Introduction
In Tamil Nadu, thousands of property owners face the same frustrating problem — missing pattas, outdated FMB sketches, or vanished registry files. These documents are essential for proving ownership, applying for patta transfers, or contesting encroachments.
When government offices delay or deny access, the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 becomes your most effective legal tool to obtain these documents transparently and officially.
What Is RTI for Land Records?
The Right to Information (RTI) Act allows every citizen to request official copies of records held by government departments.
In real estate, it helps you secure:
- Old or missing Patta, Chitta, or Adangal copies
- Field Measurement Book (FMB) or Town Survey Sketch
- Pre-UDR (Updating of Registry) records
- File movement and notings between VAO, Taluk, and RDO offices
- Reasons for rejection or pending status of previous applications
Importance in Tamil Nadu Real Estate
RTI is a vital tool for Tamil Nadu property owners because:
- Many UDR updates were incomplete or incorrect.
- Heirship transfers often remained unrecorded for decades.
- Revenue departments frequently claim that “old files are not traceable.”
- RTI responses carry legal weight in court, proving whether an authority acted or neglected duty.
For both urban Chennai plots and rural farmlands, RTI ensures a documented chain of accountability.
Step-by-Step Process to File RTI for Land Documents (Online & Offline)
- Identify the Right Department
Determine which department holds the record:- Patta, Chitta, FMB → Tahsildar (Taluk Office)
- Town Survey or Urban Land → Assistant Director of Survey / Corporation Land Records Wing
- Registration Records → District Registrar
- For other subjects (police, transport, etc.), apply directly to the relevant section such as the Chennai Police Department or State Transport Department.
- Drafting the Application
- Write your RTI on plain paper or visit the Public Information Officer (PIO), who must help you record it correctly.
- Restrict your questions to one subject — multiple unrelated topics (e.g., FIR + land dispute) may lead to rejection.
- You can write and receive responses in English or Tamil.
- Filing the Application (Online or Offline)
- Offline: Send via Registered Post (RPAD), Speed Post, or hand-deliver at the office. Retain the acknowledgment.
- Online:
- Visit the official Tamil Nadu RTI Portal.
- Select the relevant department (e.g., Revenue and Disaster Management).
- Fill in property details, attach documents if needed, and pay ₹10 online.
- Save the acknowledgment number to track your request.
- Payment of Fee
- Application fee: ₹10 (via postal order, court fee stamp, or online).
- Copy charges: ₹2 per page, or ₹50 per CD for digital records.
- Response and Follow-up
- The PIO must respond within 30 days.
- If ignored or denied, file a First Appeal to the Appellate Authority (RDO/ADLR).
- For continued non-response, escalate to the Tamil Nadu State Information Commission (TNSIC), which can impose fines and summon the officer.
Regulations & Local Rules
- RTI Act, 2005 (Central) – Sections 6 & 7 define citizens’ rights to access records.
- Tamil Nadu RTI (Fees) Rules, 2005 – Prescribes ₹10 application and ₹2 per-page copy fees.
- Tamil Nadu Survey and Boundaries Act, 1923 – Allows access to official survey maps and field data.
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
- Submitting vague queries (“send all records”) – always specify survey number, taluk, and document type.
- Addressing the wrong department, causing rejections.
- Forgetting to pay the fee or include a postal order.
- Not following up with First Appeal or State Information Commission. Persistence is key.
Practical Tips
- Include property Survey No., Extent, Village, Taluk, and Owner’s Name clearly.
- Always file via Registered Post or the official RTI portal for traceability.
- If the record is “missing,” ask for a certified statement explaining why and who is responsible.
- Verified.RealEstate offers professional help in drafting RTI petitions and appeals that avoid rejection.
Relevant Verified.RealEstate Services & Tools
- 🧾 Document Verification Tool – Instantly verify Patta, Chitta, and FMB consistency before filing RTI.
- 🧭 Legal & Documentation Assistance – Draft RTI petitions, prepare appeals, and follow up with Taluk and RDO offices efficiently.
Conclusion
RTI gives landowners in Tamil Nadu a transparent and lawful way to access missing or withheld property records. With a well-drafted application and consistent follow-up, you can trace decades-old pattas, verify ownership, and strengthen your legal position for disputes or sales.