Comprehensive Guide to Checking the Legality of Plots in Tamil Nadu

Investing in property is a significant decision, and ensuring the legality of plots is crucial, especially in Tamil Nadu. This detailed guide will help you navigate through the verification process to make a secure and informed purchase.

1. Verify Ownership Documents

Sale Deed

• Check the Sale Deed: Ensure the deed is in the seller’s name and is duly registered.
• Historical Ownership: Review the chain of ownership to confirm the seller has a clear and marketable title.

Patta and Chitta

• Patta: This document details the ownership of the property. Verify the latest patta information.
• Chitta: Provides details about the land’s classification (dry, wet, etc.), area, and survey number. Access these records online via the Tamil Nadu e-Services portal or visit the local revenue office.

2. Encumbrance Certificate (EC)

• Obtain the EC: This certificate shows any legal dues, mortgages, or encumbrances on the property. Available at the sub-registrar’s office or through the TNREGINET portal.
• Check for a Minimum Period: Ensure you review the EC for at least the past 30 years to uncover any hidden liabilities or claims.

3. Verify Land Use and Zoning Approvals

Land Conversion Certificate

• Agricultural to Non-Agricultural Use: Confirm that any agricultural land has been converted for non-agricultural use if needed.

Zoning Regulations

• Local Planning Authority: Check with the Directorate of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) or the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) to ensure the land complies with zoning regulations for your intended use.

4. Check Local Authority Approvals

Building Plan Approval

• Approved Plan: If planning to construct, ensure the building plan is approved by the local municipal corporation or panchayat.

No Objection Certificates (NOCs)

• NOCs: Ensure all necessary NOCs are obtained from relevant departments (fire, water, electricity, etc.).

5. Conduct a Survey and Boundary Verification

Survey and Demarcation

• Survey: Survey to verify boundaries and ensure there are no encroachments.
• Boundary Verification: Compare the survey measurements with the details in the land records.

6. Consult a Lawyer

• Legal Scrutiny: Hire a qualified property lawyer to scrutinize all documents, verify the legal status, and provide a legal opinion. This helps identify any potential legal issues or disputes.

7. Check for Compliance with Local Laws

Local Regulations

• Compliance: Ensure compliance with local land laws and regulations specific to Tamil Nadu.
• Environmental Clearance: Check if environmental clearance is required, especially if the land is near protected or environmentally sensitive areas.

8. Review the Settlement Register

• Settlement Register: This document, maintained by the revenue department, includes historical records of land settlement and classification. Accessing the settlement register provides detailed information about the land’s classification over time.

9. Check for Pending Litigation or Disputes

Court Orders

• Legal Disputes: Search for any pending litigation or court orders related to the property.
• Public Notices: Check for any public notices regarding the property in local newspapers.

10. Obtain Property Tax Receipts

• Property Tax: Verify that all property taxes have been paid by obtaining the latest property tax receipts. This can indicate if the property has any outstanding dues.

11. Check the A-Register Extract

• A-Register: Obtain the A-Register extract from the Village Administrative Officer (VAO) or the local revenue office. This document includes detailed information about the land, including its classification and use.

12. Online Verification

TN e-Services Portal

• Step-by-Step:

1. Visit the portal.
2. Select “View Patta & FMB/Chitta/TSLR Extract.”
3. Enter the required details (district, taluk, village, and survey number).
4. View and verify the records.

13. Verify Eligibility for Purchase

Caste and Community Restrictions

• Restrictions: Some lands, especially those allocated to Scheduled Castes (SC), might have restrictions on transfer to individuals from other castes. Verify if there are any such restrictions.

14. Payment and Registration

• Mode of Payment: Prefer bank transactions for transparency and record-keeping.
• Property Registration: Ensure the property is registered at the sub-registrar’s office, and you receive a registered sale deed.

Conclusion

By following these detailed steps, you can thoroughly verify the legality of a plot in Tamil Nadu and make an informed decision. Ensuring all these checks can save you from future legal hassles and secure your investment. You can contact us to secure your investment today