In a move to eliminate property fraud and identity theft, the Belagavi district administration has officially mandated Aadhaar-based authentication for every property transaction within the district.
The order, signed on January 29, 2026, by District Magistrate Mohammad Roshan, is effective immediately across all Sub-Registrar offices. The directive comes in response to a surge in cases involving impersonation, forged documents, and the illegal transfer of both government and private lands.
The mandate is designed to leave no room for anonymity or “proxy” signatures. Under the new rules:
- Universal Authentication: Aadhaar verification is now compulsory for all parties involved in a registration, including buyers, sellers, donors, recipients, and even government officials.
- Biometric/Face Verification: Unlike previous systems that allowed simple photocopies of PAN cards or Passports, the new system utilizes live biometric or face authentication to ensure the person at the desk is the legal Aadhaar holder.
- Strict GPA Protocols: Transactions involving General Power of Attorney (GPA) have been placed under a “tighter scanner.” Only registered GPAs will be accepted, and the grantor must provide a life certificate from revenue authorities to prove the document is still valid and authorized.
Solving a “Worrying Rise” in Fraud
District officials noted that fraudulent executions of sale deeds have not only clogged the legal system with prolonged disputes but have also become a significant source of public unrest and law-and-order challenges.