Section 23 in The Maharashtra Tenancy and Agricultural Lands Act, 1948
23. Repairs of protective bunds.
(1)Notwithstanding any agreement, usage or custom to the contrary, if it appears to the [State] [This word was substituted for the wore 'Provincial' by the Adaptation of Laws Order, 1950.] Government that the construction, maintenance or repairs of any bunds protecting any land held by a tenant is neglected due to a dispute between the landlord and the tenant, or for any other reason, it may be an order in writing direct that the construction, maintenance or repairs shall be carried out by such persons as may be specified in the order and the cost thereof shall be recoverable from the person in actual possession of the land as arrears of land revenue.(2)The persons from whom the costs are recovered under sub-section (1) shall be entitled to recover the same or any part thereof from any person who under an agreement, usage or custom is wholly or partially liable to construct, maintain or repair the bunds.(3)Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), it shall be lawful for the tenant of any land, the protective bunds of which are neglected, to construct, maintain or repair such bunds at his costs and the costs so incurred by him shall on application made by him to the Mamlatdar be recoverable by him from the landlord according to his liability under the agreement, usage or custom. The costs of the proceedings of the tenant's application shall also be recoverable from the landlord in case the landlord is held wholly or partially liable to pay the costs incurred by the tenant for construction, maintenance or repairs to the bunds.
