Lucknow: In a move to streamline land administration and eliminate bureaucratic delays, the Uttar Pradesh government has mandated that all undisputed land mutation cases (गैर विवादित दाखिल खारिज) be resolved within 45 days of filing. This directive comes with a stern warning: District Magistrates (DMs) and Commissioners will be held personally accountable for any delays.
The UP Revenue Council issued these instructions after observing continued delays in resolving even straightforward cases. According to the High Court’s order and government circulars, undisputed mutation matters must be addressed promptly, while disputed cases must be settled within 90 days.
Strict Monitoring and Penalties for Officials Ignoring Deadlines
The government has specifically instructed senior officials—including the Principal Secretary and Revenue Board Members—to ensure strict adherence to timelines under Section 34/35 of the 2006 Revenue Code. These sections relate to property mutation following land transfers due to sale, inheritance, or gift.
Officers have been directed to issue time-bound action plans for all districts, and cases of delays will now be centrally monitored. Importantly, officials who unnecessarily keep applications pending or “hang” them without reason may face disciplinary action.
The e-Governance portals and the Integrated Revenue System (IRS) will also play a central role in tracking performance and ensuring real-time updates of land records.
A Step Toward Transparency and Ease of Land Ownership
Mutation of land records (दाखिल खारिज) is a crucial process that allows ownership rights to be updated in official land records. The delay in this process has long created legal and financial complications, particularly for buyers and heirs.
With this new directive, the UP government aims to improve transparency, accountability, and efficiency in land record management. It is also expected to reduce land disputes in the long term by ensuring prompt recognition of rightful owners.
Revenue officers have been asked to publicly display timelines and procedures, and issue receipts on filing applications to ensure procedural transparency. This push is also aligned with the government’s broader agenda of digital land reforms and faster delivery of services through the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP).