When you buy, inherit, or receive property as a gift, it’s essential to update the land records to reflect the new owner. This process, known as mutation of property, officially changes the ownership details in government records. Mutation helps establish legal ownership and prevents future disputes or fraudulent transactions. In this article, we’ll explain what mutation of property is, why it’s important, and how the process works in rural and urban areas.
What is Mutation of Property?
In simple terms, mutation means a change. The mutation of property refers to updating the ownership details in the land records maintained by government authorities. This process is important because it ensures the land records show the true owner of a property.
When you buy a property, you must update the records with your name. Mutation happens when property is transferred through sale, inheritance, partition, gift, or a release deed. It ensures the rightful owner appears in the land records, helping prevent fraudulent property transactions in the future.
In Maharashtra, villages use the 7/12 extract for land records, while urban areas use property cards when 7/12 extracts don’t apply. Change of name must occur in the appropriate land record system, depending on whether the property is rural or urban.
Mutation Process of Land
- If someone buys or inherits land through partition or a gift, they must apply to the revenue Talathi (village officer).
- The applicant needs to provide proof of ownership, such as sale deeds or inheritance documents.
- The Talathi enters the details in the rough mutation record and sends notices to all interested parties, informing them of the mutation request.
- If anyone objects to the mutation, they can register their concerns with the Talathi.
- The Talathi reviews the objection and either rejects it and proceeds with the name change or rejects the entire mutation application.
- If no objections are raised within the notification period, the mutation becomes permanent, and the Circle Officer certifies the change.
- The new ownership is reflected in the 7/12 record.
Mutation of Property Card
In urban areas, the city survey officer takes over the Talathi’s role and updates property cards.
The new owner must apply to the city survey office and provide the required proof of ownership.
The survey officer issues notices to the concerned parties, and if there are no objections, the change is recorded in the property card.
The old owner’s name is either removed or “bracketed” to indicate they are no longer the property owner.
Conclusion
Mutation of property is a crucial step in confirming property ownership. While the process can sometimes involve challenges and legal disputes, it is necessary to ensure clear and legitimate ownership. Once the mutation is complete, the new owner has the legal right to transfer the property or make any other decisions regarding it. Therefore, the mutation process is essential to secure your property rights and avoid future complications.