Supreme Court Directs Law Commission to Explore Blockchain for Property Registration Reforms

Heading: Supreme Court Directs Blockchain Study for Property Reforms

The Supreme Court of India, in its judgment in the case of Samiullah v. State of Bihar, has directed the Law Commission of India to investigate the potential of blockchain technology to reform India's property registration system. The court's aim is to simplify property transactions and facilitate a transition towards "conclusive titling," where registered ownership is definitive.

Justices PS Narasimha and Joymalya Bagchi observed that India's current property laws maintain a distinction between registration (which merely creates a record) and ownership (legal title). This leads to buyers bearing a significant burden to conduct extensive title searches, contributing to property disputes accounting for approximately 66% of all civil litigation in India.

Impact Blockchain technology, with its inherent immutability, transparency, and traceability, is seen as a promising tool to create a secure, tamper-proof system for land registration. It could integrate cadastral maps, survey data, and revenue records into a single verifiable framework. This reform could drastically simplify the process of buying and selling immovable property, reduce fraud, and enhance citizen trust in the legal and transactional framework. The implementation may require amendments to key laws like the Transfer of Property Act, 1882, and the Registration Act, 1908. Rating: 9/10

Heading: Difficult Terms Blockchain Technology: A decentralized digital ledger that records transactions across multiple computers in a way that is secure, transparent, and resistant to modification. Conclusive Titling: A land ownership system where the official registration serves as final and indisputable proof of title. Presumptive Titling: A system where registration creates a presumption of ownership, but this can be challenged and potentially overturned in court. Dichotomy: A division or contrast between two things that are or are represented as being opposed or very different. Immutability: The quality of being unchangeable or unalterable. Transparency: The quality of being open, easily understood, and free from hidden agendas. Traceability: The ability to trace and verify the history and origin of transactions or assets. Cadastral Maps: Maps that show property boundaries, ownership details, and land use. Mutation: The process of updating land revenue records to reflect a change in property ownership.