Karnataka Auto-Mutation System reduces citizen-officer contact for land ownership updates

Key facts

• Karnataka revenue department is rolling out statewide automation of mutation to record change in land ownership.
• Mutation will be done automatically if there are no objections, as per directive from Revenue Commissioner Meena Nagaraj.
• Current notice period is 7 days for registrable instruments like sale deeds and gift deeds, and 15 days for non-registrable mutation.
• Under new system, approval granted automatically on 8th night for registrable mutation and on 16th night for non-registrable mutation without revenue inspector’s thumb impression.
• Auto-mutation system is being piloted in Mandya and Maddur taluks before statewide rollout.
• Deputy commissioners directed tahsildars to flag all government lands and restricted immovable assets within a week before rollout.
• Draft Karnataka Registration Amendment Rules require sub-registrars to refuse registration if power-of-attorney executor’s proof of life is not produced.
• Acceptable proof of life includes certificate from magistrate, gazetted officer, post master, police sub-inspector, tahsildar, panchayat development officer, municipal commissioner, or digital life certificate via Aadhaar-based Face Authentication Technology System.
• If power-of-attorney executor resides outside India, representative must produce life certificate from notary, court judge, magistrate, Indian consul, vice-consul, or central government representative.