Govt. proposes new draft bill enabling online property registration, replacing old colonial in-person system
In a groundbreaking move, the Indian government has proposed a new law that could eliminate the need for in-person property registration forever. The draft Registration Bill, 2025 seeks to replace the colonial-era Registration Act of 1908 with a fully digital system, making property transactions faster, more transparent, and hassle-free.
Goodbye to Long Queues, Hello to Digital Convenience
Under the proposed law, buyers and sellers will no longer have to visit government offices or deal with stacks of paperwork. Instead, everything—from document verification to receiving the final registration certificate—can be done online. The system will use Aadhaar-based authentication for security, though alternative identification methods will also be available for those who prefer not to use Aadhaar.
One Nation, One Digital Registration System
While some states already offer partial online registration, the rules vary widely. The new bill aims to create a uniform process across all states and union territories, ensuring consistency and reducing fraud. It will also integrate with other government databases to improve verification and transparency.
Notably, the bill expands the list of documents requiring mandatory registration, including sale agreements, power of attorney papers, and mortgage deeds—closing loopholes that have often led to legal disputes.
Why the Change Was Needed
The Ministry of Rural Development highlighted that the 117-year-old law is outdated in today’s digital age. With rising demand for efficiency and transparency in land transactions, a modern, tech-driven system was long overdue.
The draft is now open for public feedback until June 25, giving citizens a chance to shape what could be one of India’s biggest property law reforms. If passed, the new system promises to cut bureaucratic delays, reduce corruption, and make property registration accessible to even the most remote communities.
