Curation Team
HYDERABAD: Raising red flags over key provisions in the Centre’s draft registration (amendment) bill 2025, the Telangana govt is preparing to formally object to clauses it believes could severely affect state revenues and complicate property registration processes. Among the most contentious issues are proposed caps on registration charges and the move toward full online registration, which the state says may open the door to fraud and impersonation.
The department of land resources under the Union govt released the draft bill last month, seeking feedback from states and the public by June 26. The legislation is expected to be introduced in the upcoming Parliament session. In response, Telangana is not only drafting its objections but also looking to mobilise support from neighbouring states like Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, and is considering joint official-level meetings to present a united front.
Reforms with risks
While Telangana is not opposed to digitisation in principle—it has already implemented online slot booking and e-application processes in several departments—officials insist that blanket online registration is fraught with risks in its current form.
“Online registration, especially for sale deeds, raises serious concerns around authenticity and fraud. In-person verification ensures the seller appears before the sub-registrar to confirm that the transaction is genuine and voluntary,” a senior official from the registration department told TOI.
“It’s not possible to verify documents or detect impersonation reliably in a fully online system, especially when land values in Telangana are among the highest in the country, making fraud more lucrative,” he said.
Although some states have experimented with video-call based verification, officials caution that even those methods are only used selectively, not as a complete replacement for physical presence.
Revenue loss fears
Telangana is also strongly opposed to the proposal for ‘reasonable’ registration charges and a uniform ceiling on fees, arguing that such a move infringes on the state’s fiscal autonomy and could significantly reduce its Rs 15,000 crore annual revenue from stamps and registration.
“This revenue is critical to fund welfare schemes. Article 265 of the Constitution clearly states that taxation authority lies with the states. The proposed amendments violate that principle,” a senior official pointed out.
Public access to GPAs, wills
Another major concern for Telangana is the proposed change to Books 3 and 4—which cover general power of attorney (GPA) and wills. The draft bill proposes making certified copies of these documents publicly accessible. Officials argue that since these are personal and often sensitive documents, certified copies are currently issued only to family members or under court orders.
“If these are made public, it could result in legal complications, misuse, and even property disputes,” a sub-registrar warned. Currently, GPAs and wills also do not reflect in the encumbrance certificate, maintaining a layer of confidentiality.
Despite its reservations, the state has welcomed certain provisions of the bill—such as the inclusion of lease deed registrations, a clearer definition of ‘execution’, and provisions for creating new posts within the registration department.
