Circular No. 12446/C1/2019, Automatic Mutation of Patta, 3 March 2021
The Head of the Registration Department issued Circular No. 12446/C1/2019 on 3 March 2021 to reinforce checks for automatic online patta mutation after registration of property transfers that do not require survey number subdivision. Sub-Registrars must remove the automatic mutation selection in STAR 2.0 when a document is not eligible, and incorrect approval may lead to disciplinary action.
What the circular governs
Circular No. 12446/C1/2019, issued by the Head of the Registration Department on 3 March 2021, deals with automatic online patta name changes following registration of documents that transfer rights in immovable property.
The process applies only where:
- The document transfers rights in immovable property.
- The property does not require subdivision of the survey number.
- The document satisfies the prescribed checks for automatic patta mutation.
For eligible documents, the patta name can be changed automatically online when registration is completed.
Checks required before approval
Circular No. 12446/C1/2019 requires the Sub-Registrar to examine eligibility fully before giving computer approval for automatic patta mutation.
The required safeguards include:
- Comparing the name of the person executing the property document with the landowner name shown in the existing online patta.
- Giving the automatic mutation approval code only when those names are the same.
- Following the other conditions and guidelines referred to in the earlier government order and Registration Department circular.
The source refers to five factors in the government order but does not reproduce those factors.
STAR 2.0 selection
For registrations not involving subdivision, STAR 2.0 is configured so that the automatic patta mutation option is selected by default.
If the Registration Officer finds that the document is not eligible under the applicable guidelines, the officer must immediately remove the default tick from the option. The circular states that removing the selection in ineligible cases is intended to prevent unintended errors.
Enforcement and who is affected
The Commissioner of Survey and Settlement reported that automatic patta mutation approval had been given incorrectly by 48 Sub-Registrars. District Registrars were directed to obtain explanations from the relevant Sub-Registrars within their jurisdictions.
The instructions directly apply to Registration Officers, District Registrars and Sub-Registrars. They also affect property owners and persons registering transfers because an automatic patta name change should proceed only when the property needs no survey subdivision and the required checks are satisfied.
If incorrect computer approval is given after these instructions, the responsible Registration Officer may face disciplinary action under the applicable Tamil Nadu Civil Services Rules.
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
Will my patta be changed automatically after property registration?
Automatic online mutation is available for eligible property transfer documents that do not require subdivision of the survey number. The Sub-Registrar must complete the required checks before approval.
Does automatic patta mutation apply when the survey number must be subdivided?
No. Circular No. 12446/C1/2019 covers registrations that do not involve survey number subdivision.
What name check must the Sub-Registrar make?
The Sub-Registrar must compare the name of the person executing the property document with the landowner name in the existing online patta. Automatic mutation approval should be given only when the names are the same.
What happens if STAR 2.0 selects automatic mutation for an ineligible document?
The Registration Officer must remove the default tick from the automatic patta mutation option. Incorrect approval may result in disciplinary action against the responsible officer.
