Delhi, following in Rajasthan's footsteps, is planning to create a foolproof property titling system to prevent fraudulent property transactions. Jatin Aneja [pictured], Partner at Amarchand Mangaldas, Delhi, is leading the team that is advising the Delhi Government and the World Bank on drafting the Delhi Survey, Registration and Recordal of Title of Immovable Properties in Urban Areas Bill, 2009 (Bill). Speaking to Bar & Bench, Aneja confirmed Amarchand's role in the drafting of this unique legislation, which aims to set up a central title authority to issue a digitized unique identification number for each property.

This is not the first time Amarchand has been involved in the legislative drafting process. Amarchand has been a part of several legislative debates and drafts including the Takeover Code and the Competition Act. Jatin Aneja has previously been involved in drafting the Strategic Petroleum Storage Bill. "Real Estate laws are always difficult and implementing a land title system in Delhi will have its own challenges, since it is a historic city. We have been talking to the World Bank to incorporate international best practices," he revealed.

With real estate related disputes clogging our courts, the legislation may bring an end to ownership disputes that continue for decades. Ruchi Sharma, a real estate consultant in Delhi, believes that the legislation will significantly increase transparency and FDI investment into Delhi. "Today there is no transparency in terms of real estate ownership and title. This unique ID and digital check will create a foolproof mechanism."