In a decisive move to curb stamp duty evasion and curb fraudulent property deals, Delhi’s Revenue Department rolled out new guidelines on July 9, 2026, tightening the registration process for documents issued under a General Power of Attorney (GPA). The policy is designed to identify and block disguised property sales that have historically slipped through the cracks due to minimal stamp duty payments.

Key Provisions of the New Directions

Under the updated framework, every GPA submitted for registration will undergo a thorough review to ascertain whether it constitutes a legitimate power of attorney or a covert conveyance deed. Officials will look for indicators such as mention of monetary consideration, transfer of possession, irrevocability, or permanent authority to sell, gift, transfer, or mortgage the property. If any of these elements are present, the document will be escalated to the Collector of Stamps for a detailed adjudication.

Special Focus on Non‑Blood Beneficiaries

GPA documents that grant authority to individuals other than close relatives—parents, spouses, children, or siblings—will no longer be registered directly by sub‑registrars. Instead, they will be referred to the Collector of Stamps, who will decide whether the document should be treated as a genuine power of attorney or as a conveyance deed subject to full stamp duty.

Adjudication Timeline and Payment Protocols

The Collector of Stamps is required to issue a reasoned order within 30 days, with the possibility of extending to a maximum of three months in exceptional circumstances. Registration will be halted until the adjudication is finalized and the applicable stamp duty is paid.

Implementation and Oversight Measures

Each sub‑registrar’s office must maintain a separate register of GPA cases and submit monthly reports to the Revenue Department. Additionally, an online tracking system is to be developed within a month to monitor referrals and their resolution, thereby enhancing transparency and accountability.

Political Rationale and Economic Impact

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta emphasized that the measures aim to prevent revenue loss, tackle fraudulent transactions, and protect buyers from defective documentation. She warned sub‑registrars against unapproved GPA registrations and highlighted disciplinary actions for non‑compliance.

Conclusion

By tightening GPA scrutiny, Delhi is taking a significant step toward restoring confidence in its real‑estate market. If enforced rigorously, these rules could reduce revenue leakage, deter fraud, and safeguard the interests of property buyers across the city.