In a set of observations with far-reaching implications for property law in India, the Supreme Court has called for a fundamental reform of the country's land registration and titling system, noting that the existing legal framework, based on colonial-era statutes, has perpetuated confusion, inefficiency and massive litigation.

A Bench comprising Justice PS Narasimha and Justice Joymalya Bagchi examined the “dichotomy between registration and title” and urged the Government of India to take the lead in modernizing the real estate transaction system using emerging technologies such as blockchain.

The Court also requested the Law Commission of India to conduct a comprehensive study and submit a report after consulting the Union and State Governments, experts and stakeholders.

Colonial

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