The central government has released a draft bill proposing online property registration and mandatory digitisation of key documents, which will mark a major revamp of the 117-year-old Registration Act, 1908.

Titled The Registration Bill, 2025, the draft has been prepared by the Department of Land Resources under the Ministry of Rural Development.

It aims to modernise the property registration process to make it faster, more transparent, and citizen-friendly. It has now been opened for public feedback until June 25.

DIGITAL PROPERTY REGISTRATION

A key highlight of the proposed law is the introduction of fully online registration of immovable property.

The bill also mandates the registration of critical documents such as the agreement to sell, power of attorney, sale certificates, and equitable mortgages, many of which were previously excluded.

The government has proposed digital maintenance of records, electronic issuance of registration certificates, and Aadhaar-based verification with informed consent. Those unwilling to share their Aadhaar can opt for other modes of identification.

The draft also recommends linking registration systems with other record-keeping agencies to streamline access to property-related data and reduce the risk of fraud. The integration aims to improve efficiency, ensure data integrity, and boost trust in legal ownership records.

Officials said the bill reflects the need for a modern legal framework, aligned with growing reliance on registered documents in both public and private dealings. Several states have already introduced digital innovations under the existing law, and the Centre now aims to build a unified system across India.

With property-related frauds and delays a common grievance, the move could significantly ease the process for buyers, sellers, and legal authorities.