Are Email Notices Now Legally Valid in Maharashtra Revenue Cases?
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Key Takeaways
Mumbai, Feb 10 (NationPress) In a groundbreaking move designed to enhance transparency and expedite land revenue proceedings throughout the state, the Maharashtra Cabinet has approved amendments to the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code, 1966 that permit the delivery of revenue hearing notices via email. This proposal was introduced by Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule.
“Previously, revenue hearing notices had to be delivered either by personal or hand delivery or via post according to the existing regulations of the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code. Delays were common due to various technical issues such as non-receipt of notices, incorrect or untraceable addresses, or refusal to accept the notices, which often led to repeated adjournments. With the amendment to Section 230, a notice sent to the officially registered email ID of the party will now be considered validly and legally served,” explained Bawankule.
Currently, around 12,000 land-related cases are pending at the secretariat level, with many delays arising from the slow process of serving physical notices.
Bawankule stated, “The primary reason thousands of land-related cases in revenue courts have remained unresolved for years was the issue of ‘non-receipt of notice.’ The legal recognition of email notice service has effectively closed this major loophole. The process of delivering justice in revenue matters will now be greatly accelerated and made more reliable.”
According to Bawankule, the new provision is expected to save substantial time previously consumed by postal dispatch or personal service, enhance transparency, offer technical proof of email dispatch and delivery, eliminate the frequent claim of “notice not received,” prevent repeated adjournments, and ultimately ensure quicker justice for ordinary citizens.
This decision to digitize notice service represents another significant step towards a paperless and efficient administration, reinforcing the government’s commitment to the objectives of Digital India.