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Maharashtra Eases Tukdebandi Rules, Regularises 49 Lakh Land Parcels Across StateWhen Selling Land — A Real Case That Teaches Important Tax Lessons
Many people in India buy and sell land or houses. When they sell, they often earn a good profit, known as a capital gain.
But most people don’t know how to save tax on this profit, and even small mistakes can cause big tax problems.
A recent Income Tax Tribunal case from Chennai teaches us some very useful lessons about this.
What Happened in the Case
A man sold his property and made a profit.
He wanted to save tax under Section 54 of the Income Tax Act, which allows people to avoid paying tax on profit if they buy or build another house within a set time (usually 2 years to buy or 3 years to build).
However, he made one mistake — he did not deposit the remaining sale amount into the Capital Gains Account Scheme (CGAS) before the last date of filing his Income Tax Return.
Because of this, the Income Tax Department refused to give him the tax exemption.
What the Tribunal Said
The man appealed to the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT), Chennai.
The Tribunal looked at the facts and gave an important judgment:
The man did use the money from the sale to buy new land and start construction within the allowed period.
His intention was genuine — he was not trying to avoid tax unfairly.
So, even though he missed the step of putting money in the special CGAS account before the due date, the tribunal said he should still get the exemption.
The tribunal said that the main purpose of Section 54 is to encourage people to reinvest in a new home, not to punish them for a small technical delay.
So, as long as the investment in property is made in time, the benefit should not be denied.
What You Can Learn from This
1. Understand Section 54 well
If you sell a house or land and make a profit, you can save tax if you reinvest in another house within the given time limit.
2. Capital Gains Account Scheme (CGAS)
If you cannot use the money before the end of the financial year, you must normally deposit it in a special CGAS account in a bank before the return-filing due date.
However, if you still invest the money in time (even without depositing), this case shows you may still get relief — but it’s safer to follow the rule properly.
3. Keep proof of your investment
Always keep your sale deed, purchase receipts, construction bills, and bank statements. If the tax officer asks questions, these documents protect you.
4. Plan before selling your property
Talk to a tax consultant or CA before you sell. They can guide you on how to manage your finances and save tax properly.
Why This Case Matters
Many property owners lose tax benefits due to small mistakes, such as missing a deadline or not depositing money correctly.
This case shows that courts look at the true intention — if you have used the money for the right purpose, you can still get justice.
But the safest option is always to follow every rule carefully and keep full records.
Maharashtra to Launch Unified Land Management Platform for Revenue Services
A Unified Land Management Platform (ULMP) will be implemented by the Maharashtra government to expedite land related procedures and revenue services throughout the state. The aim of this digital project is to create a single, easily navigable platform that will house various land records, revenue, and registration services.
Land records, revenue, and registration & stamp duty services are currently handled by different systems that citizens must navigate, which frequently causes delays and confusion. These systems will be integrated by the ULMP, offering a smooth experience for registering heirs, accessing land documents, monitoring application statuses, and getting advice on required paperwork and processes.
The platform, which was created by the National Informatics Centre (NIC), is anticipated to increase efficiency, decrease paperwork, and improve transparency for both citizens and public servants.
With the ULMP, Maharashtra aims to set a benchmark for digital governance by providing a land management service delivery model that is more open, effective, and user friendly for citizens.
Three bungalows near Lonavala, a well-known hill station close to Mumbai, are up for sale, and the RBI has opened bids. The properties have a combined reserve price of ₹6.65 crore, and prospective purchasers must deposit ₹10 lakh as earnest money.
Originally used as vacation rentals for RBI employees, these bungalows are located on more than 3,800 square meters of freehold land. Every bungalow is a ground-plus-one building. The properties are available for inspection by potential purchasers until September 8, 2025, and the deadline for submitting a bid is September 9, 2025.
The sale will be conducted on an “as is, where is” basis, and buyers will be responsible for clearing any pending taxes. Cushman & Wakefield India has been appointed as the property consultant to manage the sealed-bid process.
Lonavala continues to be a preferred destination for second homes, attracting investors from Mumbai, Pune, Gujarat, and NRIs. With prices as high as ₹15,000 per square foot, the area is renowned for its opulent villas and bungalows. Celebrities also favor the area's upscale real estate, underscoring its allure as a posh getaway.
Godrej Properties Acquires 7.8 Acre Land in Hyderabad for ₹547.75 Crore
Through an e-auction, Godrej Properties Ltd (GPL) successfully purchased a 7.825-acre land parcel in Hyderabad for ₹547.75 crore. The Telangana Housing Board carried out the acquisition, and the property was situated in the city's coveted residential district of Kukatpally (KPHB).
The site is ideally situated for high-end residential development due to its excellent road connectivity. Godrej Properties plans to use this property to increase its presence in Hyderabad's burgeoning real estate market.
The auction highlights the rising demand for residential plots in the city, with the land fetching a substantial price reflecting the ongoing upward trend in Hyderabad’s real estate sector. In order to maintain a balance between high-end development and social responsibility, the auction's proceeds will also go toward affordable housing projects funded by state programs.
Through this acquisition, Godrej Properties reaffirms its dedication to building premium residential projects in strategic urban areas and expands its footprint in Hyderabad.
The battle for control of Lavasa Corporation has intensified, with Valor Estates emerging as the top bidder after creditors allowed revised offers and extended the resolution timeline.
In the third round of bidding, Valor Estates offered ₹946 crore (NPV), outpacing rivals. The Welspun–Ashdan consortium followed with a bid of ₹845 crore (NPV), while the Yogayatan Group submitted an updated offer of ₹830 crore (NPV) despite earlier objections to bid revisions.
While Valor holds the highest bid, the Welspun consortium scored strongly on the evaluation matrix due to higher upfront cash, stronger institutional backing, and execution credibility.
The extended timeline has reinvigorated the resolution process, but challenges remain. There may be delays as a result of the Yogayatan Group's petition to the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) challenging the lenders' decision to accept new bids.
Once intended to be India's first planned hill city, Lavasa has long been mired in debt, hampered by regulations, and seen its development stall. Its ownership and chances of revival will be determined by the outcome of this bidding war.
Shendra Bidkin Industrial Area Approves New Land Allotments, Driving Growth and Jobs
The Shendra-Bidkin Industrial Area, part of the Aurangabad Industrial City (AURIC), has approved new land allotments that are set to boost industrial development, attract fresh investments, and generate employment opportunities in the region.
The latest approvals are expected to bring in investments of over ₹200 crore while creating nearly 1,000 new jobs. The projects span across sectors such as food processing, paper products, engineering, electronics, and metal casting—reflecting the area’s appeal to a diverse mix of industries.
Authorities evaluated proposals based on parameters like feasibility, land requirements, turnover, and expansion potential before granting allotments under priority and expansion categories. This open strategy guarantees that initiatives that support industrial diversification and sustainable growth receive the funding they require.
As the first greenfield smart industrial city in India, AURIC is enhancing its standing as a centre for contemporary, environmentally responsible, and carefully thought-out industrial development. The latest round of allotments further positions Shendra-Bidkin as a catalyst for regional economic growth, sustainability, and job creation.