Your property-related legal queries answered by S.C. RAGHURAM, Partner, RANK Associates, a Chennai-based law firm

In 2014, we purchased two plots (half a ground each) at Melandurai, near Arkonam. These documents have been registered at the sub-registrar office at Nemili and we have the documents as well. We also have the encumbrance certificate until 2015.

But when we applied for a patta, we were told that there were certain discrepancies in the layout.

The authorities have informed us that they require the seller to rectify the error. When we approached the seller, he was evasive.

How do we proceed?

G.P.Mani

Chennai

If there are discrepancies in the measurements of the layout, the same have to be specifically identified with the help of the government surveyor.

Only after identifying the problem, steps can be taken to correct the same so that a patta can be issued by the concerned authority.

The seller is bound to co-operate with you in getting the issue resolved, failing which you can file appropriate legal proceedings in the competent court for necessary remedies.

I wish to buy farm land (only for farming purposes) in Thirukalzukundram taluk, located in the suburbs of Chennai.

I have come across a 10 acre piece of unapproved land (formed in 2014). The patta still says it’s a punjai and that the said land was not transferred to the promoter.

On the registration department’s website, the guideline value of this particular layout is mentioned in square foot and the rest of the surrounding lands area is in cents. The layout is surrounded by agricultural lands. Two plots were sold by the promoter — on a square foot basis — in 2015.

At present, the concerned registrar is not allowing me to execute power or a registered sale agreement. The land does not fall under urban development authority limits nor is it covered in a sanctioned master plan.

Do our rules allow me to buy this on a cent basis? If not, how do I proceed?

C. Babu

Chennai

The extent of land as mentioned by you i.e., 10 acres of agricultural land does not require any approval and can be transferred as it is.

However, your mention of the sale of two plots out of the said extent (in sq.ft., basis) could make the same as an unapproved layout and the same should have been regularised within the time frame provided under the Regularisation of Unapproved Plots and Layout Rules 2017.