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Context:

The Ministry of Rural Development has introduced the draft Registration Bill, 2025 to replace the existing Registration Act of 1908.

Key Features of the Draft Registration Bill, 2025

End-to-End Digital Registration => The bill enables a completely online process, from the submission of documents to the final registration. Citizens can choose to complete the process electronically or continue with the traditional offline method at the Sub-Registrar's office.

Aadhaar-Based Verification => For identity verification, the bill allows for the use of Aadhaar, based on informed consent. However, it also includes provisions for alternative verification methods, ensuring that no one is denied registration for not having an Aadhaar number.

Expanded Registrable Documents => The bill widens the scope of documents that must be registered. This now includes agreements for sale, power of attorneys (POAs), and mortgages created by the deposit of title deeds. This measure aims to increase transparency and reduce fraud in property transactions.

Clear Grounds for Refusal and Cancellation => The bill clearly defines the reasons for which a Sub-Registrar can refuse to register a document. It also grants the Inspector General of Registration the power to cancel registrations that are found to be fraudulent or in violation of the law, with a provision for appeal.

Reduced Penalties => The draft bill proposes a reduction in the term of imprisonment for offenses from the current seven years to three years, along with a fine.  

Source: 

INDIAN EXPRESS