UNION GOVERNMENT PROPOSES ONLINE REGISTRATION OF PROPERTY INCLUDING AGREEMENTS TO SELL, POWER OF ATTORNEY, SALE CERTIFICATES, AND EQUITABLE MORTGAGE ARRANGEMENTS.

UNION GOVERNMENT PROPOSES ONLINE REGISTRATION OF PROPERTY INCLUDING AGREEMENTS TO SELL, POWER OF ATTORNEY, SALE CERTIFICATES, AND EQUITABLE MORTGAGE ARRANGEMENTS.

The Union Government of India has introduced the draft Registration Bill, 2025, aiming to modernize and digitize the country's property registration system.

This proposed legislation seeks to replace the 117-year-old Registration Act of 1908, transitioning from traditional paper-based methods to a streamlined, online process.

AIM:

To simplify the process of property and document registration for citizens.

- NEW LEGISLATION:

The Centre has drafted a bill to replace the 117-year-old Registration Act, proposing online registration of various documents, including agreements to sell, power of attorney, sale certificates, and equitable mortgage arrangements.

ONLINE PROPERTY REGISTRATION:

The bill proposes a fully digital system for property registration, allowing individuals to submit documents and complete the registration process electronically, eliminating the need for physical visits to sub-registrar offices.

- PUBLIC COMMENT DRAFT:

The Department of Land Resources under the Rural Development Ministry has released a draft bill for public comment.

- STATE CONSULTATION:

The Registration Act applies to the whole country, but states can amend the law in consultation with the Centre.

- ELECTRONIC RECORDS:

The government is also seeking to allow electronic registration certificates and digital maintenance of records.

- AADHAAR-BASED AUTHENTICATION:

The draft bill proposes Aadhaar-based authentication with "informed consent" for document registration.

- ALTERNATIVE VERIFICATION:

Other verification methods will be available for those who do not wish to share their unique Aadhaar ID.

- ENHANCED EFFICIENCY:

 The draft legislation suggests integration with other record-keeping agencies to enhance the efficiency of information flows.

MODERNISATION OF REGISTRATION ESTABLISHMENT:

The bill aims to modernise the organisational structure of the registration establishment, including the introduction of additional and assistant inspectors general of registration.

STAKEHOLDER FEEDBACK AND CONCERNS

Stakeholders, particularly from Maharashtra, have expressed concerns regarding the proposed digital shift. Issues raised include cybersecurity risks associated with Aadhaar OTP verification, potential name mismatches, lack of service providers, and limited language accessibility.

 Suggestions have been made to incorporate alternative authentication methods like email or biometric verification, especially for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs).

Additionally, there are calls for integration with land and municipal records for automatic ownership verification and enabling regional language support for documents.

PUBLIC CONSULTATION

The Department of Land Resources, under the Ministry of Rural Development, has invited public feedback on the draft bill until June 25, 2025. Citizens and stakeholders are encouraged to submit their suggestions and concerns during this period

This initiative represents a significant step towards digitizing property transactions in India, aiming to enhance transparency, reduce bureaucracy, and improve the ease of conducting property-related processes.

 (Times of India, Chennai, 28-May-2025)

R V SECKAR FCS,LLB

79047  19295