Delhi Govt Averse To Online Properties' Registration

As per Delhi Government, the rationale of e-registration for documents due to Covid-19 pandemic is not substantial, as Sub-Registrar's Offices are functioning and no work in the office of Registrar is hindered or stopped in the present circumstances. The Delhi government submitted before the Delhi high court that it does not want online registration of properties to be made available in order to curb false registrations and obviate unnecessary litigation in the society related to the same. It also said that the “Normal functioning of all government departments including public dealings are operational subject to certain requisite pre-cautions as mandated for Covid-19 disease in order to curb its spread. Home visit option is also available for old age, medical unfit and disabled person and the same can be accessed through DORIS, an additional facility extended to the vulnerable group of society and in order to curb any false registration of property and to avoid unwanted litigation, certain checks and balances are essential. This includes the presentation of parties, photographs of the parties and witnesses, examining them by sub-registrar at the time of execution to ascertain the conduct of the parties and verify the details. "The petition, filed by one DC Tuteja through advocate Gaurav Bahl, said that the registration of the documents is one of the very basic issues touching upon the lives of the society and due to the present restrictions arising from the pandemic Covid-19. The entire process of registration of documents has come to a standstill and various rights of the parties have been affected equally being unable to meet their obligations under the agreements or for creating any rights in the favour of their loved ones," the plea had said. The plea had also submitted that the secret documents, such as will, etc can still continue to be registered with personal presence, but added that a mechanism may also be made for ensuring that the registration of the will may also be done virtually.