The Maharashtra Land Revenue Code, 1966 is one of the most important laws related to land and property in Maharashtra. If you own land, want to buy land, or are involved in any land-related work in the state, this code matters to you. It lays down the rules for land use, ownership, taxes, records, and administration.

In this article, we’ll break down the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code, 1966 in a simple and easy-to-understand way. Whether you’re a student, a landowner, or just curious about how land laws work in Maharashtra, this guide will help you grasp the basics.

What Is the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code, 1966?

The Maharashtra Land Revenue Code, 1966 (often shortened to MLRC) is a law that manages all revenue-related matters linked to land in the state of Maharashtra. It came into force on 15th August 1967 and replaced many old land laws that were confusing or outdated.

Its main goal is to create a uniform and organized system for land records, land revenue collection, and management of government land.

Why Was This Code Introduced?

Before 1966, different regions in Maharashtra followed different land laws. This created confusion and made land administration difficult. For example, what applied in Mumbai might not apply in Pune or Nagpur.

To fix this, the state government decided to bring all land-related matters under one single law. That’s how the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code was born.

Key Objectives of the MLRC

Here are the main goals of the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code:

• To maintain proper land records across the state.
  
  

• To simplify the collection of land revenue.
  
  

• To give powers and responsibilities to revenue officers.
  
  

• To manage agricultural and non-agricultural land.
  
  

• To control land transfers and ensure fair use of land.
  
  

Important Terms You Should Know

Before going further, let’s understand a few basic terms from the Code:

• Revenue Officer: A government official responsible for land records, land disputes, and tax collection.
  
  

• Land Revenue: Tax paid to the government by landowners or tenants for using the land.
  
  

• Occupant: A person who legally possesses land and pays revenue to the government.
  
  

• Mutation: The process of updating land records after a property is sold or transferred.
  
  

Structure of the Code

The MLRC is divided into chapters that cover different aspects of land administration. These include:

1. Land and Land Revenue
   Defines how land is categorized and how land revenue is charged.
   
   

2. Tenure and Occupancy
   Explains the rights of people who occupy land and how their landholding is recorded.
   
   

3. Use of Land for Non-Agricultural Purposes
   Lays down rules for converting agricultural land into land for housing, business, or industrial use.
   
   

4. Boundaries and Surveys
   Details the process for land surveys, measuring boundaries, and resolving disputes.
   
   

5. Records and Registers
   Talks about how land records are maintained and how people can access them.
   
   

6. Appeals and Revisions
   Gives the process for challenging decisions made by revenue officers.
   
   

Roles of Key Officials Under MLRC

The Code clearly defines the roles and duties of different land revenue officers. Some key positions include:

• Collector: The head revenue officer in a district. Handles land disputes, tax collection, and land acquisition matters.
  
  

• Tahsildar: Manages land issues at the taluka level. Also responsible for issuing land-related certificates.
  
  

• Talathi: Maintains land records in a village or group of villages.
  
  

• Circle Officer: Supervises Talathis and ensures proper maintenance of records.
  
  

Each of these officials has specific duties to keep the land system running smoothly.

Why Land Records Matter

The MLRC gives huge importance to maintaining accurate and updated land records. These records are useful for:

• Proving land ownership
  
  

• Selling or buying land
  
  

• Getting loans or subsidies
  
  

• Avoiding land disputes
  
  

Thanks to digitization, Maharashtra now offers online access to land records through platforms like Mahabhulekh (Maharashtra Bhumi Abhilekh).

Land Use: Agricultural to Non-Agricultural (NA)

If you want to use agricultural land for building a house, factory, or shop, you need to apply for Non-Agricultural (NA) permission.

The MLRC sets the process for this conversion. You have to apply to the Collector or Tahsildar, pay the necessary charges, and wait for approval. Without this, using agricultural land for other purposes is illegal.

Mutation Process Under the Code

Whenever land changes hands—through sale, gift, inheritance, or court order—the mutation process must be completed. This ensures the new owner's name is updated in the official land records.

The MLRC guides how this process works and what documents are needed. Once completed, the new name appears in the 7/12 extract (Saat Baara Utara), which is the key land ownership document in Maharashtra.

Offenses and Penalties

The Code also lists certain offenses like:

• Unauthorized use of government land
  
  

• Illegal construction on agricultural land
  
  

• Not paying land revenue
  
  

Such violations can lead to fines, eviction, and even imprisonment in some cases. The law is strict about protecting land from misuse.

Recent Updates and Amendments

Over the years, the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code has been updated to meet modern needs. Some changes include:

• Digitization of land records to improve transparency
  
  

• Simplified NA permission process
  
  

• Better coordination between land records and property registration departments
  
  

These changes make it easier for citizens to deal with land-related work and reduce chances of fraud or corruption.

Conclusion

The Maharashtra Land Revenue Code, 1966 plays a vital role in how land is managed in the state. It ensures that land ownership, usage, and revenue collection are done in a fair, transparent, and legal way.

If you own land in Maharashtra or plan to buy any, knowing the basics of this law can save you from legal trouble and confusion. Whether it’s paying your land tax, applying for NA permission, or updating land records—this Code has all the rules you need to follow.

Always keep your land documents updated, stay informed about any changes in the law, and when in doubt, consult a legal expert or your local revenue office.