Bengaluru Khata System Creates Property Woes

Bengaluru's digitization of property records is encountering challenges with the e-Khata system, particularly affecting owners of revenue plots acquired through partition deeds. The portal reportedly lacks an option for fresh Khata creation when no prior municipal record exists, creating significant obstacles for homeowners. This situation impedes their ability to secure home loans, establish utility connections, and conduct property sales, despite holding legally valid title documents.

Legal experts highlight that a Khata, while not a title document, is crucial for property tax assessment, civic approvals, and transactions. The absence of an updated Khata can effectively make owners 'invisible' in municipal records, delaying monetization and alienating property. This issue stems from historical mismatches between revenue and municipal databases, especially in areas with unregularized layouts or former village panchayats.

Owners can pursue offline remedies by approaching local land and revenue authorities or the jurisdictional Assistant Revenue Officer with necessary documentation. Escalation to the BBMP IT Cell or seeking remedies under the Karnataka Sakala Services Act are also options. For unresolved cases, legal recourse through the Karnataka High Court is available.

Buyers acquiring such properties are advised to conduct thorough due diligence, including verifying partition deeds, Khata status, layout approvals, and property tax payments. A comprehensive land and title search going back 30 years is recommended to avoid future complications.