Rajasthan's new land registry rules are mired in controversy. Experts and lawyers claim the rules could create difficulties for small landowners and farmers, while benefiting large builders.

Jaipur: New land registry rules issued by Rajasthan's Urban Development and Housing (UDH) department on Thursday have sparked sharp reactions in the state. Experts, lawyers, and department officials say the rules indirectly benefit large builders while creating significant obstacles for small landowners and farmers.

Conversion certificate mandatory, increasing burden on smallholders

According to the new rule, registration of any sale deed will no longer be possible unless a certificate confirming the land's use from agricultural to residential or industrial is obtained. Critics say it is extremely difficult for ordinary farmers or small landowners to obtain such a certificate from the Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) or other agencies.

A senior official from the UDH department said, "With this rule, small landowners like farmers will have to resort to large builders to sell their land. This will further increase the influence of large developers in land transactions."

The increase in JDA limits has also had an impact, worrying buyers and plot owners.

The rule comes at a time when the JDA has expanded its jurisdiction to several villages. Lawyers working at the district collectorate say that unconverted plots will no longer attract buyers and will increase registration hassles.

Harlal Singh, an advocate at the district registry office, said, "More than 80% of Jaipur's colonies were developed by housing societies that did not have conversion certificates. A large number of people still haven't received JDA leases—what will happen to them?"

He also said that this rule is contrary to the Supreme Court's April 2025 order, which clearly stated that the Registrar is not responsible for inquiring into the title of the property or the nature of the land.

Experts called the rule incomplete and vague

Former Additional Chief Town Planner Chandra Shekhar Parashar called the rule "incomplete," saying it would increase government revenue but would not ensure compliance with JDA/UDH master plans and bylaws. He said that adherence to systematic zoning and development standards should be made mandatory in urban development.

Lawyers call off protest after government assurance

Jaipur: The ongoing agitation of lawyers against stopping the registration of documents based on society lease ended on Friday after the government's assurance. According to the advocates, IG Stamp issued instructions to all registrars that registration on the basis of society lease and power of attorney will continue as before.

The statement of the advocates said, 'Registry on the basis of society lease was stopped from December 3, whereas it was allowed in the government circular of February 11. Now registration will be done as per the old provision.' President Gajraj Singh Rajwada said that this decision has brought relief to about 80% of the population of Jaipur city.

PC: NBT