Property Registration Rules Tightened: Is Digital Signature Mandatory? Relief for Homebuyers
To prevent fraud in property transactions involving houses and land, the Registration Department has introduced several stringent measures to enhance security and transparency.
Stronger Identity Verification
The identity of individuals registering property is now being verified more rigorously. Registration is permitted only after validating government-issued documents such as Aadhaar and PAN, significantly reducing the risk of impersonation and fraudulent registrations.
Biometric Registration Introduced
A biometric registration system has been implemented, under which the fingerprints and photographs of the seller, buyer, and witnesses are recorded. This prevents a single individual from carrying out multiple fraudulent registrations using fake identities.
Power of Attorney Transactions Under Scrutiny
Additional restrictions have been imposed on property transactions executed through Power of Attorney. Documents related to properties registered in the names of individuals residing abroad are now being thoroughly verified.
Digitisation of Old Records
All old registration documents have been digitised and made available for online viewing. Property registration details are now cross-verified with revenue department records such as patta, chitta, adangal, and encumbrance certificates. If discrepancies are found, the registration process is immediately halted.
Sub-registrar offices have also been empowered to stop registrations and conduct inquiries if any doubts arise. Helplines and online complaint facilities have been set up to enable the public to report issues easily, creating a safer environment for buyers and sellers.
Digital Signature to Curb Forgery
Despite these safeguards, cases of forged registrations, where signatures of property owners are fraudulently imitated, have been reported. To completely prevent such incidents, the Registration Department has taken a major step by moving towards mandatory digital signatures for property deed registrations.
New Software: STAR 3.0
A new software platform, STAR 3.0, has been developed to enable deed registration from anywhere. Government officials, including sub-registrars, are already using digital signatures for official processes, and this system is now being extended to property registrations.
Greater Security, Reduced Land Grabbing
Discussions are underway to allow the public to use digital signatures for property registrations as well. Officials believe that once fully implemented, online property registration will become more secure, significantly reducing fraud and land grabbing through forged documents.
The move is expected to provide greater protection to property owners and bring much-needed relief to homebuyers by strengthening trust in the registration process.
