Maharashtra is preparing for a major overhaul of its property-record system, with the state government targeting December 2026 for a new law that could give homeowners a more conclusive legal record of their property rights. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said the proposed framework is also intended to tackle long-standing land disputes and reduce litigation.
Property Cards to Establish Clear Ownership
Currently, documents such as 7/12 extracts, registered sale deeds and property tax records are commonly used to establish transactions and possession. However, these records may not always serve as conclusive proof of ownership.
The proposed law seeks to address this gap by creating definitive property titles. Under the planned system, owners will receive property cards containing details including the property’s location, dimensions, valuation and ownership. Each card will also feature a QR code, allowing relevant property information to be accessed digitally.
Vertical Property Cards for Flat Owners
The government is also planning Vertical Property Cards for apartments and flats. These records are expected to capture an individual flat owner’s share in the underlying land, along with details such as the unit’s area, dimensions and value.
Bawankule identified delays and inconsistencies in land measurement as major contributors to property disputes. The government is working towards completing land measurements within 15 days of an application.
Drones and Modern Survey Technology
Around 500 licensed surveyors have reportedly joined the initiative, with the state planning to deploy between 100 and 150 licensed surveyors in each district.
Surveyors will receive training and modern equipment, including rover technology, while drones will also be used to improve the speed and accuracy of land surveys.
The government aims to bring land-related litigation down to around 10% of its existing level within three years by creating more reliable and definitive property records.
Safeguards Against Government Land Fraud
The Revenue Department is also upgrading its registration systems to prevent the illegal sale or registration of government-owned land. Following a recent incident in Pune, the system is being enhanced to automatically flag attempts to register properties identified as government land.
Bawankule said the department had introduced around 104 Cabinet notes over the past 18 months to amend laws and regulations and streamline revenue administration.
The proposed Land Titling Act is expected to represent a major shift in Maharashtra’s property-record system, moving from transaction and possession-based documentation towards a more definitive ownership framework.
Source: The Free Press Journal
Pic Credit: ET Realty
