The Mohali Municipal Corporation (MC) has initiated a tough enforcement drive against defaulters who have been defaulting on property tax payments for a long time, giving a tough signal to all such defaulters, particularly major establishments. The drive has been initiated despite repeated notices.
The sealing operation is being conducted on the basis of Section 138-C of the Punjab Municipal Corporation Act, 1976, which gives the municipal body the right to seal those properties that default on tax payment. According to the MCD, the sealing notices have already been issued to the properties that failed to pay taxes despite giving numerous opportunities.
MC Commissioner Parminder Pal Singh said that in select cases, a final grace period of three days has been granted to defaulters to deposit their pending property tax. “If the dues are not cleared within this period, the premises will be sealed without any further notice,” he said, adding that the administration would strictly enforce the provisions of the Act.
The commissioner further clarified that once a property is sealed, the responsibility for any loss or damage to goods, machinery, or stock lying inside the premises will rest entirely with the owner or occupier. The Municipal Corporation will not be held liable under any circumstances for damage or loss after sealing, he stated.
Joint Commissioner Jasjit Singh explained that sealing is not the final step in the enforcement process. Under the Punjab Municipal Corporation Act, the civic body is authorised to proceed with public auction of sealed properties to recover outstanding property tax dues. “The law allows recovery of the principal tax amount along with a penalty of up to 20% and interest at the rate of 18%, applicable from April 1, 2014, until the date of recovery,” he said.
It was stated that the enforcement effort that is being conducted at the moment involves major industrial as well as commercial establishments situated in different phases of Mohali. Also, a list of defaulters has been made on the basis of long outstanding dues, which have been followed up on a staged process.
Making a final appeal, the Municipal Corporation asked the remaining defaulters to immediately pay the pending property taxes along with the due penalties and interest. These can be submitted at the Municipal Corporation office at Municipal Bhawan, Sector 68, Mohali, or through online payment options available on the M-Seva app.
The civic body warned the affected individuals of the possibility of coercive action, such as sealing, auction, and further legal proceedings, in case of any further delay or non-compliance.
The MC officials have also made it clear that payment of property tax on time is required if better civic infrastructure and civic services are to be provided. The money paid as a result of property tax is used for providing and maintaining civic services like roads, sewage, streetlights, and drainage.
Persons concerned with problems or seeking clarification with regard to dues, assessment, and payments have been informed to contact the Property Tax Branch, Municipal Corporation, Mohali, during working hours.
The Municipal Corporation again reiterated that this campaign is an embodiment of its focus on being financially disciplined and also equally enforcing the laws. Regular defaulters will face stringent legal action.
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