The Maharashtra government is in the process of drafting a Land Titling Act that will make property cards compulsory for every land parcel across the state, as announced by Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Sunday in Pune. In addition to existing details, each property card will also reflect the property's value.
Understanding Property Cards
A property card, locally known as malmatta patrak, is an official land record document issued by the city survey department in urban areas. It currently serves as the primary legal proof of ownership for urban properties, containing comprehensive information about the owner, property size, location, and transaction history. For rural areas, the 7/12 extract functions as the equivalent document.
Government's Vision
Minister Bawankule stated, "Once the Act is implemented, properties belonging to 14 crore residents—the estimated population of Maharashtra—will be brought under the property card system. The value of every property will be officially mentioned on the card. This document will serve as a globally valid proof of land ownership, functioning much like how cash assets are currently recognised." He further added that the government aims to finalise the legislation by July, with the bill likely to be placed before the state assembly for approval during the monsoon session.
The initiative is expected to boost the state's economy and simplify land transactions. "No property in the state will remain without a property card once the Act is implemented," Bawankule emphasised.
Legal Implications
Bawankule noted that several Supreme Court and high court judgments have highlighted that documents such as the 7/12 extract, registration papers, or sale certificates are not always treated as conclusive proof of ownership. However, property cards are widely accepted and considered important in courts and official systems across the country. Hence, the new system is likely to bring relief from property disputes and prolonged court battles, he added.
Vertical Property Cards for Flat Owners
In addition to the Act, a revised proposal to introduce vertical property cards for flat owners is expected to be reviewed by the cabinet in June. Currently, the state issues property cards for urban land parcels and 7/12 extracts for rural areas, but there is no standalone document that formally establishes the ownership of an individual flat within a multi-storey building.
To bridge this gap, the state has proposed new rules under the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code, 1966. State Settlement Commissioner Shailesh Nawal explained that the existing property card or 7/12 extract will remain the primary ownership document for the land parcel, while the vertical property card will act as a supplementary record for the individual unit.
The minister made these remarks to reporters after attending Bharti Vidyapeeth's foundation day event in Pune.
