Maharashtra Launches 7-Month Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Revenue Lok Adalat Campaign To Settle Pending Revenue Disputes

Mumbai, August 15, 2026: Maharashtra's Revenue Department has initiated a seven-month statewide effort to resolve pending revenue disputes via Lok Adalats, targeting over a million litigants and farmers entangled in extended quasi-judicial proceedings. Dubbed the 'Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Revenue Lok Adalat Campaign', the project runs from September 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027, aligning with the bicentennial birth anniversary of social reformer Mahatma Jyotirao Phule.

The government's decision, announced on August 13, was spearheaded by Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, who received directives from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The campaign will encompass pending revenue cases and appeals before various quasi-judicial authorities, from Circle Officers and tehsildars to District Collectors.

District Collectors will be obligated to conduct Revenue Lok Adalats at all levels bi-monthly. Settlement will largely hinge on mutual agreement between the parties. The prescribed process involves both parties or their advocates jointly submitting an application for compromise. Authorities will evaluate the applications and draft a legally binding settlement agreement based on the consent of both parties.

On the designated Lok Adalat day, a final order will be issued, cementing the resolution. The Revenue Department has mandated district and divisional authorities to disseminate information about the campaign via official websites and notice boards at tehsil, sub-divisional, and Collectorate offices. Additionally, notices will be displayed at village revenue officials and Circle Officers' offices to ensure the scheme reaches rural populations.

Quarterly reports from Divisional Commissioners to the government will track the campaign's execution. Bawankule emphasized the initiative's aim to deliver timely justice to ordinary citizens and farmers while curbing legal expenses, prolonged litigation, and mental anguish. He remarked, "Ensuring justice for ordinary citizens and farmers was at the core of Mahatma Phule’s philosophy.

Permanent settlement of disputes through Lok Adalats will help citizens avoid legal expenses, prolonged court proceedings and mental harassment."