Answer By law4u team
In India, revenue records of land refer to official documents that contain details about the ownership, use, and revenue status of land. These records are maintained by the revenue department of the state government and are crucial for land administration, taxation, and ownership verification. Key Components of Revenue Records: 1. Record of Rights (RoR): The Record of Rights (RoR) is one of the most important revenue records in India. It contains detailed information about the ownership, land rights, and obligations of the landholder. Details Included in RoR: Name of the landowner(s) The extent and boundaries of the land (survey number, plot number) Type of land (e.g., agricultural, residential, commercial) Rights on the land (e.g., ownership, lease, tenancy) Details of cultivation, if agricultural Liabilities (e.g., land revenue taxes) The RoR serves as a proof of land ownership and is essential for land transactions (sale, mortgage, inheritance, etc.). 2. Khasra (or Khatauni): Khasra is the record of land that provides specific details about individual parcels of land within a given area. It is maintained on the basis of survey numbers and is a critical document for identifying the extent and exact location of land. It contains: Survey number Area of the land Ownership details Crops grown on the land (for agricultural land) 3. Patta (or Pattedar Patta): The Patta is a land revenue receipt issued to the landowner or the person who holds the rights to the land. It acts as evidence of ownership and is often used to claim compensation in case of land acquisition or for other legal purposes. Patta may also refer to a document showing the landholding rights of a person in certain states. In some states, the Pattadar (owner) is the person who is responsible for paying land revenue. 4. Jamabandi (or Record of Rights or Village Account): Jamabandi is a detailed record maintained annually or at regular intervals, usually for agricultural land. It shows the landowner, the land area, and the revenue assessment for the land. This record is also used to monitor land revenue collection and is an important document for resolving disputes related to land. It lists: Name of the landowner Cultivator (who is actually working the land) Share of crops (in case of tenants) Land revenue payable 5. Mutation Records: Mutation refers to the process of updating land records whenever there is a change in ownership or legal status of the land (e.g., due to inheritance, sale, or gift). This process helps ensure that the current owner is legally recognized in the government records and is responsible for paying the land revenue. 6. Ration Card (in some cases): While primarily used for food security and distribution, ration cards can sometimes be linked to land ownership or residency status in rural areas. 7. Land Revenue Register: This is a record that tracks the payment of land revenue or taxes levied on land by the state government. It contains information about the amount of tax assessed, the amount paid, and the due dates for payment. The revenue department uses this register to monitor and collect taxes. Importance of Revenue Records: 1. Ownership Proof: Revenue records serve as legal proof of land ownership, which is important for buying, selling, or transferring property. They help establish who holds title to the land and what rights they have. 2. Land Transactions: These records are required when conducting land transactions such as sale, mortgage, lease, inheritance, etc. They help ensure that the transaction is legally binding and that no disputes arise later. 3. Land Dispute Resolution: In case of disputes regarding land ownership or boundary issues, the revenue records (like RoR, Khasra, and Jamabandi) are used as key evidence in courts or government authorities. 4. Land Revenue Collection: These records assist in the assessment and collection of land taxes. The government uses this data to calculate the tax to be paid based on the land’s area, type, and usage. 5. Government Schemes and Compensation: Revenue records are also used to identify landholders for government schemes, including compensation in case of land acquisition for public projects like roads, highways, etc. How to Access Revenue Records: In India, revenue records are maintained at the Tehsil (sub-district) level and can be accessed by landowners or anyone interested in verifying land details. The process of obtaining them varies by state, but in most cases: Offline Access: You can visit the local revenue office, typically the Tehsil office, where records are kept and request copies of documents like RoR, Jamabandi, or Khasra. Online Access: Many states now provide online portals where people can access land records. For example: Maharashtra: The Mahabhulekh portal allows access to revenue records online. Uttar Pradesh: The UP Land Records Portal provides online access to Khasra and RoR details. Delhi: DSSSB or the revenue department websites allow access to land records. In Summary: Revenue records are official documents that detail the rights and obligations related to land ownership, cultivation, and taxation. Key documents like Record of Rights (RoR), Khasra, Patta, Jamabandi, and Mutation records are maintained by the state revenue departments. These records are essential for ensuring legal clarity over land transactions, solving disputes, and managing land taxes and revenue. They also help verify ownership and rights over land for government schemes and compensation.