REGISTRATION ACT, 1908

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THE REGISTRATION ACT, 1908 
(XVI of 1908) 
CONTENTS 
PART I 
Preliminary 
1. Short title, extent and commencement. 
2. Definitions. 
PART II 
Of the Registration-Establishment 
3. Inspector General of Registration. 
4. [Repealed] 
5. Districts and sub-districts. 
6. Registrars and Sub-Registrars. 
7. Offices of Registrar and Sub-Registrar. 
8. Inspectors of Registration-offices. 
9. [Repealed] 
10. Absence of Registrar or vacancy in his office. 
11. Absence of Registrar on duty in his district. 
12. Absence of Sub-Registrar or vacancy in his office. 
13. Report of certain appointments and suspension and removal and 
dismissal of officers. 
14. Remuneration and establishments of registering officers. 
15. Seal of registering officers. 
16. Register books and fire-proof boxes. 
PART III 
Of Registerable Documents 
17. Documents of which registration is compulsory. 
18. Documents of which registration is optional. 
19. Documents in language not understood by registering officer. 
20. Documents containing interlineations, blanks, erasures or alterations. 
21. Description of property and maps or plans. 
22. Description of houses and land by reference to Government maps or 
surveys. 
PART IV 
Of the Time of Presentation 
23. Time for presenting documents. 
23A. Re-registration of certain documents. 
24. Documents executed by several persons at different times. 
25. Provision where delay in presentation is unavoidable. 
26. Documents executed out of the Pakistan. 
27. Wills may be presented or deposited at any time. 
PART V 
Of the Place of Registration 
28. Place for registering documents relating to land. 
29. Place for registering other documents. 
30. Registration by Registrars in certain cases. 
31. Registration or acceptance for deposit at private residence. 
PART VI 
Of Presenting Documents for Registration 
32. Persons to present documents for registration. 
33. Powers-of-attorney recognizable for purposes of section 32. 
34. Enquiry before registration by registering officer. 
35. Procedure on admission and denial of execution respectively. 
PART VII 
Of Enforcing the Appearance of Executants and Witnesses 
36. Procedure where appearance of executant or witness is desired. 
37. Officer or Court to issue and cause service of summons. 
38. Persons exempt from appearance at registration-office. 
39. Law as to summonses, commissions and witnesses. 
PART VIII 
Of Presenting Wills and Authorities to Adopt 
40. Persons entitled to present wills and authorities to adopt. 
41. Registration of wills and authorities to adopt. 
PART IX 
Deposit and Disposal of Wills 
42. Deposit of wills. 
43. Procedure on deposit of wills. 
44. Withdrawal of sealed cover deposited under section 42. 
45. Proceedings on death of depositor. 
46. Saving of certain enactments and powers of Courts. 
46-A. Destruction of Wills. 
PART X 
Of the Effects of Registration and Non-Registration 
47. Time from which registered document operates. 
48. Registered documents relating to property when to take effect against 
oral agreements. 
49. Effect of non-registration of documents required to be registered. 
50. Certain registered documents relating to land, to take effect against 
unregistered documents. 
PART XI 
Of the Duties and Powers of Registering Officers 
(A) As to the Register-books and Indexes 
51. Register-books to be kept in the several offices. 
52. Duties of registering officer when document presented. 
53. Entries to be numbered consecutively. 
54. Current indexes and entries therein. 
55. Indexes to be made by registering officers, and their contents. 
56. [Repealed] 
57. Registering officers to allow inspection of certain books and indexes, 
and to give certified copies of entries. 
(B) As to the Procedure on admitting to Registration 
58. Particulars to be endorsed on documents admitted to registration. 
59. Endorsements to be dated and signed by registering officer. 
60. Certificate of registration. 
61. Endorsements and certificate to be copied and document returned. 
62. Procedure on presenting document in language unknown to registering 
officer. 
63. Power to administer oaths and records of substance of statements. 
(C) Special Duties of Sub-Registrar 
64. Procedure where document relates to land in several sub-districts. 
65. Procedure where document relates to land in several districts. 
(D) Special Duties of Registrar 
66. Procedure after registration of documents relating to land. 
67. Procedure after registration under section 30, sub-section (2). 
(E) Of the Controlling Powers of Registrars and Inspectors-General 
68. Power of Registrar to superintend and control Sub-Registrars. 
69. Power of Inspector General to superintend registration offices and make 
rules. 
