Land Records and Land Reform in India
How Land Records Work
Records are maintained by state revenue departments, with maps, ownership registers and separate registration of sale deeds, leading to gaps.
Who owns what, on paper?
Two systems
Revenue departments keep the land record (who cultivates and pays tax), while registration departments record property sale deeds.
Presumptive title
In India, a registered deed doesn’t guarantee a clear title; it is presumptive.
Mutation
After a sale or inheritance, the record must be changed, but often isn’t.
Maps
Old survey maps may not match ground reality.
An old record
A buyer finds the seller's name isn't in the revenue record.
Assuming registration proves ownership
It does not conclusively.
Key takeaways
- Revenue and registration records are separate.
- Title is presumptive.
- Mutation is often delayed.
- Maps may be outdated.
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