Land: Maharashtra Government Yet to Enforce Anti-Fragmentation Act Despite Notifications

Pune, 27th November 2025: Although the Maharashtra government has announced the procedure for the Anti-Fragmentation Act, its implementation remains pending. The delay has left citizens uncertain, with many visiting registration offices to inquire when they can legally buy or sell small land parcels of one or two gunthas. Residents are urging the government to commence the process without further delay.

The Act does not apply in areas under municipal corporations, municipal councils, or nagar panchayats. While the government made the decision months ago and issued a notification three weeks prior, the detailed procedure was released only last week.

Across the state, nearly 49 lakh land transactions have violated the Act, yet only around 10,000 cases have been submitted for regularisation. Recently, the government eased strict conditions, withdrew the Act in certain areas, and waived the regularisation fee, as confirmed in a gazette notification.

Despite these measures, the Act has still not been put into practice, raising concerns among citizens.

Officials from the Registration Department said they have received the new guidelines and are reviewing them. Sub-registrars are expected to receive clear instructions soon regarding which documents can be registered and which zones remain restricted. These directions are likely to be issued within the next four to five days.