70. Power of Inspector General to remit fines. 
PART XI-A 
Of the Copying of Documents by means of Photography 
70-A. Application of this Part. 
70-B. Definition. 
70-C.  Appointment of Photo-Registrars. 
70-D.  Documents may be photographed in areas notified by Government. 
70-E.  Application of Act to areas notified under section 70-D. 
70-F.    
PART XII 
Of Refusal to Register 
71. Reasons for refusal to register to be recorded. 
72. Appeal to Registrar from orders of Sub -Registrar refusing registration 
on ground other than denial of execution. 
73. Application to Registrar where Sub -Registrar refuses to register on 
ground of denial of execution. 
74. Procedure of Registrar on such application. 
75. Order by Registrar to register and procedure thereon. 
76. Order of refusal by Registrar. 
77. Suit in case of order of refusal by Registrar. 
PART XIII 
Of the Fees for Registration, Searches and Copies 
78. Fees to be fixed by Government. 
79. Publication of fees. 
80. Fees payable on presentation. 
PART XIV 
Of Penalties 
81. Penalty for incorrectly endorsing, copying, translating or regist ering 
documents with intent to injure. 
81A.  Penalty for engagement as conveyance writer without valid enrolment or 
license. 
82. Penalty for making false statements, delivering false copies or 
transactions, false personation, and abetment. 
83. Registering officer may commence prosecutions. 
84. Registering officers to be deemed public servants. 
PART XV 
Miscellaneous 
85. Destruction of unclaimed documents. 
86. Registering officer not liable for thing bona fide done or refused in his 
official capacity. 
87. Nothing so done invalidated by defect in appointment or procedure. 
88. Registration of documents executed by Government officers or certain 
public functionaries. 
89. Copies of certain orders, certificates and instruments to be sent to 
registering officers and filed. 
Exemptions from Act 
90. Exemption of certain documents executed by or in favour of 
Government. 
91. Inspection and copies of such documents. 
92. [Repealed] 
93. [Repealed] 
THE SECHEDULE 
[Repealed] 
 
 
 
TEXT 
1
THE REGISTRATION ACT, 1908 
(XVI of 1908) 
[19 December 1908] 
An 
Act 
to consolidate the enactments relating to the Registration of Documents. 
WHEREAS it is expedient to consolidate the enactments relat ing to the registration 
of documents; It is hereby enacted as follows:– 
PART I 
Preliminary 
1. Short title, extent and commencement .– (1) This Act may be called the 
2
[*] 
Registration Act, 1908. 
3
[(2) It extends to whole of the Punjab, except such districts or parts thereof 
as the Government may exclude from its operation.]  
(3) It shall come into force on the first day of January, 1909. 
2. Definitions.– In this Act, unless there is anything repugnant in the subject or 
context,– 
(1) “addition” means the place  of residence, and the profession, trade, 
rank and title (if any) of a person described, 
4
[* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *] 
and his father's name, or where he is usually described as the son of 
his mother, then his mother's name: 
(2) “book” includes a portio n of a book and also any number of sheets 
connected together with a view of forming a book or portion of a book: 
5
[(2a) “co-operative society” means a co -operative society registered under 
the Cooperative Societies Act, 1912 (II of 1912), or under any other law 
for the time being in force relating to the registration of co -operative 
societies;] 
                                                           
1
This Act was published in the Gazette of India (Extraordinary), dated: 19 December 1908, pp. 231 -246. For Statement of 
Objects and Reasons, see Gazette of India, 1908, Part V, p. 325; for Report of Select Committee, see ibid., 1908, Part V, p. 
387; and for Proceedings in Council, see ibid., 1908, Part VI, pp. 148, 154 and 182.  
2
The word “Indian” was omitted by the Adaptation of Central Acts and Ordinances Order, 1949 (G.G.O. No. 4 of 1 949), 
published in the Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary), dated: 28 March 1949, pp. 223-283, Article 3 read with the Schedule. 
3
Substituted by the Registration (Amendment) Act 2011 (XIX of 2011), published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated: 
3 October 2011, pp. 37373-37374, s. 2. 
4
The expression “and, in the case of a native of Pakistan his caste (if any)” was  omitted by the Central Laws (Statute Reform ) 
Ordinance, 1960 (XXI of 1960); assented to by the President on 7 June 1960; and, was publis hed in the Gazette of Pakistan 
(Extraordinary), dated: 9 June 1960, pp. 725 -845, s. 3 read with the Second Schedule: it came into force on 14 October 1955. 
