CHENNAI: While the Survey and Settlement Commissionerate has digitized land records and enabled software integration between revenue and registration departments to facilitate patta transfers, city residents are still experiencing delays. Several applicants report waiting weeks to see title changes in their patta post-registration.
Previously, the process for buyers and sellers was tedious, requiring mandatory visits to taluk offices for patta transfers, land measurements, and other services related to land records. Now, the system has transitioned online, significantly reducing the time needed to obtain documents and diminishing opportunities for corruption.
Under the updated system, title changes in the patta can occur within a minute after a buyer registers the property, as long as no subdivision is involved. This is referred to as a “fulfilled patta,” which can be downloaded from here. However, if a land parcel is subdivided and sold to multiple buyers, the application must be approved by the village administrative officer or surveyor, and the patta will be issued within 30 days.
Despite these advancements, the reality on the ground remains inconsistent. Sandhya Vedullapalli, a lawyer and activist who registered a property in South Chennai in September, is still awaiting her updated patta. Similarly, a woman named Priya (name changed), who purchased an apartment in Perambur three months ago, has yet to receive her updated patta.
“This system seems to have functioned effectively only for a short period. Now, even after more than three weeks, patta transfers following registration of sale deeds are not being completed. It feels like we’ve reverted to the old practices of bureaucracy and associated corruption,” Sandhya remarked.
The reform was initially a welcome change, but it appears its effectiveness has been short-lived. “Patta transfers still do not happen immediately, contrary to government guidelines. Officials need to monitor pending applications and address the underlying issues,” social activist Satish Galley stated.
An official from the Commissionerate of Survey and Settlement noted that if land is subdivided and sold to multiple buyers, the application will go to the VAO or surveyor for processing, with the patta expected to be issued within 30 days.
