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PUNE: The Maharashtra Registration and Stamps Department has made Aadhaar-based authentication mandatory for all parties involved in property deals, enforcing stricter identity checks to eliminate impersonation and secure the authenticity of transactions. Under the revised framework that took effect on November 4, property registrations will no longer proceed unless every participant successfully completes the verification process. The department has integrated a face authentication mechanism into its iSARITA 1.9 software, functioning as an Online Verification Seeking Entity alongside traditional fingerprint and iris biometric scans. A crucial revision in the directive is the complete removal of the earlier fallback option that permitted an external witness or identifier to vouch for an individual whenever biometric authentication failed. Every buyer, seller, and executing party appearing before the sub-registrar must now undergo personal digital verification.
Face Authentication Introduced via Official Mobile Application
To expand verification options, the department has rolled out mobile-based face authentication through the official Aadhaar application. Citizens are advised to complete their initial application setup, SIM verification, and facial authentication prerequisites prior to visiting sub-registrar offices to avoid procedural bottlenecks. The software functions on smartphones operating Android 9.0 or higher, as well as iOS 16 and above, requiring an active internet connection and a working camera. During registration, the officer’s desktop terminal generates a unique QR code on the display screen. The individual must scan this code using the application, grant authentication consent, and complete the facial scan. Upon successful verification, the result appears instantaneously on the office system, clearing the transaction to move to the next administrative stage.
Physical Presence and Registered Devices Remain Crucial
State registration authorities have emphasised that all signatories must be physically present at the sub-registrar office throughout the verification process. Participants must carry the specific mobile handset linked to their Aadhaar profile and possess their active six-digit application PIN to authorise transactions on site. Individuals who have locked their biometric profiles for privacy protection must unlock them through the application prior to reporting for registration, as any failure to complete verification will halt the execution of the sale deed. Departmental staff have received instructions to guide citizens through the digital sequence, explaining data-sharing parameters, statutory consent requirements, and resolution procedures for technical glitches encountered during processing.
State Rolls Out Digital Guidance as Safeguards Tighten
To ensure a seamless transition to the new requirements, the department has published detailed video tutorials across official social media channels, showing users how to configure the mobile application, scan verification QR codes, and execute on-site face scans. The overhaul aims to establish an uncompromised chain of custody for real estate transactions across Maharashtra, eliminating fraudulent registry entries caused by forged documentation or proxy attendance. Because legal provisions no longer allow third-party witnesses to bypass failed biometric attempts, prospective property buyers and sellers must ensure that their registered mobile links, device operating systems, and authentication profiles remain fully operational before scheduling registration appointments.