The word “Pakistan” was earlier substituted for the word “India” by the Adaptation of Central Acts a nd Ordinances Order, 1949 
(G.G.O. No. 4 of 1949), published in the Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary), dated: 28 March 1949, pp. 223-283, Article 3 read 
with the Schedule. 
5
Inserted by the Registration Act (Amendment) Ordinance, 1961 (XXXII of 1961), publ ished in the Gazette of Pakistan 
(Extraordinary), dated: 31 July 1961, pp. 1165a-1165b, s. 2. 
(3) “district” and “sub -district” respectively mean a district and sub -district 
formed under this Act: 
(4) “District Court” includes 
1
[Lahore High Court] in its ordi nary original civil 
jurisdiction: 
(5) “endorsement” and “endorsed” include and apply to an entry in writing 
by a registering officer on a rider or covering slip to any document 
tendered for registration under this Act: 
2
[(5a) “Government” means Government of the Punjab;] 
3
[(6) “immoveable property” includes land, buildings, benefits to arise out of 
land and things attached to the earth, or permanently fastened to 
anything attached to the earth, hereditary allowances, rights to ways, 
lights, ferries and fisheries but does not include– 
(a) standing timber, growing crops or grass whether immediate 
severance thereof is intended or not; 
(b) fruit upon and juice in trees whether in existence or to grow in 
future; and 
(c) machinery embedded in or attached to the ea rth, when dealt 
with apart from the land:] 
4
[(7) “lease” includes a counter -part, kabuliyat and an undertaking to 
cultivate or occupy:] 
(8) “minor” means a person who, according to the personal law to which 
he is subject, has not attained majority: 
5
[(9) “moveable property” means property of every description, except 
immoveable property:] 
(10) “representative” includes the guardian of a minor and the committee or 
other legal curator of a lunatic or idiot. 
PART II 
Of the Registration-Establishment 
3. Inspector General of Registration .– (1) The 
6
[Government] shall appoint an 
officer to be the Inspector General of Registration for the 
7
[the Punjab]: 
                                                           
1
Substituted for the words “the High Court” by the Registration (Amendment) Act 2011 (XIX of 2011), published in the Punjab 
Gazette (Extraordinary), dated: 3 October 2011, pp. 37373-37374, s. 3. 
2
Inserted ibid. 
3
Substituted by the Registration (Amendment) Ordinance, 1962 (XLV of 1962), published in the Gazette of Pakistan 
(Extraordinary), dated: 7 June 1962, pp. 953-960, s. 2. 
4
Ibid. 
5
Ibid. 
6
Substituted for the words “Provincial Government” by the Registration (Amendment) Act 2011 (XIX of 2011), published in the 
Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated: 3 October 2011, pp. 37373 -37374, s. 4. They were earlier substituted for the words 
“Local Government” by the Governme nt of India (Adaptation of Indian Laws) Order, 1937, published in the Gazette of India 
(Extraordinary), dated: 1 April 1937, pp. 75-344, Article 4 read with the Table of General Adaptations. 
7
Substituted for the words “territories subject to such Governmen t” by the Registration (Amendment) Act 2011 (XIX of 2011), 
published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated: 3 October 2011, pp. 37373-37374, s. 4. 
Provided that the  
1
[Government] may, instead of making such appointment, 
direct that all or any of the powers and  duties hereinafter conferred and imposed 
upon the Inspector General shall be exercised and performed by such officer or 
officers, and within such local limits, as the 
2
[Government] appoints in this behalf. 
(2) Any Inspector General may hold simultaneously any other office 
3
[in the 
service of the State]. 
4
[4. Branch Inspector General of Sindh.–  * * * *   ]  
5. Districts and sub -districts.– (1) For the purposes of this Act,  the 
5
[Government] shall form districts and sub -districts, and shall prescribe, and may 
alter, the limits of such districts and sub-districts. 
(2) The districts and sub -districts formed under this section, together with 
the limits thereof, and every alteration of such limits, shall be notified in the 
6
[Official 
Gazette]. 
(3) Every such alteration shall take effect on such day after the date of the 
notification as is therein mentioned. 
6. Registrars and Sub -Registrars.– The 
7
[Government] may appoint such 
persons, whether public officers or not, as it thinks proper, to be Registrars of the 
several districts, and to be Sub -Registrars of the several sub -districts, formed as 
aforesaid, respectively. 
