Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday ordered a formal inquiry into allegations of irregularities surrounding a high-value land transaction in Pune involving Parth Pawar, son of deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar. The move has brought the spotlight back onto politically sensitive land dealings in the state and set the stage for a potentially contentious political episode.

The order came after allegations surfaced that the sub-registrar’s office in Pune had waived stamp duty of approximately ₹21 crore on the registration of a 40-acre land parcel in Mundhwa valued at ₹300 crore. The land, located close to the upscale Koregaon Park area, was purchased in May by Amedea Enterprises LLP, in which Parth Pawar is listed as a partner. Questions have been raised about whether the stamp duty exemption was lawful or the result of administrative overreach benefitting politically connected parties.

Speaking to reporters, Fadnavis confirmed that he had called for all documents and directed that a probe be initiated immediately. “I have sought all the information. A probe has also been ordered. We will bring out the truth in this matter,” he said. His announcement came alongside the state government’s suspension of a sub-registrar involved in the registration process and its decision to constitute a dedicated three-member committee to investigate the transaction.

A High-Value Deal and a Significant Exemption

According to preliminary information, the exemption was granted during the registration of the land sale to Amedea Enterprises LLP. The firm lists Parth Pawar as one of its partners. Documents reviewed by Hindustan Times indicate that the registered address of the company is the same as that of Parth Pawar’s residence in Pune’s Yawant Nagar. The registration documents also show that while the buyer’s name listed is Amedea Enterprises, the paperwork was signed by Digvijay Amarsinh Patil, the firm’s other partner.

The controversy has emerged not only because of the value of the land but also because of the nature of the exemption. Stamp duty waivers are strictly regulated and typically governed by specific provisions under state laws. In this case, the land in question is categorised as Mahar Watan land, a hereditary grant historically issued to members of the Mahar community. Land classified under this category is subject to special regulations, and exemptions in stamp duty are permitted under limited, legally defined circumstances.

The core question now before investigators is whether the exemption claimed by the buyer was valid under the law or whether it was irregularly granted.

Government Sets Up High-Level Committee

Revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankuke confirmed the formation of the inquiry committee, emphasising that its primary task would be to determine whether the law had been followed in granting the exemption. “There is a specific law about Mahar Watan land and an exemption in stamp duty for specific purposes. The committee will examine if those provisions were adhered to,” he said. Bawankuke added that the government had taken prompt action to ensure transparency and accountability.

Inspector general of registration and controller of stamps Ravindra Binwade provided further details, stating that the committee would submit its report within ten days. “The committee will probe the circumstances under which the stamp duty was waived and what documents were submitted,” Binwade said. He confirmed that the panel would be headed by the joint inspector general of registration, with two other senior officials as members.

Sources within the administration indicated that investigators would scrutinise not only whether the exemption was lawful but also examine the role of the suspended sub-registrar, whose office processed the registration.

Political Sensitivity and Silence From Parth Pawar

The allegations come at a politically sensitive moment in Maharashtra, with the ruling coalition—comprising factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Shiv Sena—navigating frequent public scrutiny over the actions of senior leaders and their families. Ajit Pawar’s political journey, marked by strategic alliances and realignments, makes any controversy involving his immediate family subject to intense attention.

Repeated attempts by Hindustan Times reporters to reach Parth Pawar for comments went unanswered. The deputy chief minister’s office has also not issued a statement addressing the allegations. Political observers note that the silence may be strategic, as an early defence may expose the Pawar family to more political attacks before the inquiry report is submitted.

Legal Questions Over Mahar Watan Land

A significant aspect of the case revolves around the legal framework governing Mahar Watan land. Historically, Mahar Watans were hereditary land assignments awarded to members of the Mahar community, often in lieu of traditional duties or services provided to local authorities. While much of the watan system was abolished decades ago, remnants of the classification still appear in land records, and special provisions govern the transfer and taxation of such land.

Legal experts note that exemptions in stamp duty can be granted when the land is transferred for specific purposes, such as redistribution to original community beneficiaries or for government-approved welfare or rehabilitation programmes. Commercial transactions, on the other hand, usually do not qualify for such waivers without explicit government sanction. The committee will therefore examine whether the Mundhwa land sale met any of the criteria that would justify a ₹21-crore exemption.

Administrative Accountability Under Scrutiny

The suspension of the sub-registrar who processed the registration indicates that the government believes procedural lapses may have occurred. A suspension, however, is a preliminary administrative action and does not imply guilt. Officials familiar with such inquiries say that the sub-registrar will likely be questioned extensively regarding the documents submitted, the basis for the exemption, and whether any external influence or pressure was exerted.

If irregularities are confirmed, disciplinary action could range from departmental penalties to criminal proceedings, depending on the severity of the violations.

Implications for the State Government

While Devendra Fadnavis has publicly committed to allowing an impartial investigation, opposition parties are expected to seize on the controversy, particularly with a high-profile political figure like Ajit Pawar indirectly involved. Any finding of wrongdoing could strain the already complex political alliance dynamics in Maharashtra.

For now, the government appears keen to signal transparency. By moving quickly to order a probe, suspending an official, and setting a tight deadline for the inquiry report, the administration is positioning itself as intent on establishing whether the deal was lawful or whether fraudulent practices occurred.

What Happens Next

The inquiry committee’s report, expected within ten days, will be pivotal. It will determine whether the stamp duty exemption was legally justified. If the committee finds that rules were bypassed or misinterpreted, the government may revoke the exemption, impose penalties, or pursue legal action against those involved.

As the political establishment waits for the committee’s findings, the case is likely to remain in the public eye, raising broader questions about land governance, political influence, and transparency in Maharashtra’s high-value real estate transactions.