Government Records Establishing Land Ownership

Most middle-class individuals buy properties either to fulfill their dream of building their own home or as an investment in plots or other types of land. Regardless of the type of property, decisions to purchase are generally based on original documents and encumbrance certificates.

Once a property is bought, it is registered at the sub-registrar's office in the presence of both the buyer and the seller, along with two witnesses. Many believe that the process of acquiring the property ends here.

However, whether it is a residential plot or any other type of land, the government maintains extensive records. Experts suggest that understanding these records is essential for a safe purchase. Here is information about the key government records related to land.

Government Records:

Properties, whether residential plots or other types of land, are recorded and maintained at multiple levels by the Department of Registration and the Revenue Department. It is essential to understand that all details about a property are recorded in various government records before purchasing it. This helps avoid any errors during the purchase process.

Registration Department Records:

When properties, including residential plots, are bought or sold, they are registered here. Old documents related to the property, its ownership, and the type of land are available in these records. To know the current status of the property, one must apply for and obtain the encumbrance certificate from this department.

Revenue Department Records:

Each district is divided into several taluks, which are further divided into villages. Each piece of land within these villages is assigned a unique number called the survey number. Here are the types of records maintained by the Revenue Department:

Patta:

  The patta confirms ownership of the land. It includes details such as the district, taluk, village, patta number, owner's name, survey number and subdivision number, type of land (agricultural or residential), land area, and tax details.

Chitta:

  This government record details the total land owned by an individual in a specific village. It includes information on tax payments, the owner's name, and land use.

Adangal:

  This is a compilation of all survey numbers within a village. It includes details about land ownership, the type of land, and its usage.

Field Measurement Book (FMB):

  This provides a map showing the boundaries of the land, indicating the location of a specific survey number and its surrounding areas.

Understanding these government records helps ensure the safety and legality of property transactions.