defaulters includes real estate firms and property owners, with outstanding amounts ranging from Rs 18 crore to over Rs 140 crore. Citizens can pay property tax online through the BMC website, the statement said.

The BMC is a municipal corporation in Mumbai, responsible for the administration and governance of the city. It plays a crucial role in maintaining public health, sanitation, and infrastructure, and property tax is one of its primary sources of revenue. The recent actions taken by the BMC aim to ensure that all property owners fulfill their financial obligations to the city.