New Delhi: A draft bill proposed by the Ministry of Rural Development seeks to replace the colonial-era Registration Act of 1908, introducing a modern digital framework for registering land documents and property transactions.
The draft law, which was created by the Department of Land Resources and is currently available for public comment, intends to ensure inclusion for those without Aadhaar while streamlining the land registration process using online platforms.
The proposed law allows for electronic presentation of documents, digital admission, issuance of e-registration certificates and online record maintenance.
While Aadhaar-based verification with informed consent is permitted, the proposed bill specifically offers alternative modes of identification for those unwilling or unable to use Aadhaar.
According to reports, officials confirmed that no one will be denied registration solely for lacking an Aadhaar number.
The bill expands the scope of mandatory land registration to cover a broader range of documents in line with evolving property practices.
In addition to traditional documents like sale deeds, leases and wills, the bill also proposes the inclusion of new categories for compulsory registration.
The draft bill further introduces structural reforms to the registration hierarchy, adding roles such as assistant and additional inspectors general of registration.
It prescribes the procedures for appointments of registrars and sub-registrars, and vests rule-making powers with state governments to ensure alignment with local administrative systems. As reported under the new provisions, documents can be submitted either physically or electronically.
Individuals registering documents must provide a signature, a colour passport photo (either submitted or captured digitally), a thumb impression (manual or biometric) and PAN details. The bill accepts both physical and electronic signatures as valid.
To prevent fraud and ensure public interest, authorities may require individuals registering documents online to appear in person before issuing registration certificates.
The draft also outlines grounds under which registration may be denied, along with an appeals mechanism.
The proposed law calls for registration offices to be equipped with digital infrastructure, including computers, scanners, and cloud-based systems. Officials said the bill emphasises simplicity, transparency and accessibility, especially for citizens and small businesses, by promoting plain language drafting and digital-first procedures.
If enacted, the bill will mark a significant shift in India’s approach to property registration, combining technological innovation with legal safeguards to better serve the modern needs of property owners and institutions.
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