Answer By law4u team
Yes, RTI (Right to Information) can be used to obtain property records from municipal authorities under Indian law. Legal Basis: Under the Right to Information Act, 2005, every citizen of India has the right to seek information from a "public authority." Municipal corporations, municipalities, gram panchayats, and local development authorities fall under the definition of public authorities. Types of Property Records You Can Obtain Through RTI: Ownership details (name of owner, khata or property number) Property tax payment records Building approval plans Encumbrance certificates (if maintained by the authority) Mutation details Occupancy certificate / Completion certificate Land use and zoning classification How to File RTI for Property Records: 1. Address your RTI application to the Public Information Officer (PIO) of the municipal body concerned. 2. Mention the property details clearly: property number, address, ward number, etc. 3. Request specific documents (e.g., “Certified copy of property ownership record of house no. XYZ”). 4. Attach a Rs. 10/- application fee (via IPO/DD/cash/online depending on state rules). 5. Submit it physically, by post, or via the RTI online portal ([https://rtionline.gov.in/](https://rtionline.gov.in/)) if your municipal authority is listed there. Timeline: The authority must reply within 30 days. If not, or if unsatisfied, you can file a first appeal to the Appellate Authority under Section 19(1) of the RTI Act. Note: If the property is not yours, but you’re seeking details of someone else’s property, the authority may deny it under Section 8(1)(j) (privacy exception) unless you can show larger public interest or have a legal interest (e.g., as a co-owner, heir, or litigant).
