The Maharashtra Revenue Tribunal, established under Section 309 of the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code, 1966, functions as the principal adjudicatory authority in the state's revenue system. It is tasked with resolving disputes arising under various land revenue laws, ensuring a streamlined approach to addressing issues related to land rights and revenue.
The Tribunal is chaired by a President and includes several members whose appointments are announced through the Official Gazette. The state government determines the qualifications, tenure, and service conditions for the President and other members. To assist in its functions, the Tribunal is supported by a Registrar and several Deputy Registrars, responsible for handling administrative duties across designated areas.
Centrally located in Greater Mumbai, the Maharashtra Revenue Tribunal also holds sessions in Pune, Aurangabad, and Nagpur, and other locations as deemed necessary for effective operation. These sessions are determined by the President with the State Government's consent, facilitating accessibility and efficiency in handling cases.
The Tribunal's jurisdiction extends to a broad array of issues specified under the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code and other related enactments. It is primarily concerned with:
1) Appeals against original orders or decisions issued by Collectors.
2) Revision applications against decisions made by Collectors on appeal, which may involve issues such as legal misinterpretations, overlooked legal matters, or significant procedural errors that could impact the justice delivered.
The Tribunal operates with the authority of a civil court for procedural functions such as taking evidence, summoning and enforcing the attendance of witnesses, compelling the production of documents, and issuing commissions for the examination of witnesses. These powers ensure that proceedings are conducted with the rigor and thoroughness of judicial processes.
The President of the Tribunal, with the approval of the State Government, is empowered to formulate regulations governing the Tribunal’s practice and procedures. These regulations cover aspects such as the management of costs, imposition and recovery of process fees, representation rights before the Tribunal, and the constitution of benches by the President for efficient case management.
In matters involving significant legal interpretations that might affect public administration or policy, the Tribunal has the provision to invite the State Government to participate in the proceedings. This ensures that decisions on complex legal issues are well-informed and consider the state's policy perspectives.
The Tribunal has the authority to review its orders and decisions to correct any errors or consider new evidence that significantly impacts the case outcomes. It ensures justice is served correctly upon the discovery of new facts or errors. Orders passed by the Tribunal are executed in the manner prescribed for government orders, ensuring enforceability and compliance.
References to the Tribunal in any legal or official document are aligned with its defined role under the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code, embodying the powers and responsibilities previously held by various revenue authorities under older statutes. This integration underscores the Tribunal's central role in the state's governance and legal framework concerning land revenue and related matters.
This detailed exposition underscores the Tribunal's critical role in overseeing and adjudicating revenue-related disputes in Maharashtra, highlighting its pivotal position within the state's administrative and legal hierarchy.
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