Property mutation and property registration are distinct processes in Indian real estate transactions, each serving unique purposes.

Property Registration:

• Legal Process: Governed by the Registration Act, 1908, it records property transactions in the government’s official register.
• Purpose: Establishes legal ownership, ensures transparency and prevents fraud.
• Implications:
  • Legal Validity: Confers legal rights to the buyer.
  • Public Record: Becomes a public document, ensuring transparency.
  • Evidentiary Value: Acts as admissible evidence in legal disputes.
  • Ownership Transfer: Essential for transferring ownership and creating encumbrances (e.g., mortgages).

Property Mutation:

• Administrative Process: Involves updating land revenue records by local municipal or revenue authorities.
• Purpose: Maintains updated records for taxation and administrative purposes.
• Implications:
  • Administrative Record: Updates local records for tax assessment.
  • Tax Implications: Identifies the current owner responsible for property tax.
  • Limited Legal Significance: Does not establish legal ownership; supports administrative needs​.

In summary, while property registration legally transfers ownership and provides legal proof of transactions, property mutation updates administrative records for taxation and utility purposes. Consulting a real estate attorney India can help navigate these processes effectively, ensuring legal compliance and avoiding disputes.