Is there a stumbling block for the Delhi 'property titling bill'?

In the absence of 'title certificates' and a proper land record management system, buyers usually have to go through the cumbersome process of establishing a 'chain of title', which then guarantees a title to property. In order to remove the complexities related to transfer of immovable properties and to put an end to the ever-increasing litigation cases that arise due to the prevalent system, there is a need to create a secure and efficient system for mandatory registration and record of titles as envisaged under the JNNURM.

A step in this direction has been initiated by the Delhi government which is looking at implementing the "Delhi Urban Property Registration and Titling Act" to protect titles held by property owners. However, the draft bill which has been prepared after detailed consultations with various stakeholders and studying existing legal provisions has run into certain roadblocks.

With the Central government now advocating that all states model their legislations on the 'Model Land Titling Bill', the Delhi government will have to redraft the titling bill. But, this delay might actually help bring uniformity across the country with all states mandated to implement a common legislative structure to replace the existing 'deeds system'. However, one aspect that all government agencies should be cognizant of is the fact, that they should work in tandem to ensure they achieve common goals and objectives and avoid further delay in the implementation of such much needed reforms.