The Uttar Pradesh registration department has issued a clarification stating that the new e-registration system will apply only to a limited category of property transactions, days after deed writers in Greater Noida went on strike fearing job losses.
Clarification on E-Registration Scope
In a circular issued on June 12, the state inspector general of registration clarified that e-registration is not being introduced for all property documents and sale deeds, contrary to widespread perception following the June 4 rollout order. The move aims to address concerns raised by deed writers and document scribes who feared that a fully digital process would make their services redundant.
Strike by Deed Writers
Advocates and deed writers at registry offices in Greater Noida, Dadri, and Jewar suspended work and called for an indefinite strike on June 10 to protest the government's e-registration initiative. The registration process was affected on June 11 and 12.
Mahesh Bhati, president of the Advocate and Deed Writers Welfare Association, said: "Our concern is not digitalisation — it is livelihood. If buyers can register property directly online, they will stop coming to registry offices. Deed writers and advocates will be rendered redundant overnight."
Amended Instructions
The amended instructions confine e-registration to deeds executed by government or semi-government agencies notified under the Uttar Pradesh Online Registration Rules, 2024, and only for first transfer deeds under approved schemes. Secondary transactions between private parties are excluded.
Assistant Inspector General-2 (Greater Noida) Brijesh Kumar said: "The e-registration system will not adversely affect advocates and deed writers. Government-executed properties are far fewer than private transactions. In Gautam Budh Nagar, YEIDA's first transfers to allottees will go through e-registry, but a homebuyer purchasing from a builder will follow the old process."
Agencies Covered
Agencies covered under the framework include Noida, Greater Noida, and Yamuna Expressway industrial development authorities, the UP Housing and Development Board, the Uttar Pradesh State Industrial Development Authority, Lucknow Development Authority, and Varanasi Development Authority. Registration officials have been directed to guide the public, advocates, and deed writers to clear confusion.
Strike Continues
The strike has not been called off yet. Bhati said: "A decision will be taken on Monday. We believe the government will eventually extend e-registry to all property transactions."
