A legal document that attests to the ownership of a piece of property in Kerala, India, is called an ownership certificate. It provides evidence that a person or organisation is the legitimate owner of a certain plot of land or other real estate under Keralan government control. The ownership certificate is a crucial document that proves the owner has legitimate control and possession of the property, allowing them to exercise their legal rights and conduct business relating to the property.
The ownership certificate is known as the "Chitta" or "Adangal" certificate in Kerala. The Chitta certificate contains information on the property, such as the survey number, land extent, boundaries, and the owner's name. It also includes information about the land's categorisation, such as agricultural, residential, commercial, or other.
Procedure for Getting an Ownership Certificate
In Kerala, the property owner or an authorised agent must file an application to the village officer or Tahsildar of the particular village to receive an ownership certificate. Typically, the application requires information such as the property survey number, village name, and owner's name. In some situations, supporting documentation such as proof of ownership, tax receipts, and identity proof may be required.
Following the submission of the application, the Village Officer or Tahsildar begins the process of verifying ownership facts and performing relevant enquiries. This entails scrutinising the land records and physically inspecting the property to check the integrity of the information presented. To validate the ownership claims, the officer may also study relevant revenue records and contact with neighbouring landowners.
After satisfactory verification, the Village Officer or Tahsildar issues the ownership certificate in the appropriate format. The certificate includes information such as the property survey number, village name, land extent, owner's name, and any encumbrances or mortgages. It bears the official seal and signature of the issuing body, ensuring the document's authenticity.
Importance of Ownership Certificate
In Kerala, the ownership certificate is extremely important in various legal and administrative matters. It is used to prove ownership in real estate transactions such as purchasing, selling, or transferring land. When entering into a sale agreement or completing a property deed, the ownership certificate is a critical document that establishes the authority of the rightful owner and ensures the transaction's legitimacy.
Furthermore, the ownership certificate is frequently requested when applying for loans or mortgages from financial organisations. This document is used by lenders to verify the ownership of the property being used as collateral and to assess the marketability of the title. The certificate speeds up the loan approval procedure and reduces the risk for both the lender and the borrower.
In addition, the ownership certificate is necessary to access certain government services and advantages associated with property ownership. It is required to file for building permits, receive utilities like water and electricity connections, and gain access to government incentives or schemes. The certificate can also be used to settle disputes or legal concerns about land ownership and limits.
Finally, in Kerala, an ownership certificate is a critical document that proves the ownership of a property in the state. The Village Officer or Tahsildar issues it, serves as proof of ownership, and gives important information about the property and its owner. The ownership certificate is utilised in real estate purchases, loan applications, government services, and legal matters. It is critical to the transparency and legality of property ownership in Kerala.