8
[*  * * * * * * * * *   ] 
                                                           
1
Substituted for the words “Provincial Government” by the Registration (Amendment) Act 2011 (XIX of 20 11), published in the 
Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated: 3 October 2011, pp. 37373 -37374, s. 4. They were earlier substituted for the words 
“Local Government” by the Government of India (Adaptation of Indian Laws) Order, 1937, published in the Gazette of India 
(Extraordinary), dated: 1 April 1937, pp. 75-344, Article 4 read with the Table of General Adaptations. 
2
Ibid. 
3
Substituted for the words “under the Crown” by the Central Laws (Adapt ation) Order, 1961 (P. O. No. 1 of 1961); made by the 
Minister exercising the functions of President under Article 2 of the State Arrangements Order, 1959 on 21 January 1961; and, 
was published in the Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary), dated: 24 January 1961, pp.102 -163, Article 2 read with the Table: it 
came into force on 23 March 1956. They were earlier substituted for the words “under Government” by the Government of India 
(Adaptation of Indian Laws) Order, 1937, published in the Gazette of India (Extraordinary), dated: 1 April 1937, pp. 75 -344, 
Article 3 read with the First Schedule. 
4
Repealed by the Government of India (Adaptation of Indian Laws) Order, 1937, published in the Gazette of India 
(Extraordinary), dated: 1 April 1937, pp. 75-344, Article 3 read with the First Schedule. 
5
Substituted for the words “Provin cial Government” by the Registration (Amendment) Act 2011 (XIX of 2011), published in the 
Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated: 3 October 2011, pp. 37373 -37374, s. 5. They were earlier substituted for the words 
“Local Government” by the Government of Indi a (Adaptation of Indian Laws) Order, 1937, published in the Gazette of India 
(Extraordinary), dated: 1 April 1937, pp. 75-344, Article 4 read with the Table of General Adaptations. 
6
Substituted for the words “local official Gazette” by the Government of In dia (Adaptation of Indian Laws) Order, 1937, 
published in the Gazette of India (Extraordinary), dated: 1 April 1937, pp. 75 -344, Article 4 read with the Table of General 
Adaptations. 
7
Substituted for the words “Provincial Government” by the Registration (A mendment) Act 2011 (XIX of 2011), published in the 
Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated: 3 October 2011, pp. 37373 -37374, s. 5. They were earlier substituted for the words 
“Local Government” by the Government of India (Adaptation of Indian Laws) Order, 19 37, published in the Gazette of India 
(Extraordinary), dated: 1 April 1937, pp. 75-344, Article 4 read with the Table of General Adaptations. 
8
The proviso was omitted by the Government of India (Adaptation of Indian Laws) Order, 1937, published in the Gaze tte of 
India (Extraordinary), dated: 1 April 1937, pp. 75 -344, Article 3 read with the First Schedule. It was inserted by the 
Decentralization Act, 1914 (IV of 1914); assented to by the Governor General on 24 February 1914; and, was published in the 
Gazette of India (Extraordinary), dated: 28 February 1914, pp. 21-32, s. 2 read with the Schedule. 
7.  Offices of Registrar and Sub -Registrar.– (1) The 
1
[Government]  shall 
establish in every district an office to be styled the office of the Registrar and in every 
sub-district an office or offices to be styled the office of the Sub -Registrar or the 
offices of the Joint Sub-Registrars. 
(2) The 
2
[Government] may amalgamate with any office of a Registrar any 
office of a Sub-Registrar subordinate to such Registrar, and may authorize any Sub -
Registrar whose office has been so amalgamated to exercise and perform, in 
addition to his own powers and duties, all or any of the powers and duties of the 
Registrar to whom he is subordinate: 
Provided that no such authorization shall enable a Sub -Registrar to hear an 
appeal against an order passed by himself under this Act. 
8. Inspectors of Registration -offices.– (1) The 
3
[Government] may also 
appoint officers, to be called Inspectors of R egistration-offices, and may prescribe 
the duties of such officers. 
(2) Every such Inspector shall be subordinate to the Inspector General. 
4
[9. Military cantonments may be declared sub-districts or districts.– *  *  *
 * * * * * * * *   ] 
10. Absence of Re gistrar or vacancy in his office .– (1)  When  any Registrar, 
5
[* * * * * * * * * * *],  is absent otherwise than on duty in his district, or when his office 
is temporarily vacant, any person whom the Inspector General appoints in this 
behalf, or, in defaul t of such appointment, the Judge of the District Court within the 
local limits of whose jurisdiction the  Registrar's  office  is  situate,  shall  be  the  
Registrar during such absence or until the 
6
[Government] fills up the vacancy. 
