Traditional heads not 'authorised persons' for land transfer: HC

Shillong, Feb 5 (UNI) Gauhati High Court has ruled that headmen and Rangbah Shnongs (traditional heads) were 'unauthorised persons' for registration of sale deed or any deed of transfer.

The court also ordered the Sub Registrar of East Khasi Hills District to pay the cost for causing vexation and unnecessary harassment to petitioner Matilda Lyngdoh.

Justice T Vaiphei passed the order recently ruling that only sub-registrars were the 'statutory authority' to give consent on such registration of sale deed.

The High Court took the decision based on a petition filed by a resident, Ms Lyngdoh. She was denied registration by the Sub Registrar, Emnam Massar of Wahingdoh here, who directed her to first obtain consent of the Rangbah Shnong.

The court in its verdict held that the sub-registrars were the 'statutory authority' appointed under the Indian Registration Act, 1908, for registration of sale deeds and the respondent is not obligated to insist upon the petitioner to obtain the consent of unauthorised person.

UNI RRK PL PY RN1636