What is a Pattadar?
A Pattadar is a person whose name is officially recorded in the government land revenue records as the owner or lawful possessor of agricultural land. The term is widely used in states like Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
The “Pattadar Passbook” and “Record of Rights (ROR)” are key legal documents that identify the Pattadar and confirm their title and rights over the land.
Meaning of “Pattadar”
The term “Pattadar” originates from the word “Patta”, which means title deed or ownership document.
✅ Definition:
A Pattadar is the titleholder or landowner whose name appears in official government records for a particular land parcel.
In legal terms:
- The Pattadar has the right to cultivate, lease, mortgage, sell, or transfer the land (subject to legal conditions).
- The Pattadar is also liable to pay land revenue or taxes to the government.
Key Land Records Involving a Pattadar
1. Pattadar Passbook
- Issued under Record of Rights Act
- Contains the name, survey number, land extent, nature of the land, and classification
- Acts as proof of ownership and helps secure loans or subsidies
2. Record of Rights (ROR) / Dharani Record
- Displays the Pattadar’s name, land details, and encumbrances (if any)
- Maintained by the Revenue Department
- Essential for land transactions, succession, or mutations
📌 Rights of a Pattadar
| Right | Description |
|---|---|
| ✅ Right to possess and cultivate | Full control over land usage for farming |
| ✅ Right to lease or mortgage | Can give land on rent or use it for bank loan security |
| ✅ Right to sell or gift (if no legal restriction applies) | Subject to land laws and encumbrances |
| ✅ Right to inherit or transfer | Legal successors can become new Pattadars after mutation |
❌ When Pattadar Rights Are Challenged
- Disputes over succession or inheritance
- Sale of land without proper mutation
- Encroachments or unauthorized occupations
- Benami transactions (illegal proxy ownership)
Telangana & Andhra Pradesh Context (Dharani Portal)
- Pattadars must ensure their details are updated on Dharani Portal
- Online mutation and title transfer are allowed
- Pattadar Passbooks are linked to Aadhaar and revenue records
- How to Become a Pattadar?
- Inherit land through legal succession or Will
- Purchase land through registered sale deed
- Gift deed, partition, or court decree
- Apply for mutation at the Mandal Revenue Office (MRO)
- Receive updated Pattadar Passbook and ROR entry
Common Terms Related to Pattadar
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Occupant | A person in possession of land, not necessarily the owner |
| Enjoyer (Viniyogadaru) | The one cultivating or using the land |
| Encumbrance | Any legal claim, charge, or liability on the land |
| Mutation | Updating ownership in revenue records after transfer |
