Circular No.20274/CS1/19, dated 31.10.2020
The Office of the Inspector General of Registration, Chennai, issued Registration Department Circular Number 20274/CS1/19 on 31 October 2020, directing the authorities concerned to process document registration, society registration and applications for encumbrance certificates only through the online system. The circular removes physical contact and hard-copy requirements during the application cycle and requires online processing within the timelines under the Tamil Nadu Business Facilitation Act and Rules, 2017-2018.
What the circular governs
Registration Department Circular Number 20274/CS1/19, issued by the Office of the Inspector General of Registration, Chennai, on 31 October 2020, implements online processing requirements under the District Reforms Action Plan. It directs the authorities concerned to complete the following processes only online:
- Registration of documents.
- Registration of societies.
- Issuing of encumbrance certificates.
For property buyers, owners and professionals, the directions are particularly relevant when registering property documents or applying for an encumbrance certificate.
Online facilities provided
Registration Department Circular Number 20274/CS1/19 states that the online system provides facilities covering the complete application process. These include:
- Information about the procedure, document checklist and fees.
- Online submission of applications.
- Uploading of supporting documents.
- Payment of the required fees.
- Tracking the status of an application.
- Queries from department officials and online responses from applicants.
- Downloading the final digitally signed certificate.
The source does not specify a particular website or portal address.
No hard copies or physical contact
Registration Department Circular Number 20274/CS1/19 instructs department officials not to ask applicants to submit application forms, supporting documents or responses to queries in hard copy or in any other form outside the online system.
The circular also states that there must be no physical touch points between department officials and applicants during the entire application cycle. Applications and queries must be processed only through the online system.
Processing responsibility and timelines
Registration Department Circular Number 20274/CS1/19 applies to the registration authorities concerned, including all Sub Registrars and all District Registrars. Copies were also sent to the Secretary, Commercial Taxes and Registration Department, the Tamil Nadu Industrial Guidance and Export Promotion Bureau, and all Deputy Inspector Generals of Registration.
Applications must be processed within the timelines defined under the Tamil Nadu Business Facilitation Act and Rules, 2017-2018. The circular does not reproduce those timelines. All officials concerned were instructed to follow the online-only requirements scrupulously.
This summary is generated from the source document to help you find what is relevant. The PDF above is authoritative. For advice on your own property, use LandLens One or speak to a qualified professional.
Common questions
Can I apply for an encumbrance certificate online?
Yes. Registration Department Circular Number 20274/CS1/19 directs the authorities concerned to complete the issuing of encumbrance certificates only through the online system.
Can a Sub Registrar ask me to provide hard copies after I apply online?
No. Department officials must not ask for the application form, supporting documents or responses to queries in hard copy or any other form outside the online system.
Can I track my application and answer department queries online?
Yes. The online system provides application tracking and allows department officials to raise queries and applicants to respond online.
Will the final certificate be available online?
Yes. The circular states that applicants can download the final digitally signed certificate through the online system.
