India to Replace 117 Year Old Registration Act with New, Digital First Legislation

June 13, 2025

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India to Replace 117 Year Old Registration Act with New, Digital First Legislation

In a path-breaking step that seeks to restructure the manner in which property and document registrations are conducted in India, the Union Ministry of Rural Development has unveiled the Draft Registration Bill, 2025 to supplant the century-old Registration Act of 1908. The proposed legislation is intended to digitize the process, render it transparent and citizen-centric, and much more in tune with the contemporary legal and tech environment.

Digital-First System

The entire registration process is e-based—document submission, verification, and issuance of certificate. Aadhaar-based authentication facility provided (optional with opt-in) with fallback ID options.

Increased Scope for Registrations

More documents are compulsorily registrable, i.e., sale agreements, power of attorney, sale certificates, court orders, equitable mortgages, and wills.

Transparency & Accountability

Reasons for refusal to be recorded in writing by registration officers.Suitable procedures made for cancellation of registrations, so natural justice is preserved.

System Interoperability

Interoperates with other computerized government systems for fraud-free and correct data sharing among departments.

Institutional Reforms

Establishment of new positions like Assistant Registrars and Inspectors-General. Authority to frame rules vested in states and Centre to facilitate effective enforcement.

Citizen-Centric Measures

Return of overpayment of fees, lower fee charge for cases involving multiple documents, and waiver for individuals not able to appear in person. Safe deposit of wills permitted.

Industry Support

Backed by CREDAI, NAREDCO and other real estate associations to enhance transparency, ease of doing business, and check fraud.

Public Feedback Invited

The public and stakeholders are invited to submit inputs on the draft bill by June 25, 2025.

Expected Outcome

Increased confidence in property transactions, fewer disputes, and an updated, tech-savvy property registration system to the advantage of all stakeholders.

Source: The Hindu