The Karnataka government's pilot initiative to implement fully paperless property registration has sparked widespread concern among licensed document writers. They warn that the transition could weaken legal safeguards while threatening the livelihoods of thousands dependent on the profession.
According to The Karnataka State Stamps and Registrations Development Authorised Licensed Document Writer's Union, there are approximately 15,000 document writers across Karnataka, and lakhs of others working for these writers fear job loss as their role remains unclear under the new policy.
Details of the Paperless Pilot Project
The trial for the paperless property registration project is currently being implemented across sub-registrar offices in Chamarajanagar district through the Kaveri 3 platform. This system eliminates physical paperwork and manual drafting while enabling end-to-end digital document generation. While the initiative aims to improve efficiency and reduce human intervention, document writers argue that the system overlooks critical layers of legal verification that have historically ensured the authenticity of property transactions.
Legal Concerns Raised
A key concern flagged by the document writers' community is the absence of signatures on each page of the document, a long-standing practice in manual registrations. Traditionally, document writers ensure all parties involved sign every page, reinforcing the legal sanctity of the document and reducing the scope for disputes or tampering. In the paperless format, this safeguard is missing. "Without signatures across pages and without clarity on who drafted the document, the legal strength of such records becomes questionable," said DK Sangamesh Yeligar, president of the association, raising doubts about their acceptability in courts.
Job Loss Fears
Beyond legal concerns, the shift has triggered anxiety over large-scale job losses. Naveen Kumar N, vice president of the association, told TOI: "For years we have been part of the system and now, we don't know where we will fit in in the new paperless system. What will happen to all the licensed document writers? And according to the central government law, only a licensed document writer along with a legal practitioner is allowed to draft these documents which are part of the real estate." As part of their demands, the writers have proposed the creation of a unique identification system for licensed document writers within the digital platform.
Historical Role of Document Writers
Document writers have been an integral part of the property registration system for decades, with their role rooted in legal frameworks dating back to the Registration Act, 1908. Between 1908 and 1970, they were called Shanubhoga. Later, they were referred to as deed writers or document writers. Over time, their presence became formalised, particularly in Karnataka, where rules and government orders since the late 20th century have recognised licensed document writers as authorised professionals involved in drafting legal documents. In fact, document writers act as the first layer of legal scrutiny in property transactions.
The ongoing pilot project has thus sparked a debate between modernisation and the preservation of traditional legal safeguards. As the government moves forward with digital initiatives, the concerns of document writers highlight the need for inclusive policy-making that balances efficiency with legal integrity and employment security.
