Keep these 5 points in mind when registering agricultural land; otherwise, you might end up making repeated trips to court..

If you are planning to purchase agricultural or farmland, there is some crucial information you should be aware of. Even a minor oversight during the buying or selling process can lead to significant legal complications and financial losses. From reviewing land documents to verifying the actual measurements, there are several aspects that require careful attention. High Court advocate Madhav Vishwakarma advises that one should keep five key points in mind when registering agricultural land.

Verify the 'Khasra-Khatauni' (land records) and check ownership status on the official portal.
Before purchasing land, ensure you verify the 'Khasra' and 'Khatauni' records on the relevant online portal. Confirm that the land you intend to buy is officially registered in the seller's name on the portal. Often, people rely solely on the documents provided, while the official records may show the land registered in someone else's name.

Ensure signatures and consent from all family members.
In many cases, land—especially ancestral property—may also be registered in the names of siblings or other relatives. If the signatures of all co-owners or legal heirs are not obtained, the 'mutation' (transfer of title in official records) cannot be processed at the *Tehsil* office after the registration, which could land you in legal trouble.

Check for existing bank loans or ongoing legal disputes.
Before finalizing a purchase, thoroughly investigate whether there are any outstanding bank loans or ongoing legal disputes concerning the land. Sometimes, farmers may have taken out loans—such as those under the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme or for purchasing a tractor—and might attempt to sell the land without repaying these debts. If this happens, the liability for the loan could fall upon you.

Conduct a physical inspection of the land.
Do not rely solely on maps or documents; visit the site yourself to conduct a physical inspection of the land. It would be advisable to call the local *lekhpal* (revenue official) to conduct a land survey. This will clarify whether the actual area of ​​the land on-site matches the official records and ensure that there is no illegal encroachment by anyone.

Information regarding land classification and circle rates:
Verify that the land does not fall under categories such as *Gram Samaj* (village community land), a pond, barren land, or grazing land (all of which are government-owned), as the sale or purchase of such land is illegal. Additionally, ascertain the official circle rate for the area. Never make payments in cash; instead, use formal banking channels so that you maintain a complete and valid record of your payments.

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