Tamil Nadu’s registration department is set to introduce a “presenceless” system for property registration, enabling buyers and developers to finalize first-sale registrations without the need to visit sub-registrar offices (SROs).
This initiative, designed to alleviate congestion and delays, will be optional during its initial phase and will gradually become mandatory. With more than 36 lakh documents registered each year across 582 SROs, this change is anticipated to enhance operational efficiency and improve the user experience.
The system is an extension of previous digital initiatives, which included online registration for Memoranda of Deposit of Title Deed (MODs), receipt deeds, and short-term residential lease deeds. Currently, only approximately 30,000 MODs and receipt deeds are processed online. Under the new system, after the seller and developer submit their documents digitally, the SRO will verify and approve them remotely. The integration of Aadhaar-based iris and fingerprint authentication will be implemented, and developers will need to acquire biometric scanners. The implementation is expected by the end of the year and aims to reduce corruption and save time.
However, the proposal has sparked concerns regarding safety and potential fraud. With numerous property disputes already unresolved, critics caution that eliminating the requirement for physical presence could facilitate manipulation. The department is currently assessing safeguards to maintain document integrity and prevent misuse.
