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The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has initiated a controversial move to recover INR 180 crore in unpaid property taxes from 77,886 flat owners by recording dues on their share certificates. This prevents defaulters from selling or transferring properties until dues are cleared. Additionally, PCMC has proposed barring defaulters from society elections. Housing federations and legal experts argue that the civic body lacks authority for such measures, calling it legally questionable. While PCMC maintains strict action is needed for compliance, opposition groups warn of potential legal challenges. The move could set a precedent if approved by cooperative housing authorities.
The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has initiated a controversial measure to recover INR 180 crore in unpaid property taxes from 77,886 flat owners across 6,644 housing societies. The civic body has directed housing societies to record outstanding tax dues on the share certificates of defaulting members, a move that has sparked criticism from housing federations and legal experts. Advertisement
Share certificates serve as proof of ownership in a housing society, and by marking dues on them, PCMC aims to prevent defaulters from selling or transferring their properties without clearing outstanding tax payments. Additionally, the corporation has proposed that defaulters be barred from contesting or voting in society elections, which could impact hundreds of society members across the city. PCMC officials argue that this will ensure compliance and encourage property owners to pay their dues on time. However, many legal experts and housing federations argue that such a move is beyond the corporation's legal authority.
In a similar effort last year, PCMC issued seizure warnings to over 30,000 properties to recover pending taxes. The corporation also sealed properties with large arrears, such as the industrial firm Thermoverita India Pvt Ltd, which was closed due to tax dues accumulated from 2022 to 2024. Similar measures have been taken in other cities like Mumbai and Thane, where municipal corporations have auctioned properties of repeat defaulters to recover long-pending dues.
The proposal to disqualify defaulters from housing society elections has also raised concerns among resident welfare associations. Many argue that such a move could lead to legal challenges and disputes within societies. PCMC has approached the Deputy Registrar of Cooperative Housing Societies to seek approvals for implementing this measure. If approved, this could set a precedent for other municipal corporations in Maharashtra.
As the financial year draws to a close, PCMC officials are urging residents to clear outstanding dues promptly to avoid penalties and legal action. They emphasize that timely tax payments are crucial for maintaining the city's infrastructure, funding civic services, and ensuring overall urban development. However, given the growing opposition from residents and legal experts, it remains to be seen whether this measure will be successfully implemented or face legal hurdles.
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