Powers of Financial Commissioner (Appeals) delegated to Divisional Commissioners

In order to simplify and expedite the disposal of revenue revision cases under Section 17 of the Himachal Pradesh Land Revenue Act, 1954, the State Government has decided to delegate the powers of the Financial Commissioner (Appeals) to the Divisional Commissioners Shimla, Kangra, and Mandi Divisions. This delegation of powers would apply in cases where the Divisional Commissioners have not exercised appellate jurisdiction under Section 14 of the Act.

A spokesperson of the State Government informed here today that earlier, following the amendment of the Himachal Pradesh Land Revenue Act, 1954 through the Himachal Pradesh Land Revenue (Amendment) Act, 2002, the powers of revision under Section 17 were confined solely to the Financial Commissioner (Appeals). Prior to this amendment, such powers were exercised by the Collectors and Divisional Commissioners, though final orders had to be passed by the Financial Commissioner (Appeals). This system resulted in duplication of proceedings and caused undue delays in resolving revenue cases.

It has been observed that after the 2002 amendment, there has been a sharp rise in the number of cases being filed before the Financial Commissioner (Appeals). As a result, people from remote and far-flung areas have been compelled to travel to Shimla repeatedly to pursue their cases, leading to significant inconvenience and increased litigation costs, said the spokesperson.

He further said that in light of these issues, the decision to empower Divisional Commissioners with visionary authority was aimed at decentralizing the process and enhancing public convenience. The citizens would now be able to seek redressal of their grievances at the divisional level, thereby saving time and money.

He said that this move would improve access to justice, reduce the burden on the Financial Commissioner (Appeals) and streamline the functioning of the revenue administration in the state.