Karnataka mandates registration for GPA-based property deals; e-stamping and digital signatures now compulsory

The Karnataka government has made registration mandatory for all GPA-based property transactions and introduced e-stamps and Aadhaar-linked digital signatures. The move aims to prevent fraud, ensure transparency, and eliminate the use of unregistered documents and physical stamp papers.

Bengaluru: In a significant reform aimed at curbing property-related malpractices, the Karnataka government has made registration mandatory for all General Power of Attorney (GPA)-based property transactions. This move is expected to bring an end to unregistered and dubious dealings conducted solely on GPA documents, often misused for illegal property transfers.

The new mandate comes after the President of India approved two key amendment bills passed by the Karnataka Legislature—related to property registration and digital transactions. With this, the amended laws have officially come into force and are now notified in the Karnataka State Gazette.

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Under the revised law, registration is compulsory even for properties allotted to the landless by the government, as well as for plots and houses developed by Housing Boards and Urban Development Authorities. Until now, many such transactions were executed based on allotment letters or title deeds alone, bypassing proper registration.

In a separate amendment, the state has made digital signatures and e-stamps mandatory in all property and other registrations. This means the old practice of using affixed or embossed physical stamp papers will be completely discontinued. To prevent misuse of e-stamps, all stamp duty payments must be made through electronic payment modes, and manual issuance of stamps by staff will be stopped entirely.

To ensure authenticity, digital signatures must be linked to Aadhaar and validated by an authorized officer, such as the district commissioner or another competent authority. Furthermore, biometric verification will also be part of the digital signature process to enhance security.

These changes are aimed at increasing transparency, reducing fraud, and ensuring lawful transfer of property in Karnataka.