A legal concern has been raised over the implementation of revised Collector Rates in Haryana, scheduled to come into effect from April 1, 2026.
Advocate Hemant Kumar, practicing at the Punjab and Haryana High Court, has pointed out the absence of a prescribed legal procedure for determining minimum land and property values in the state.
In a memorandum submitted to the Governor, Chief Minister, senior bureaucrats and administrative authorities, the advocate stated that Collector Rates are revised annually by Deputy Commissioners but the Haryana Stamp (Prevention of Under-Valuation of Instruments) Rules, 1978 do not provide a codified mechanism governing their fixation.
Collector Rates determine the minimum government-notified value of land and properties for stamp duty purposes during sale, purchase or transfer transactions, directly impacting revenue collection and the real estate sector.
Drawing a comparison with Punjab, Kumar noted that the Punjab Stamp (Dealing of Under-Valued Instruments) Rules, 1983 contain Rule 3A, introduced in 2002, which lays down a detailed procedure for fixing minimum market values. The provision mandates consultations with expert committees and consideration of multiple factors such as location, infrastructure, land usage and construction details before finalising rates.
He said the absence of a similar framework in Haryana could lead to arbitrariness, lack of transparency and potential legal disputes. The memorandum urges the state government to amend the 1978 Rules by incorporating provisions on the lines of Punjab’s Rule 3A to ensure transparency and legal clarity.
Kumar has requested authorities to take prompt action and acknowledge his representation before the revised rates are enforced.
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