Pune Civic Body Takes Legal Action Against 600 Property Owners for Cheque Bounce Cases
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has initiated steps to take legal action against property owners whose property tax payments through cheques have been dishonoured, following the identification of more than 4,200 such cases in the current financial year.
The action is being pursued as part of the civic body's efforts to improve tax compliance and recover pending dues before the close of the financial year. Officials indicated that despite repeated notices and follow-ups, a section of taxpayers has failed to regularise payments after cheque dishonour, prompting the administration to consider legal recourse.
Out of the total cases recorded, approximately 3,600 property owners have cleared their outstanding dues following enforcement measures and reminders issued by the civic body. However, around 600 cases remain unresolved, for which the PMC is preparing to initiate legal proceedings under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, which governs cheque dishonour offences.
The property tax department has begun compiling case-wise data to support legal action, indicating a shift towards stricter enforcement against non-compliant taxpayers. Officials stated that continued defaults despite multiple opportunities for settlement necessitated escalation through legal channels.
The development comes at a critical stage in the financial year, with the civic administration intensifying recovery drives to meet its revenue targets. The PMC has collected approximately INR 2,882 crore in property tax so far, and has deployed dedicated teams across different zones to accelerate collections.
To facilitate payments and reduce last-minute defaults, the civic body has extended operational hours of its Citizen Facilitation Centres (CFCs), keeping them open without breaks until the end of the financial year. These centres are also functioning on weekends and public holidays to enable taxpayers to clear dues within the stipulated timeline.
In parallel, the PMC has encouraged the use of authorised digital payment platforms to streamline transactions and minimise the risk of cheque-related issues. The administration has indicated that electronic payment modes offer greater reliability and faster processing compared to traditional methods.
Cheque dishonour cases typically arise due to insufficient funds, errors in cheque details, or procedural lapses, but persistent non-payment after notification is treated as a legal offence. The civic body's decision to initiate proceedings reflects an effort to enforce accountability and deter repeated defaults.
Property tax remains one of the primary sources of revenue for urban local bodies, funding essential services such as road maintenance, sanitation, water supply, and public infrastructure. Delays or defaults in collection can affect budgetary planning and execution of civic projects.
The PMC's move underscores the growing emphasis on compliance enforcement in municipal finance, particularly as cities seek to strengthen revenue streams amid increasing expenditure requirements.
