Dattatraya Tikaram Dalvi v. the Additional Divisional Commissioner, Aurangabad and Others
Case brief
What is this about?
Bombay High Court, Aurangabad Bench (Arun R. Pedneker, J.; decided 15.09.2025; neutral citation 2025:BHC-AUG:24878) in Writ Petition No. 8347 of 2015 (Dattatraya Tikaram Dalvi v. Additional Divisional Commissioner, Aurangabad). Challenge to Tahsildar, Loha order dated 08.12.2011 and Sub-Divisional Officer appellate order dated 14.05.2012 under Sections 48(3) and 48(7) of the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code, 1966 imposing penalty/royalty for alleged excavation of 1300 brass of murum (minor mineral) against permitted 1000 brass, based on panchanama dated 01.12.2011. Key issue: natural justice — no notice/opportunity of hearing, ex parte proceedings before the Tahsildar, relied-upon documents not served, appellate authority silent on the ground despite respondent's affidavit claiming hearing. Held: hearing not shown in impugned order; both orders set aside; matter remanded to Tahsildar, Loha for readjudication in accordance with law; appearance fixed 29.09.2025, 02:30 p.m.; petition disposed. Keywords: MLR Code S.48(3), S.48(7); murum/murun; brass; royalty; illegal excavation; minor mineral; panchanama; opportunity of hearing; set aside and remand.