7
[(2) * * * * * * * * *   ] 
11. Absence of Registrar on duty in his district .– When any Registrar is 
absent from his office on duty in his district, he may appoint any Sub -Registrar or 
                                                           
1
Substituted for the words “Provincial Government” by the Registration (Amendment) Act 2011 (XIX of 2011), published in the 
Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated: 3 October 2011, pp. 37373 -37374, s. 5. They were earlier substituted for the words 
“Local Government” by the Government of India (Adaptation of Indian Laws) Order, 1937, published in the Gazette of India 
(Extraordinary), dated: 1 April 1937, pp. 75-344, Article 4 read with the Table of General Adaptations. 
2
Ibid. 
3
Substituted for the words “Provincial Government” by the Registration (Amendment) Act 2011 (XIX of 2011), published in the 
Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated: 3 October 2011, pp. 37373 -37374, s. 5. They were earlier substituted for the words 
“Local Government” by the Government of India (Adaptation of Indian Laws) Order, 1937, published in the Gazette of India 
(Extraordinary), dated: 1 April 1937, pp. 75-344, Article 4 read with the Table of General Adaptations. 
4
Repealed by the Repealing and Amending Act, 1927 (X of 1927); assented to by the Governor General on 4 April 1927; and, 
was published in the Gazette of India (Extraordinary), dated: 16 April 1927, pp. 19-25, s. 3 read with the Second Schedule. 
5
Omitted the words “other than the Registrar of a district including a Presidency -town” by the Adaptation of Central Acts and 
Ordinances Order, 1949 (G.G.O. No. 4 of 1949), published in the Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary), dated: 28 March 1949, 
pp. 223-283, Article 3 read with the Schedule. 
6
Substituted for the words “Provincial Government” by the Registration (Amendment) Act 2011 (XIX of 2011), published in the 
Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated: 3 October 2011, pp. 37373 -37374, s. 5. They we re earlier substituted for the words 
“Local Government” by the Government of India (Adaptation of Indian Laws) Order, 1937, published in the Gazette of India 
(Extraordinary), dated: 1 April 1937, pp. 75-344, Article 4 read with the Table of General Adaptations. 
7
Omitted by the Adaptation of Central Acts and Ordinances Order, 1949 (G.G.O. No. 4 of 1949), published in the Gazette of 
Pakistan (Extraordinary), dated: 28 March 1949, pp. 223-283, Article 3 read with the Schedule. 
other person in his district to perform, during such absence, all the duties of a 
Registrar except those mentioned in sections 68 and 72. 
12. Absence of Sub -Registrar or vacancy in his office .– When any Sub -
Registrar is absent, or when his office is temporarily vacant, any person whom the 
Registrar of the district appoints in this behalf shall b e Sub -Registrar during such 
absence, or until 
1
[the vacancy is filled up]. 
13. Report of certain appointments and suspension and removal and 
dismissal of officers.– (1) 
2
[* * * * * * * * * * * *] All appointments made under section 
10, section 11 or sectio n 12 shall be reported to the 
3
[Government] by the Inspector 
General. 
(2) Such report shall be either special or general, as the 
4
[Government] 
directs. 
5
[(3) * * * * * * * * *   ] 
14. Remuneration and establishments of registering officers.– 
6
[(1) *    *  *
 * * * * * * * *   ] 
(2) The 
7
[Government] may allow proper establishments for the several 
offices under this Act. 
15. Seal of registering officers .– The several Registrars and Sub -Registrars 
shall use a seal bearing the following inscription in English a nd in such other 
language as the 
8
[Government] directs:– “The seal of the Registrar (or of the Sub -
Registrar) of.” 
16. Register books and fire -proof boxes.– (1) The 
9
[Government] shall provide 
for the office of every registering officer the books necessary  for the purposes of this 
Act. 
                                                           
1
Substituted for the words “the Local Government fills up the vacancy” by the Decentralization Act, 1914 (IV of 1914); assented 
to by the Governor General on 24 February 1914; and, was published in the Gazette of India (Extraordinary), dated: 28 
February 1914, pp. 21-32, s. 2 read with the Schedule. 
