Yes, RTI (Right to Information) can be used to obtain property records from municipal authorities under Indian law. Legal Basis: Under the Right to Information Act, 2005, every citizen of India has the right to seek information from a "public authority." Municipal corporations, municipalities, gram panchayats, and local development authorities fall under the definition of public authorities. Types of Property Records You Can Obtain Through RTI: Ownership details (name of owner, khata or property number) Property tax payment records Building approval plans Encumbrance certificates (if maintained by the authority) Mutation details Occupancy certificate / Completion certificate Land use and zoning classification How to File RTI for Property Records: 1. Address your RTI application to the Public Information Officer (PIO) of the municipal body concerned. 2. Mention the property details clearly: property number, address, ward number, etc. 3. Request specific documents (e.g., “Certified copy of property ownership record of house no. XYZ”). 4. Attach a Rs. 10/- application fee (via IPO/DD/cash/online depending on state rules). 5. Submit it physically, by post, or via the RTI online portal ([https://rtionline.gov.in/](https://rtionline.gov.in/)) if your municipal authority is listed there. Timeline: The authority must reply within 30 days. If not, or if unsatisfied, you can file a first appeal to the Appellate Authority under Section 19(1) of the RTI Act. Note: If the property is not yours, but you’re seeking details of someone else’s property, the authority may deny it under Section 8(1)(j) (privacy exception) unless you can show larger public interest or have a legal interest (e.g., as a co-owner, heir, or litigant).

Dear Client, Yes in many cases you are able to obtain property records from municipal authorities via the Right to Information Act 2005 (RTI Act) which also includes that such records are of the public domain held by the related municipal body. In Section 2(f) of the RTI Act it is mentioned that “information” includes records, documents, and data with public authorities which also under Section 6 any citizen has the right to apply for access to. As to property related info which includes details of ownership, building plans, tax receipts, mutation records, and encumbrances that which fall within the scope of the Act. However at times disclosure is limited or denied as per Section 8 which includes if the info is related to private matters not of public concern or does to the3p party’s privacy. Also in such cases we may require to show that there is large scale public interest for release of said records. To go ahead with this you may put in a RTI application to the Public Information Officer (PIO) at the relevant municipal office which should include details of the property and the info you are looking for. I have included what is asked of me to answer, should this not cover what you are looking for do not hesitate to reach out. Thank you!