The Maharashtra Legislative Council on Friday passed the Maharashtra Stamp (Amendment) 2024 bill, raising stamp duty on affidavits from Rs 100 to Rs 500. The bill, based on a cabinet decision from September 30, replaces an ordinance issued on October 14. Cabinet Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil stated the move aims to bring uniformity in stamp paper rates.
Leader of Opposition Ambadas Danve criticized the increase in stamp duty on affidavits, stating, “This will increase the expenses for affidavits. Earlier, students could make affidavits for duplicate TC, etc., for Rs 50 or Rs 100. I think it’s unfair to charge them Rs 500 for an affidavit. The best solution the govt can do is to allow self-attestation or at least franking.” He further expressed concern for rural students, saying, “We have so many students coming in from rural areas who cannot spend Rs 500 or Rs 1,000 each time they want to give an affidavit.”
According to local media reports, the MahaYuti government had earlier issued an ordinance to amend the Maharashtra Stamp Act, 1958, proposing an increase in stamp duty on affidavits, agreements, and related documents from Rs 100 to Rs 500. The revenue department estimates that these amendments will boost revenue from stamp duty and registration by nearly Rs 2,000 crore.