My family signed a sale deed for our land back in 1982, using a small stamp paper worth just Rs 5. We only paid the stamp duty in 2015, with a hefty penalty added on. Is it legally okay for the government to accept stamp duty on a 33-year-old document like this? Since the deed still isn’t registered, can we stop this sale from going through? If yes, what are our options?

While the government can levy stamp duty retrospectively, it is debatable whether they can enforce it after such a long delay, especially considering the minimal initial stamp paper value. As the deed is unregistered, you can approach the court to challenge the registration and potentially prevent the sale. However, the success of this approach depends on various factors and legal arguments. Consulting a legal professional is crucial for determining your specific options and legal standing.