How to Check Old Land Records: A Step-by-Step Guide

Land records are fundamental documents that provide needed evidence of ownership, boundaries, and other vital information about a given property. To begin with, one needs to access these land records for a number of purposes, including guiding and regulating property transactions, conflicts among heirs, as well as for historical research. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to check old land records in India, covering the types of records, methods to access them, required documents, online and offline processes, and state-wise portals.

Understanding Land Records

Land records usually mean the act of maintaining a record of any land-related transactions, right from sales and purchases, in modern parlance. Traditionally, lands were provided by families much like surnames; the family was the original owner of the land. But now even that has changed. The tangible copies and physical proofs are highly cherished nowadays. One thing about the whole property transaction is that no oral transaction suffices.

Meaning & Types Of Land Records

Land records are official documents that preserve a history of ownership, rights, and transactions with respect to land. They thus represent legal proof of ownership, being of utmost importance in solving property disputes and preventing fraud while ensuring transparency in land administration.

The types of land records are as follows:

• Record of Rights (ROR): Also known as jamabandi, it contains details of ownership, cultivation, tenancy, and other rights related to the land.  

• Mutation Register: Records changes in ownership due to sale, inheritance, or other reasons.  

• Survey Maps: Depict the boundaries, measurements, and location of the land parcel.  

• Property Tax Receipts: Provide evidence of payment of property taxes.  

• Encumbrance Certificate: Confirms whether the land is free from any legal or financial liabilities.

Information Included In Land Records

In land records, following information is mentioned:

• The land record contains the name of the owner, some personal details such as where they live, some identifying particulars, and history of former ownership.

• It describes the property; for example, it gives the survey number, plot number, total area, and defined boundaries.

• The prescribed land use is specified: it must be agricultural, residential, commercial, or industrial.

• If the land is leased or rented, they must provide details regarding tenants and lease contracts.

• It also specifies the value of the land for tax purposes. This is for encumbrances, including mortgages, loans, or any legal claims whatsoever on the property.

• The mutation history also records any change in ownership and change in the character of the land use that may happen over time.

Methods To Access Land Records

In India, there are two methods to check land records:

Manual Methods

• Visit the Tehsil or Village Office: Traditionally, the village office or tehsil maintained the entire land records manually. You can request access to the records by visiting the respective office.

• Apply for Certified Copies: You can send in an application with the prescribed fee for the certified copies of the land records.

Online Methods

• State-Wise Land Records Portals: Various states have set up online portals for public access to digitized land records. Users can search for records using criteria like the owner's name, survey number, and other specifications.

• National Land Records Modernization Programme (NLRMP): NLRMP, under the auspices of the federal government, seeks to digitize and modernize land records throughout India. The program's website features links to state portals and related resources.

Important Documents Required To Check Old Land Records

Following are the documents one needs to check old land records:

• Identity Proof: Aadhaar card, voter ID, or other government-issued identification.

• Address Proof: Utility bills, bank statements, or other documents proving your address.

• Property Details: Survey number, plot number, or other information about the property.  

• Application Form: If applying for certified copies, you may need to fill out an application form.

Online And Offline Verification Process

Online Verification Process

• Go to the land records portal of the relevant state.

• Fill in the details required like district, tehsil, village, and survey number.

• The portal will display the land record details showing the ownership information, mutation history, and the survey map.

• You may download or print the records for reference.

Offline Verification Process

• Go to the Tehsil or Village Office.

• Submit an application for the required land records.

• There is a fee, please provide it.

• The officials will verify your request and get back to you with the records you've requested.

Where To Find Land Records In India

Land records are usually mentioned in the following offices in India:

1. Tehsil Offices: are the main office of land records for a tehsil or taluka.

2. Village Offices: in particular states, land records are maintained at the village level as well.  

3. Sub-Registrar Offices: maintain records for the registration of property and mutations.

4. Revenue Department: concerned with land administration and record-keeping for the state.

State-Wise portal for Checking Old Land Records in India

Conclusion

In India, old land records are required for a hundred reasons, and in response to the demands of the times, both manual and electronic systems have been adopted for pulling data. With a proper understanding of the types of land records and the information they contain, as well as the procedural aspects, anybody will be able to weed out and direct thousands of dollars from this huge pile of records. The surge of online portals has made land record checking the simplest thing to do, bringing transparency and efficiency to land administration.

FAQs

A few FAQs on how to check old land records are:

Q1. How can I check land records online?

Visit the relevant state's land records portal and enter the required property details to access the records.

Q2. What if my state doesn't have an online portal for land records?

You can visit the Tehsil or Village Office and manually access the records.  

Q3. What is the cost of obtaining certified copies of land records?

The fee for certified copies varies by state and the type of record.

Q4. How long does it take to get land records from the Tehsil Office?

The processing time can vary depending on the workload and efficiency of the office.

Q5. Can I check land records for any property in India?

Yes, you can check land records for any property as long as you have the necessary property details.