Budget Speech 2016-17 - Implementing Online Patta Transfer System - Legal validity of Digitally Signed Land Records ('A'-Register and Patta) - Orders Issued
The Revenue [SS-II(2)] Department issued Government Order (Ms.) Number 303 dated 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 online system has been fully implemented. It supersedes the patta transfer procedure laid down in Government Order (Ms.) Number 210, Revenue [SS-I(1)] Department, dated 8 July 2011.
What it governs
Government Order (Ms.) Number 303 of the Revenue [SS-II(2)] Department governs the online process for patta transfer, also described as Transfer of Registry. It also establishes the legal status of digitally signed, QR-coded copies of the A-Register and Patta issued through the Online Patta Transfer System.
The online system used the Tamil Nilam Application Software. At the time of the order, it had been extended on a trial basis to 277 of the State's 285 taluks.
Who it affects
Government Order (Ms.) Number 303 affects people applying for patta transfer, owners who need A-Register or Patta copies, Tahsildars and other designated authorities who sign those records, and officials who process patta applications.
Applicants can use e-service centres or Common Service Centres authorised by the competent authority. The system is intended to reduce repeated visits to taluk offices by allowing online status tracking, SMS alerts and online downloading of approved records.
Key provisions
Government Order (Ms.) Number 303 directs the Principal Secretary and Commissioner of Survey and Settlement to implement the Online Patta Transfer System with these features:
- Patta transfer applications may be received through authorised e-service centres or Common Service Centres.
- Applications may be processed through the workflow required by the Tamil Nilam Application Software.
- A-Register and Patta copies may be issued as QR-coded, digitally signed documents.
- The digital signature may be added by the Tahsildar or another competent authority designated for that purpose.
- Members of the public may download the records through an online portal at any time and from any location.
- Documents may be stored and transferred electronically during processing.
- An electronic archive may be maintained for retrieval during an appeal or revision.
Legal and practical effect
Government Order (Ms.) Number 303 declares digitally signed, QR-coded A-Register and Patta records to be legally valid and equivalent to signed copies wherever the Online Patta Transfer System has been implemented in full.
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. The new online procedure supersedes the earlier patta transfer procedure laid down on 8 July 2011.
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.
Where can I submit an online patta transfer application?
The application may be submitted through an e-service centre or Common Service Centre authorised by the competent authority.
Who can digitally sign an online Patta or A-Register copy?
The Tahsildar or another competent authority designated for that purpose may apply the digital signature.
Can I download an approved Patta or A-Register copy online?
Yes. The system provides for approved QR-coded, digitally signed Patta and A-Register copies to be downloaded through an online portal at any time and from any location.
