Land Buyer's Legal Verification Guide: Patta, Chitta & EC

Buying agricultural or commercial land in Tamil Nadu requires thorough verification of revenue documents. Here is the step-by-step checklist recommended by legal experts.

1. What is Patta (பட்டா)?

A Patta is a legal document issued by the Revenue Department of Tamil Nadu in the name of the rightful property owner. It establishes legal title and contains:

2. What is Chitta (சிட்டா)?

The Chitta is a village revenue record maintained by the Village Administrative Officer (VAO) that details land ownership, area, and cultivation classification across all landholders in the village.

3. Field Measurement Book (FMB Sketch)

The FMB map is a precise architectural drawing of survey numbers stored in the Tahsildar office. It shows exact field boundary measurements, sub-divisions, road access corridors, and neighboring survey numbers.

4. Encumbrance Certificate (EC / வில்லங்க சான்றிதழ்)

Always apply for a minimum 30-year Encumbrance Certificate at the Sub-Registrar Office (SRO) to verify that the land is free from mortgages, court attachments, or prior sale agreements.