After scrapping Article 370 from Indian Constitution which took away special status of J&K, Govt. of India announced the formation of a new Department of land registration. This was notified in a press release issued by the Govt. of India on 23rd October.
The press release indicates that the main objective of starting a new Department of Land registration is to provide effective service in the preparation of important documents like sale deed of lands, real estate trading, gift, lease and will of the lands and other properties.
It may be noted that earlier, registration of lands etc. used to take place through the court but a new department has been established for this purpose. This department will function under Revenue Dept. of the State.
Advocates are angry that the level of inquiry in courts used to be higher but Revenue Dept. may not be able to maintain this level. They also expressed apprehension that the level of transparency will get deteriorated.
According to a report published Sikral. In, J&K Bar Association has also opposed this move.
It may be mentioned that after the removal of Article 370, anyone can buy land in J&K.
Parliament while passing J&K Reorganization Act made several changes. J&K registration Act has been replaced with central Registration Act of 1908.