Revenue and Legal Issues Management

This is a need of the hour service for Government Revenue and Legal Issues Management. It involves identifying and resolving disputes between (Government Departments, Corporates, Individuals,etc.,), discrepancies on the title, or issues related to property ownership, taxation, legal standing, etc,.. Here’s a comprehensive guide for effectively handling such issues:

Identifying and Resolving Revenue Issues

Revenue issues typically arise from discrepancies in government property taxes, land records, or unpaid dues.

Steps to Identify Revenue Issues

• Check Land Revenue Records:

• Obtain property-specific records (e.g., Patta, Chitta, A-Reg, FMB, RSR) from the local revenue department.

• Verify the land’s ownership history, dimensions, and categorization.

• Verify Tax Payments:

• Cross-check the property tax receipts to ensure all dues are cleared.

• Confirm the property is listed in the municipal records under the current owner’s name.

• Search for Encumbrances:

• Check for mortgages, loans, or pending liens associated with the property in local records or encumbrance certificates.

• Assess Mutation Records:

• Mutation (ownership record update in government revenue records) should be completed and error-free.

• Discrepancies in mutation records may result in revenue-related disputes.

• Evaluate Agricultural Land Records (if applicable):

• Confirm land-use permissions are consistent with the revenue department’s records.

• Investigate conversion records if the land has been changed to non-agricultural use.

Steps to Resolve Revenue Issues

• Tax Arrears Payment:

• Clear any outstanding property taxes and collect updated payment receipts.

• For discrepancies, file a rectification application with the municipal or revenue office.

• Update Ownership Records:

• Submit the required documents (Title deed, Identity proof, and Tax receipts) to correct mutation records.

• File a Dispute Resolution Application:

• For unresolved discrepancies, approach the sub-registrar’s office or revenue tribunal with supporting documents.

• Regularize Non-Compliant Properties:

• If the land use or construction is not compliant with zoning laws, apply for regularization as per local government schemes.

• Engage Professionals:

• Hire a property lawyer or revenue consultant for complex issues.

Identifying and Resolving Legal Issues

Legal issues arise from ownership disputes, boundary conflicts, encumbrances, or fraudulent transactions.

Steps to Identify Legal Issues

• Ownership Verification:

• Cross-check the title deed and encumbrance certificate for any claims, disputes, or pending litigation.

• Boundary Disputes:

• Survey the land to ensure boundary lines match legal documents.

• Check for Pending Litigation:

• Investigate court or tribunal records for ongoing cases involving the property.

• Fraudulent Transactions:

• Review all sale agreements and supporting documents for forgery or misrepresentation.

• Third-Party Claims:

• Verify if the property has any claims from tenants, leaseholders, or relatives of the seller.

Steps to Resolve Legal Issues

• Title Clearance:

• For title-related disputes, engage a lawyer to file for a declaratory suit in the civil court to confirm ownership.

• Encumbrance Resolution:

• Clear any debts or loans tied to the property.

• Obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the lender.

• Boundary Settlement:

• Resolve boundary disputes amicably with neighbors or through mediation.

• For unresolved issues, file a demarcation request with the land survey office or approach the local court.

• Rectify Fraudulent Transactions:

• If fraud is suspected, file a complaint with the police and the local registrar’s office.

• Seek legal restitution by filing a suit for cancellation of fraudulent documents.

• Litigation Management:

• Engage an experienced property lawyer for representation in court.

• Opt for alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods like arbitration or mediation to expedite settlements.

• Eviction of Unauthorized Occupants:

• File an eviction suit under relevant tenancy or property laws if the property is occupied without consent.

Preventive Measures for Revenue and Legal Issues

• Document Safeguarding: Ensure all property documents are securely stored and periodically updated.

• Digitisation of Documents : Scan all the Original documents for easy references and sharing. 

• Regular Inspections: Conduct regular checks on the physical property to prevent encroachments.

• Professional Assistance: Consult legal and revenue experts before buying, selling, or transferring property.

• Stay Updated on Laws: Monitor local property tax laws, zoning regulations, and legal amendments to ensure compliance.

• Insurance: Consider property insurance to cover potential losses from disputes.