Patta is a revenue document issued by the state government recording the name of the legal owner or occupier of a parcel of land, along with details such as the survey number, extent of land, classification, and nature of title. Under Indian law, patta is governed by state-specific land revenue codes and serves as the primary proof of land ownership in revenue records, particularly for agricultural and vacant land.
Legal definition
There is no uniform national definition of patta, as land revenue administration is a state subject. The term and its legal treatment vary by state:
In Tamil Nadu, patta is governed by the Tamil Nadu Land Revenue Code and is recorded as part of the "Patta Chitta" system:
A patta is a document issued by the Revenue Department recording the name of the registered landholder, the survey number, the extent of the land, and the nature of the title (ownership, lease, or government grant). The associated "chitta" records the soil classification and land use.
In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, the equivalent document is called "Pahani" or "1B" extract, recording similar details under the respective state land revenue codes.
In West Bengal, the document is called "Patta" under the West Bengal Land Reforms Act, 1955, and records the bargadar (sharecropper) or owner's name.
In Assam and Northeast states, patta refers to a land allotment document issued by the government, conferring occupancy rights over specific land parcels.
The common thread across all states is that patta records who the government recognises as the person entitled to possess and use a specific parcel of land, and who is liable to pay land revenue on it.
How courts have interpreted this term
Sawarni v. Inder Kaur [(1996) 2 SCC 295]
The Supreme Court held that revenue entries, including patta records, do not create or extinguish title. They are maintained for the fiscal purpose of collecting land revenue and do not have presumptive value on questions of ownership. This principle applies equally to pattas issued by state revenue authorities.
Kishore Kumar v. Vittal Patkar [(2023) SCC OnLine SC]
The Supreme Court reiterated that revenue records cannot confer title and that in a title suit, the plaintiff cannot succeed merely by pointing out defects in the defendant's revenue records. The Court emphasised that patta entries are rebuttable evidence of possession, not conclusive proof of ownership.
State of A.P. v. Star Bone Mill [(2005) 9 SCC 210]
The Court held that where the government has issued a patta in favour of a person, it creates a presumption that the government has recognised that person's right to the land. However, this presumption is rebuttable, and the patta can be challenged by any person claiming a superior title based on registered instruments or prior possession.
Why this matters
Patta is the foundational land record document in South Indian states (Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka) and several North-Eastern states. For agricultural land transactions, obtaining a patta in the buyer's name is a critical step that determines eligibility for agricultural subsidies, bank loans, and crop insurance.
The practical significance of patta extends beyond ownership verification. In Tamil Nadu, a patta is required for obtaining building permissions, applying for electricity connections, availing agricultural subsidies, and securing bank loans against agricultural land. Without a patta in the owner's name, these essential services and benefits may be denied.
Practitioners should be aware of the increasing digitisation of patta records. Tamil Nadu's "Patta Chitta" online portal allows landowners to download their patta and chitta documents. Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have similar online systems (Meebhoomi and Dharani respectively). However, discrepancies between online records and physical records at the Village Administrative Officer's office are common and must be reconciled during due diligence.
Related terms
Related records:
Related concepts:
Frequently asked questions
Is a patta proof of ownership?
A patta is a revenue record that creates a rebuttable presumption of ownership. The Supreme Court has held that revenue records, including pattas, do not create or extinguish title. They are maintained for fiscal purposes. For conclusive proof of ownership, one must rely on registered sale deeds, gift deeds, or court decrees. However, in practice, patta is the primary document used to verify land ownership in rural areas.
How do I get a patta transferred to my name?
After purchasing land, you must apply for mutation of the patta to the Village Administrative Officer or Tehsildar, submitting the registered sale deed, identity documents, and previous patta details. The revenue authority will verify the documents, conduct an inquiry, and update the patta records. In states with online systems, applications can be filed through state portals.
What is the difference between patta and chitta?
Patta records the ownership details — the name of the landholder, survey number, and extent of land. Chitta (used primarily in Tamil Nadu) records the land's soil classification, nature of cultivation, and land use. Both documents are complementary and are typically obtained together for property transactions.
Can a patta be challenged or cancelled?
Yes. A patta can be challenged before the Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) or through a civil suit if the entry was made based on fraudulent documents, without proper inquiry, or in violation of the rights of the actual owner. The revenue authority has the power to cancel or correct erroneous patta entries after due inquiry.
This entry is part of the Veritect Indian Legal Glossary, a comprehensive reference of Indian legal terminology grounded in statutory text and judicial interpretation.
Last updated: 2026-03-27. Veritect provides this content for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.