Incorrect survey subdivision entries in EC and stoppage of apartment resale registrations—Tamil Nadu

Question

► I seek legal guidance regarding incorrect survey subdivision entries in the online Encumbrance Certificate (EC) and stoppage of apartment resale registrations in Tamil Nadu. Our apartment complex, ABC, has over 200 flats. The sale deeds registered around 2015 describe the land as Survey No. 128/1 (part), as ABC occupies only part of that survey field. The EC entries originally reflected the same description. We understand that about 8–9 years later, the Revenue Department subdivided the survey field. We were unaware of this and have yet to verify the correct subdivision for ABC. For illustration, assume 128/1A belongs to a neighbouring healthcare company and 128/1B corresponds to ABC. These numbers are examples, not verified details. During approximately 10 flat resales in 2025, the online EC entries were apparently indexed under the healthcare company’s subdivision instead of ABC’s. However, the resale deeds reportedly still mention 128/1 (part), without the incorrect subdivision. The healthcare company reportedly petitioned the SRO to correct these entries and stop further registrations until correction. Further resales in ABC are now not proceeding, and owners are losing buyers. Please advise: 1. How do we obtain official records linking ABC’s original survey description to its current subdivision? 2. If the error is only in the EC/index, can the SRO correct it administratively, or are rectification deeds required? 3. Does the later subdivision require amendment of the original 2015 deeds? 4. Can registrations for the entire complex be stopped based on this petition? What written order/reasons should we obtain? 5. Can EC correction and resumption of registrations proceed simultaneously? 6. Can the association submit a common petition, or must affected owners apply individually? 7. What remedy is available if the SRO does not resolve this?

Answer 1

Dear Client,

If the original 2015 sale deeds mention Survey No. 128/1 (part) and the Revenue Department later subdivided the survey number, the first step is to obtain the current Patta/Chitta, FMB sketch, subdivision proceedings and relevant Revenue records to establish which subdivision belongs to ABC.
If the problem is only an incorrect EC/indexing entry, and the registered deeds themselves are correct, rectification of the deeds may not necessarily be required; the SRO should first examine and correct the registration/index records as per the applicable procedure.
The later subdivision does not automatically invalidate the original sale deeds, but the exact legal position should be verified from the Revenue and registration records.
If registrations are being stopped, the association should request the SRO to provide the written order, reasons and legal basis for withholding further registrations.
The association can submit a common representation with supporting documents, while individual owners may also submit applications where required.
The EC correction process and request for resumption of registrations can be pursued simultaneously, particularly where genuine owners are being affected.
If the SRO does not resolve the issue, appropriate remedies may include approaching the District Registrar/Inspector General of Registration and, where necessary, the High Court for suitable relief.

You may opt for a one-on-one consultation with our office for verification of the Revenue and registration records.

Hope this clarifies your position.

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Incorrect survey subdivision entries in EC and stoppage of apartment resale registrations—Tamil Nadu

1 Answer