Official guidance, Tamil Nadu land law
G.O. (Ms.) No. 303, Implementing Online Patta Transfer System and Legal Validity of Digitally Signed Land Records, 2016
The Tamil Nadu Revenue [SS-II(2)] Department issued G.O. (Ms.) No. 303 on 27 December 2016 to implement online patta transfers and recognise digitally signed, QR coded A-Register and Patta copies as legally valid land records wherever the system has been fully implemented. The government order supersedes the patta transfer procedure laid down in G.O. (Ms.) No. 210, Revenue Department, dated 8 July 2011.
What the government order does
G.O. (Ms.) No. 303 of the Tamil Nadu Revenue [SS-II(2)] Department, dated 27 December 2016, directs the Principal Secretary and Commissioner of Survey and Settlement to implement the Online Patta Transfer System for transfer of registry. It replaces the procedure under G.O. (Ms.) No. 210, Revenue Department, dated 8 July 2011, with a process based on the Tamil Nilam application software.
The government also declares digitally signed, QR coded A-Register and Patta copies to be legally valid land records, equivalent to signed copies, wherever the Online Patta Transfer System has been implemented in full.
Who it affects
G.O. (Ms.) No. 303 affects people applying for patta transfer and those who need A-Register or Patta copies in areas where the online system operates. It is also relevant to officials processing registry transfers and professionals who rely on these land records.
At the time recorded in the government order, the Online Patta Transfer System was in trial operation in 277 of the State's 285 taluks.
Key provisions
G.O. (Ms.) No. 303 provides that:
- Patta transfer applications may be submitted through e-service centres or Common Service Centres authorised by the competent authority.
- Applications may be processed through the workflow prescribed in the Tamil Nilam application software.
- A-Register and Patta copies may be issued as QR coded, digitally signed documents.
- The digital signature must be affixed by the Tahsildar or another designated competent authority.
- Members of the public may be allowed to download the records through an online portal at any time and from any location.
- Documents may be stored and transferred electronically for processing at different levels.
- An electronic archive may be maintained for retrieval during an appeal or revision.
Practical significance
G.O. (Ms.) No. 303 supports an online process without physical movement of files. Applicants can use authorised Common Service Centres instead of making multiple visits to taluk offices, view application status online, receive SMS updates during processing, and download approved land records.
The Principal Secretary and Commissioner of Survey and Settlement must establish operational procedures, modify relevant Revenue Standing Orders and issue instructions needed for statewide implementation.
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
Is a digitally signed online Patta legally valid?
Yes. A digitally signed, QR coded Patta is legally valid and equivalent to a signed copy wherever the Online Patta Transfer System has been implemented in full.
Can I apply for patta transfer through a Common Service Centre?
Yes. G.O. (Ms.) No. 303 allows applications to be received through e-service centres or Common Service Centres authorised by the competent authority.
Who can digitally sign an online A-Register or Patta copy?
The digital signature may be affixed by the Tahsildar or another competent authority designated for that purpose.
Does G.O. (Ms.) No. 303 replace the earlier patta transfer procedure?
Yes. It supersedes the procedure laid down in G.O. (Ms.) No. 210, Revenue Department, dated 8 July 2011, for transfer of registry.
