PUNE: State govt has barred sub-registrars from registering property documents if mandatory permissions and supporting papers are missing, or if a flat’s area exceeds than approved in the sanctioned building plan, under a revenue department circular issued on Oct 12.The circular follows a Sept 22, 2026 meeting chaired by revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule to curb irregularities involving buildings constructed without permission and flats sold with areas exceeding those sanctioned. The govt said such practices have resulted in buyers suffering financial losses. The restrictions cover agreements for first sales, sale deeds, deeds of apartments, and transfer documents for units in construction projects across the state.
Checklist for sub-registrars
The registration department had submitted detailed recommendations to tighten scrutiny of property transactions following Mundhwa land scam, and these recommendations have been incorporated into the latest instructions. “The recommendations are along the lines of what we had proposed. Earlier, sub-registrars could not refuse to register a document. Now, with this circular, they can check the documents and refuse the registration. These checks are important to prevent fraudulent practices,” said joint IGR Rajendra Muthe from the registration department.The circular prescribes separate document requirements for projects that must be registered with Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) under Section 3 of Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, and those exempt from registration. For projects requiring MahaRERA registration, the documents must include the authority’s registration certificate or an occupancy certificate, along with the sanctioned building plan showing the area of the unit.For projects that do not require MahaRERA registration, the documents must include a construction permission or a commencement certificate issued by the competent authority, sanctioned building plan showing the unit’s area, a zone certificate, and a measurement or survey plan. The circular makes it mandatory for sub-registrars to refuse registration if the area mentioned in a property document exceeds that shown in the sanctioned plan, even if the other required papers are submitted. “These checks are essential to prevent fraudulent registrations and transparency should be maintained at all offices. However, sub-registrars must strictly follow the guidelines,” said activist. Joshi.The circular also warns that departmental inquiries will be initiated against sub-registrars who knowingly register documents in violation of these instructions.
