According to the judgement of the Supreme Court in K. Gopi versus The Sub-Registrar (Supreme Court) 2025 INSC 462 that the act of registering property does not, in itself, confer ownership rights. While registration can support an individual’s claim, it does not equate to legal possession or control of the property.
The apex court’s decision draws a clear distinction between registering a property and holding legitimate ownership. Previously, it was widely assumed that registration implied ownership.
However, the court has clarified that registration is a procedural step, whereas ownership confers the legal authority to use, manage, and transfer the property.
The Supreme Court ruling emphasises several crucial aspects:
- Mere registration does not establish full ownership rights.
- Thorough documentation is required to conclusively prove ownership.
- Legal adjudication remains central to the resolution of property disputes.