Buyers In Maharashtra Can Now Use Aadhaar For Property Registration

Starting March this year, those buying a property in Maharashtra would be able to register their properties with their Aadhaar cards. The state Cabinet has finally given its nod to the amendment in Section 32A of the Registration Act, 1908. Going forth, those with Aadhaar cards can register using it while those who do not, can continue to bring two witnesses during the property registration, confirmed Inspector-General of Registration, Supriya Karmarkar.

According to estimates, over 23 lakh properties are registered every year in Maharashtra and this development could reduce a lot of effort for every new homebuyer in the state. Here’s why.

While homebuyers are happy about this development given that they will no longer need witnesses, which many cite has been a problem for long, the department is also confident that it will enable a faster registration process and will be encouraging for many genuine buyers. Besides, it will also check issues like reliability of witnesses brought in by the homebuyer. With this development, the department also hopes to put a check on unlawful practices such as benami transactions.

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Not long back, the Central government had notified sessions courts in 34 states and union territories that could act as special courts for cases brought forward as benami transactions. Maharashtra alone sees around 7,000 registration documents per month and it may at times be difficult to gauge the authenticity of a property purchase. In this context, the use of Aadhaar may be viable given that the details and biometric data obtained during Aadhaar registration is foolproof and is a thorough identification of an individual.

How to use Aadhaar for property registration?

The new system is expected to make the property-registration experience simpler for homebuyers. For Aadhaar verification of property, all requirements under Section 32A of the Registration Act, 1908, which talks about the compulsory affixing of the photograph, has to be met. The Aadhaar-based registration process is consent-based as the verification will be carried out at the buyer's consent or request. After you have given your consent, the 12-digit Aadhaar number with fingerprint and iris scan will be used through a software.

Information generated through the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) system will be saved in the electronic format with a unique transaction code. Once the identity of the buyer will be verified, they will be able to register the document. The entire process will replace the need of witnesses required for the registration of new properties.

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The benefits

*Registration offices will be less crowded. Individuals can get rid of long queues and will not have to look for witnesses at the time of property registration.

*The use of Aadhaar number will confirm the identity of the person the transaction is being entered with.

*The Aadhaar number can be used for transactions where the title of the property does not get transferred.

*The entire system is cost-effective and auditable.

*The process would be more transparent and will put curb on Benami transactions.