Transfer of Property Laws….

Land is a subject falling within the powers of the State Governments under the Constitution of India 1 and hence, property laws in India may differ from State to State. Besides the local laws, several laws enacted by the Central Government also govern acquisition and ownership of property (including an interest in property) through purchase/sale, transfer, mortgage, inheritance or gift.

When a person acquires or owns an immovable property, the law also give him/her the right to use, lease, sell, rent or transfer/gift of the land. The owner also has a right to mortgage his immovable property as a security for loans. However, there are some laws which restrict the type of use a land can be put to, e.g., a land may be used only for residential or commercial purposes to prevent haphazard/unorganized growth of cities and towns. Laws in some of the States prevent/restrict outsiders from acquiring property within the State. Restrictions are also placed on non-agriculturists from acquiring agricultural land. There are also other laws which prescribe rules and regulations for protection of environment or which provide for approval of building plans/designs so as to protect people from natural or manmade hazards. Some laws like the Registration Act, 1908, also lay down provisions governing registration of property transactions so as to keep proper records of ownership of property in the public domain.

The Transfer of Property between any two parties is governed by the Transfer of Property Act, 1882. Both these parties need to be alive for transfer under the Act. In case of transfer of a property of a deceased person, Succession Laws as per the religion of the deceased will be applicable.