In a bid to revolutionise the way property documents are registered in India, the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) has unveiled the draft Registration Bill 2025, aiming to replace the 117-year-old Registration Act of 1908. The move promises to bring transparency, efficiency, and digital convenience to millions of property owners and buyers across the country.
Key Highlights of the New Bill:
Fully Digital or Traditional Options: Citizens can now choose between online or offline registration, making the process hassle-free. Aadhaar-based verification is included but not mandatory.
More Documents Covered: Agreements of sale, Power of Attorneys (POAs), sale agreements, mortgages, and company mergers/demergers will now require compulsory registration.
New Officer Posts Created: Additional and Assistant Inspector Generals of Registration posts introduced for better governance.
Clear Rules for Refusal and Cancellation: Registrars can refuse or cancel registrations based on clear grounds such as fraud, incomplete translations, or submission delays beyond four months.
Lower Penalties: Maximum imprisonment for violations reduced from seven years to three, bringing relief to those involved in minor errors.
Why the Change?
The 1908 Act required property owners to physically visit government offices for document registration, often leading to delays and inefficiencies. While some states introduced tech-based solutions, the lack of a central digital law created confusion.
The new bill integrates technology like e-signatures, digital archives, and Common Services Centres (CSCs) to simplify the process nationwide.
Concerns Remain
Experts warn that handling sensitive property data digitally may require strong cybersecurity measures. Some fear that allowing CSCs to process legal transactions like stamp duty or title transfer may raise procedural and legal ambiguities.
A Step Towards ‘Digital India’
With this ambitious reform, the government aims to reduce land disputes, title fraud, and corruption in real estate, ultimately making property dealings smoother and more transparent for common citizens.
