The Maharashtra government on Friday made the use of Marathi compulsory in quasi-judicial proceedings conducted by the revenue department, including hearings and official orders passed by authorities, reported PTI.
Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule announced a new standard operating procedure (SoP) aimed at streamlining the functioning of revenue officers and improving transparency in quasi-judicial matters, reported PTI.
The state government issued a detailed 29-page government resolution outlining revised procedures for handling quasi-judicial cases before revenue authorities across Maharashtra.
New SoP Aims To Make Revenue Administration More Citizen-Focused
According to the government, the revised framework has been introduced to make the revenue administration more efficient, accessible and citizen-centric, reported PTI.
Bawankule said the changes were implemented under the guidance of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis with the objective of improving the overall functioning of the revenue department, reported PTI.
The minister said the government took into consideration earlier administrative directives, recommendations submitted by divisional commissioners, field-level instructions, and observations made by the Bombay High Court and the Supreme Court of India while drafting the revised procedures.
Officials said the updated rules are expected to bring greater uniformity in quasi-judicial proceedings and reduce delays in revenue-related cases.
Revenue Officers Asked To Conduct Hearings Twice A Week
Under the new SoP, all revenue officers have been instructed to conduct quasi-judicial hearings at least twice every week, preferably on Tuesdays and Fridays, reported PTI.
The government has also tightened rules related to adjournments in such cases. As per the revised guidelines, adjournments will be allowed only once and only if valid reasons are provided by the parties involved.
Officials said the measure is intended to prevent unnecessary delays and speed up the disposal of pending matters before revenue authorities.
The new system also makes it mandatory for officers to hear both parties before passing any order in a case.
Digital Signatures Mandatory For All Orders
The government has directed that all interim and final orders issued in quasi-judicial proceedings must be uploaded on the ‘e-QJ Court’ digital platform, reported PTI.
In addition, every order will have to be issued using digital signatures to ensure transparency and proper record management.
Officials said no order can be passed without recording detailed reasoning. Authorities have also been instructed to issue speaking orders within a maximum period of eight weeks, reported PTI.
The administration believes the move towards digital documentation and stricter timelines will improve accountability in revenue courts.
Separate Guidelines Issued For Key Revenue Matters
The revised procedures also include separate guidelines for handling specific categories of cases under the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code.
These include matters related to minor minerals, farm access roads, petition cases, correction of clerical mistakes, and other revenue proceedings handled by district and divisional authorities.
According to officials, the new framework is expected to reduce pendency in revenue courts and improve the efficiency of quasi-judicial administration across the state.
(With inputs from PTI)
