Pune Revenue Department Enforces Digital-Only Land Record Corrections
The Pune Revenue Department has mandated that all corrections to 7/12 land extracts must now be made exclusively online, aiming to enhance transparency and prevent misuse of discretionary powers in land record management.
Land RecordsDigital CorrectionTransparencyReal EstateMaharashtraReal Estate PuneJun 11, 2025
The State Land Records Department has issued a new circular mandating the digital-only process. The initiative aims to prevent the misuse of discretionary powers by certain tehsildars, who were allegedly making unauthorized changes, particularly those related to ownership rights, area calculations, and illegal name insertions on government or grazing lands.
Digital Trail for All Changes
As per the new rules, every correction made to a 7/12 extract must be digitally recorded, along with the identity of the official making the change and the legal order authorizing it. These records will be open to scrutiny, enabling public accountability and minimizing the chances of tampering.
Manipulation in the Name of Correction
While the state had launched a comprehensive digitization drive to modernize land records, the transition exposed several inconsistencies—such as mismatched names, incorrect land areas, and flawed legal annotations. Tehsildars were given authority under Section 155 to correct these mistakes, but reports emerged of rampant misuse. In some cases, individuals were illegally listed as owners of government or grazing lands through backdoor entries.
In response, the state government initiated a special audit and directed Divisional Commissioners to investigate and report any misuse. Although these reports have been submitted, no disciplinary action has yet been taken. To bring uniformity and prevent future abuse, the Land Records Department has issued comprehensive guidelines on permissible actions under Section 155.
“These updated procedures are aimed at preventing arbitrary changes while improving the integrity and auditability of the land record system,” said Dr. Suhas Divase, Commissioner of Land Records, Pune. He further stated:
- All corrections must be processed online only
- Every change must have traceable digital verification
- Non-compliance or outdated manual corrections may lead to disciplinary action
A Step Toward Cleaner Land Governance
This reform is expected to strengthen the credibility of Maharashtra’s land administration, which forms the backbone of property rights, real estate transactions, and public governance. By ensuring a secure, accountable, and transparent correction process, authorities hope to eliminate loopholes that have plagued the system for decades.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 7/12 land extract?
A 7/12 land extract, also known as Satbara Utara, is a legal document that provides detailed information about a specific plot of land, including ownership, area, and legal annotations.
Why is the Pune Revenue Department mandating online-only corrections?
The mandate aims to enhance transparency, prevent misuse of discretionary powers, and ensure a secure and accountable correction process for land records.
What are the consequences of non-compliance with the new rules?
Non-compliance or outdated manual corrections may lead to disciplinary action against the officials involved.
How will this reform impact real estate transactions in Maharashtra?
This reform is expected to strengthen the credibility of land administration, making real estate transactions more secure and transparent by eliminating loopholes and ensuring accountability.
What is Section 155 of the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code, 1966?
Section 155 of the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code, 1966, provides the authority to tehsildars to make corrections to land records, but it has been misused in the past, leading to the need for stricter guidelines and digital-only processes.
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