Buying real estate or verifying land ownership in Tamil Nadu requires a deep understanding of four key revenue and registration documents. Verifying these documents online prevents land encroachment and title fraud.
1. Patta (பட்டா):
Patta is the legal land title document issued by the Tahsildar (Revenue Department). It confirms the legal owner's name, survey number, sub-division number, district, taluk, village, and exact land area measurements. You can verify and download digital Patta online at eservices.tn.gov.in/eservicesweb.
2. Chitta (சிட்டா):
Chitta is a revenue record maintained by the Village Administrative Officer (VAO) that details land classification (Nanjai wetland / Punjai dryland), soil type, crop cultivated, and revenue tax assessed on the property.
3. FMB Sketch (Field Measurement Book - வரைபடம்):
FMB is a survey map maintained by the Survey and Land Records Department showing the exact physical dimensions, boundaries, sub-divisions, and adjoining plots for a given survey number. It is critical for physical site inspection before purchasing land.
4. Encumbrance Certificate (EC - வில்லங்கச் சான்றிதழ்):
EC is issued by the Sub-Registrar Office (tnreginet.gov.in). It records all registered transactions (sales, mortgages, gifts, court attachments, bank loans) conducted on a property over a chosen period (e.g. past 30 years). A "Nil Encumbrance Certificate" confirms the land is free from legal disputes and unpaid bank loans.