PMC to Take Legal Action Against Property Owners for Cheque Bounce Cases in Pune

Pune: The property tax department of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has issued a stern warning to property owners regarding strict legal action if their tax payment cheques are dishonoured. The civic officials have reported a concerning rise in cheque bounce cases, with over 4,200 such cases recorded in the current financial year.

Following continuous follow-ups by the administration, around 3,600 property owners have cleared their dues. However, the civic body is now preparing to initiate legal proceedings in the remaining 600 cases under the provisions of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, which deals with cheque dishonour offences.

Ravi Pawar, head of PMC's property tax department, stated that despite repeated reminders and appeals, several defaulters have failed to make their payments. 'Action is now being planned, and teams have been instructed to compile detailed information on all such cases,' he said.

With only 10 days remaining before the end of the 2025-26 financial year, the administration has intensified efforts to recover pending property taxes before the March 31 deadline. So far, PMC has collected approximately Rs 2,882 crore in property tax revenue. Dedicated teams have been deployed across different areas to speed up collections.

To facilitate payments, the civic administration has announced that all Citizen Facilitation Centres (CFCs) across the city will remain open without breaks until March 31. These centres will also operate on weekends and public holidays to help residents clear their dues. Officials further stated that property tax payments can also be made through authorised online platforms, encouraging citizens to use digital channels for convenience.

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is one of the largest municipal corporations in India, responsible for the administration and management of the city of Pune. It provides essential civic services and infrastructure to the residents, ensuring the city's development and welfare. The property tax is a crucial revenue source for the PMC, which is used for various developmental and maintenance activities in the city.

The civic body's move to take legal action against defaulters is aimed at ensuring timely and complete collection of property taxes, which are vital for the city's infrastructure and public services. The administration is urging all property owners to clear their dues promptly to avoid legal consequences and to contribute to the city's growth and development.