Section 16 of PLRA : Section 16: Power To Call For, Examine And Revise Proceedings Of Revenue-Officers

Explanation using Example

Imagine a farmer, Mr. Singh, who owns agricultural land in Punjab. He has a dispute with his neighbor over the boundary line between their properties. The local Revenue Officer makes a decision in favor of the neighbor. Mr. Singh believes the decision is unfair and requests a review.

The Collector, upon Mr. Singh's request, calls for the record of the case as per Section 16(2) of the Punjab Land-Revenue Act, 1887. After reviewing the case, the Collector feels that the initial decision might have been incorrect and reports this to the Financial Commissioner, as outlined in Section 16(3).

The Financial Commissioner reviews the Collector's report and the case record. In accordance with Section 16(4), the Financial Commissioner decides to reverse the Revenue Officer's decision. However, before finalizing this reversal, the Financial Commissioner ensures that Mr. Singh's neighbor is given an opportunity to be heard, adhering to the proviso that private persons' rights are not affected without a fair hearing.