What Are ROR Proceedings?
ROR (Record of Rights) proceedings help maintain and update land ownership records. These proceedings ensure that land titles are accurately reflect in official government records. The ROR document plays a crucial role in establishing legal ownership, facilitating land transactions, and resolving property disputes.
Purpose and Importance of ROR Proceedings
The government initiates ROR proceedings to maintain transparency and authenticity in landholding details. These proceedings serve the following purposes:
- Establish legal ownership
- Prevent fraudulent claims and encroachments
- Enable smooth land transactions
- Determine land revenue responsibilities
- Support courts during land-related disputes
Courts accept the ROR as a legal document to prove possession and ownership.
Legal Framework Governing ROR Proceedings
Every state follows its own land revenue laws to govern ROR proceedings. For example:
- Odisha follows the Odisha Survey and Settlement Act
- Maharashtra uses the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code
- Andhra Pradesh applies the Rights in Land and Pattadar Passbooks Act
- Madhya Pradesh follows its Land Revenue Code
The Revenue Department or Tehsildar’s office supervises these proceedings under the guidance of the District Collector or Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO).
Key Stages in ROR Proceedings
1. Filing the Mutation Application
When someone buys, inherits, or receives land through a gift, they must file a mutation application to reflect the change in ownership in the ROR.
2. Verification and Enquiry
The Tehsildar or Revenue Officer verifies supporting documents, such as sale or gift deeds, legal heir certificates, and identity proof. They also inspect the land to confirm actual possession.
3. Issuing Public Notice
The officer publishes a public notice to invite objections, if any. If objections arise, the officer holds a hearing to resolve the issues.
4. Passing of the Order
After reviewing all documents and evidence, the officer issues an order approving or rejecting the mutation. On approval, the ROR gets updated.
5. Appeal Process
If someone disagrees with the decision, they can appeal to the Sub-Collector or District Collector.
Documents Required in ROR Proceedings
To initiate ROR proceedings, the applicant must provide:
- Registered sale deed or gift deed
- Legal heir certificate for inheritance cases
- Identity proof
- Possession certificate
- Completed mutation application form
Role of Revenue Courts in ROR Proceedings
Revenue courts handle disputes involving mutation, inheritance, and possession. These courts function under the Revenue Department and follow summary procedures instead of the Civil Procedure Code. This approach ensures faster resolution of disputes.
Judicial Precedents on ROR Proceedings
Indian courts have clarified the limited role of ROR entries. For instance:
- In Balwant Singh v. Daulat Singh (1997), the Supreme Court stated that mutation in revenue records neither creates nor extinguishes ownership rights.
- Courts have consistently treated ROR entries as presumptive, not conclusive proof of title.
Digitization of ROR Records
To modernize land records, many states launched online ROR platforms under the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP). Examples include:
- Bhulekh Odisha
- MahaBhumi (Maharashtra)
- MeeBhoomi (Andhra Pradesh)
Digitization has improved accessibility, efficiency, and transparency in land administration.
