A significant 140 complaints pertaining to Land and Property disputes in 18 states of the country were received by the Ministry of External Affairs or Missions/Posts abroad from Non-resident Indians in respect of Indian nationals including NRIs between January 2021 and June 2024. The complaints are dealt with by concerned State Governments.
Land and property complaints by Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) are quite common, especially since they can’t frequently visit India to oversee their properties. This makes them easy targets for illegal possession.
State- wise, Tamil Nadu topped the list of states with a maximum number of 22 property-related complaints received from NRIs followed by Uttar Pradesh with 18 complaints on second spot and Delhi with 12 complaints on third position in the top 10 list of states with maximum number of property-related complaints tendered by NRIs.
Further, as per official data made available by Ministry of External Affairs, the top 10 list had Punjab with 11 complaints on fourth position and Kerala with 11 on fifth spot. Likewise other states in the list include Haryana (10), Maharashtra (9), Karnataka (8), Andhra Pradesh (8) and Bihar (7).
Other states with respective number of complaints include Rajasthan (5), Madhya Pradesh (5), Jharkhand (4), Telangana (3), West Bengal (2), Gujarat (2), Puducherry (2) and Odisha (1).
As soon as complaints related to property from Indian nationals residing abroad are received by the Ministry or Missions/Posts abroad, the same are immediately taken up with the concerned authorities in the State Governments at appropriate level, including with the NRI Department of the concerned State governments.
Videsh Sampark Programmes
As per official reports, such issues are also taken up by the Ministry with the highest levels of the State government, during State outreach initiatives under Videsh Sampark Programmes being conducted by the Ministry, in partnership with the State Governments.
24×7 Helpline and Open Houses
The Government has taken several steps to resolve the issues including land and property disputes of Non-Resident Indians through the Indian Missions on priority basis. Grievances are responded through various channels like calls, walk-ins, e-mails, social media, 24×7 Helplines and Open Houses.
If required, these issues are also taken up with the employers and the host governments as the case may be, for requisite action on priority basis. If the issue pertains to the State governments in India, then it is taken up with them for resolution.
Common Issues Faced by NRIs
– Illegal occupation of property by relatives, tenants, or third parties
– Fake documents, tempered documents, and fake identities used to acquire illegal possession
– Tenant occupancy without the knowledge or consent of the original owner
Precautions NRIs Can Take
– Keep original documents like deeds, wills, and purchase documents in a safe place ¹
– Ensure all papers, including sale agreements and title deeds, are up-to-date
– Fence vacant plots and put up ownership boards to prevent physical encroachment
– Keep in touch with neighbors to stay informed about the property
What to do if property of NRI is illegally occupied
– File a police complaint with proper documentation at the nearest police station ¹ ²
– Negotiate with the occupier for an out-of-court settlement with legal advice
– Seek legal assistance to regain possession of the property
Important Laws to Know
– The Specific Relief Act, 1963 (Article 5 and Article 6) provides legal support to regain possession.
– The Limitation Act of 1963 states that adverse possession can lead to legal ownership if the original owner fails to claim the property for 12 continuous years.
Top10 list of states with property-related complaints of NRIs
