No. Under Indian law, specifically the Transfer of Property Act, 1882 and the Indian Registration Act, 1908, a gift of immovable property must be in writing and registered. If a gift deed is not registered, it has no legal validity, even if the donor voluntarily handed over possession. Courts do not recognize unregistered deeds for property ownership, meaning the donee cannot enforce rights, sell, mortgage, or update government records. Possession alone cannot substitute for registration.

No. Family relationships, such as between parents and children, siblings, or spouses, do not exempt the gift from registration requirements. While Karnataka provides stamp duty concessions for gifts between blood relatives, the legal framework still mandates registration under Section 17 of the Indian Registration Act, 1908. Failure to register keeps ownership with the donor and exposes both parties to disputes, especially from other heirs or external claimants.

Paying stamp duty alone does not complete the legal transfer of property. Stamp duty ensures compliance with taxation rules but does not confer ownership. Without registration, the deed is legally ineffective, leaving the donee without enforceable ownership rights. Courts treat such transactions as incomplete, and the donor can still revoke the gift. Additionally, government records like Khata, mutation, and municipal tax entries cannot be updated until registration is done.

Yes. An unregistered gift deed is highly vulnerable to legal challenges. Since it lacks official recognition, courts do not consider it sufficient proof of ownership. Any legal heir, creditor, or third party can dispute the transfer, and the donee often bears the burden of proof, which is difficult to satisfy without a registered document. Registration provides public notice of ownership and is critical for enforceability.

Yes. In Karnataka, gifts of agricultural land are treated like other immovable properties and require registration. Registration ensures legal ownership transfer, compliance with local land laws, and validity for government records. Even if the land is gifted to close relatives, failing to register renders the transfer null and void, creating risks of disputes, inheritance claims, or government challenges.

No. Mere possession of immovable property does not prove ownership. Indian courts rely on registered deeds as the primary proof of legal title. While possession may help demonstrate use or occupancy, it does not grant the right to sell, mortgage, or legally defend the property in disputes. Registration creates an official record linking the donee to ownership, which is legally enforceable.

Partially. Karnataka’s Kaveri portal allows online appointment booking, payment of stamp duty, and document submission. However, physical registration at the Sub-Registrar office is mandatory, as the law requires the donor and donee to sign in the presence of a registrar. Online tools simplify preparation and reduce errors, but the final legal step cannot be completed digitally alone.

No. Local authorities like BBMP in Bangalore require a registered gift deed for Khata mutation and property tax updates. Without registration, municipal records remain in the donor’s name, and the donee cannot update utility connections or ownership details. Registration ensures official recognition of the donee as the rightful owner in government records.

Yes. Since an unregistered gift deed does not legally transfer ownership, the donor retains full rights to revoke or transfer the property elsewhere. Revocation becomes more complicated once a deed is registered, but an unregistered deed provides little to no legal protection for the donee. Registration prevents arbitrary revocation and ensures enforceable ownership rights.