What Is Fard? A Guide to Property Ownership Documents

Ever wondered what happens if your name gets misspelled in your land records - or someone tries to tamper with them?

That’s where the unsung hero of Indian property documentation comes in: the Fard.

Think of Fard as your official property ownership document. It isn’t just paperwork - it’s a legal shield that protects your land rights, proves your ownership, and prevents legal disputes.

What Is Fard, Really?

Fard - also called Jamabandi Fard, Fard-e-Property, or Fard Malkiat - is an official land record paper given by the revenue department.

It comes from the Jamabandi, which is the main land record book kept at the Tehsil office.

Your Fard copy usually shows:

• The name(s) of the landowner
• Plot numbers (Khasra and Khatauni)
• Type of land (like farm, house, or shop)
• History of ownership changes (mutation)

This document is very important when you're applying for a loan, selling land, or dealing with legal matters. Courts, banks, and government offices trust it as true proof of ownership.

Also Read: Punjab Land Record: Your Key to Ownership and Transparency

Why Fard Matters: More Than Just Paper

Let’s make it easy to understand. If your Fard mutation certificate isn’t correct or updated:

• You can’t sell or transfer your land legally.
• Banks won’t approve a loan on your property. Make sure all your documents are in order - each one is fard for loan approval.
• You could face ownership disputes.
• Fraudsters might take advantage if your land record isn’t current.

Real example: In Punjab, a small typo changed "Mohan Singh" to "Sohan Singh" in the Jamabandi Fard, leading to a court case that dragged on for years - all because the land record extract wasn’t checked carefully.

That’s why having a proper, updated Fard isn’t just helpful - it’s your first protection against mistakes and fraud.

Consider Reading: Webland: Land Record Management in Andhra Pradesh

Types of Fard Every Landowner Should Know

Different property needs require different types of Fard:

• Fard Milkiyat - Used to prove ownership when selling or applying for a loan
• Fard Inteqal - Shows changes in ownership after a sale or inheritance
• Fard Badar - Helps fix mistakes in your Tehsildar Fard records
• Fard Haq Shufa - Confirms a family member’s right to buy land before outsiders

Each type helps keep your land record extract India clear, correct, and trustworthy. Obtaining the Fard copy land title is essential for verifying legal ownership and initiating property-related transactions.

How to Get Your Fard: Old vs. New

♦ Traditional way (Offline Fard):

Go to your local Tehsil office, apply with your Khasra and Khatauni details, get it checked by the Patwari, and approved by the Tehsildar. You’ll get a certified copy of your land record, usually by paying a small fee.

♦ Modern way: Online Fard Download:

In states like Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, you can now get your Jamabandi Fard online.

Just search by Khasra number or owner name, download a digitally signed Fard copy, and even track changes or mutations.

Some websites also send alerts if your land records are updated, making the whole process faster and safer. The Fard verification process is a crucial step to confirm property ownership before proceeding with any legal transactions.

Pitfalls to Avoid When Handling Fard

• Fake PDFs: Don’t trust Fard copies sent on WhatsApp. Always check on the official revenue department Fard website or visit a Fard Kendra to be sure.
• Old Jamabandi: If your property transfer (mutation) isn’t updated, the document might still show the previous owner’s name.
• Unconfirmed Mutations: A mutation isn’t final until it appears in the Jamabandi Fard. Always get a new Fard before applying for a loan or selling your property to avoid problems.

Final Thoughts

In India, many property disputes happen because land records are not clear or up to date.

Your Fard, when checked and current, is the best proof that the land belongs to you. Whether you want a loan, sell your land, or pass it to your family, don’t ignore it.

What you should do:

• Download your Fard online from the official Jamabandi website
• Compare it with the records at your local Tehsil office
• Make sure all changes (mutations) are updated
• Always get a certified land record after any change happens