2
Omitted the expression “All appointments made by the Inspector -General under section 6 and” by the Government of India 
(Adaptation of Indian Laws) Order, 1937, published in the Gazette of India (Extraordinary), dated: 1 April 1937, pp. 75 -344, 
Article 3 read with the First Schedule. They were earlier inserted by the Decentralization Act, 1914 (IV of 1914); assented t o by 
the Governor General on 24 February 1914; and, was published in the Gazette of India (Extraordinary), dated: 28 February 
1914, pp. 21-32, s. 2 read with the Schedule. 
3
Substituted for the words “Provincial Government” by the Registration (Amendment) Act 2011 (XIX of 2011), published in the 
Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated: 3 October 2011, pp. 37373 -37374, s. 5. They were ea rlier substituted for the words 
“Local Government” by the Government of India (Adaptation of Indian Laws) Order, 1937, published in the Gazette of India 
(Extraordinary), dated: 1 April 1937, pp. 75-344, Article 4 read with the Table of General Adaptations. 
4
Ibid. 
5
Omitted by the Government of India (Adaptation of Indian Laws) Order, 1937, published in the Gazette of India (Extraordinary), 
dated: 1 April 1937, pp. 75-344, Article 3 read with the First Schedule. 
6
Ibid. 
7
Substituted for the words “Provincial G overnment” by the Registration (Amendment) Act 2011 (XIX of 2011), published in the 
Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated: 3 October 2011, pp. 37373 -37374, s. 5. They were earlier substituted for the words 
“Local Government” by the Government of India (Ada ptation of Indian Laws) Order, 1937, published in the Gazette of India 
(Extraordinary), dated: 1 April 1937, pp. 75-344, Article 4 read with the Table of General Adaptations. 
8
Ibid. 
9
Substituted for the words “Provincial Government” by the Registration (Am endment) Act 2011 (XIX of 2011), published in the 
Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated: 3 October 2011, pp. 37373 -37374, s. 5. They were earlier substituted for the words 
“Local Government” by the Government of India (Adaptation of Indian Laws) Order, 193 7, published in the Gazette of India 
(Extraordinary), dated: 1 April 1937, pp. 75-344, Article 4 read with the Table of General Adaptations. 
(2) The books so provided shall contain the forms from time to time  
prescribed  by  the  Inspector  General  with  the  sanction  of the 
1
[Government], and 
the pages of such books shall be consecutively numbered in print, and the number of 
pages in each book shall be certified on the title -page by the officer by whom such 
books are issued. 
 (3) The 
2
[Government] shall supply the office of every Registrar with a fire -
proof box, and shall in each district make suitable provisio n for the safe custody of 
the records connected with the registration of documents in such district. 
PART III 
Of Registerable Documents 
17. Documents of which registration is compulsory .– (1) The following 
documents shall be registered, if the property to which they relate is situate in a 
district in which, and if they have been executed on or after the date on which, Act 
No. XVI of 1864, or the Indian Registration Act, 1866
3
, or the Indian Registration Act, 
1871
4
 or the Indian Registration Act, 1877
5
, or t his Act came or comes into force, 
namely:– 
(a) instruments of gift of immoveable property; 
(b) other non-testamentary instruments which purport or operate to create, 
declare, assign, limit or extinguish, whether in present or in future, any 
right, title or interest, whether vested or contingent, of the value of one 
hundred rupees and upwards, to or in immoveable property; 
6
[Explanation.– In the case of an assignment of a mortgage the consideration for the 
deed of assignment shall be deemed to be the value for registration;] 
7
[(bb) an instrument which grants power to an attorney or which constitutes an 
agreement to create, declare, assign, limit or extinguish, by way of sale, 
any right, title or interest of the value of one hundred rupees and upwards, 
to or in immovable property;] 
(c) non-testamentary instruments 
8
[other than the acknowledgement of a 
receipt or payment made in respect of any transaction to which an 
instrument registered under 
9
[clause (b)] relates] which acknowledge the 
receipt or payment of a ny consideration on account of the creation, 
declaration, assignment, limitation or extinction of any such right, title or 
interest; and 
                                                           
1
Ibid. 
2
Ibid. 
3
XX of 1866.  
4
VII of 1871. 
5
III of 1877.  
6
Added by the Registration (Amendment) Ordinance, 1962 (XLV of 1962), published in the Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary), 
dated: 7 June 1962, pp. 953-960, s. 3. 
7
Inserted by the Registration (Amendment) Act 2018 (XXVI of 2018), published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated: 24 
May 2018, pp. 8167-8168, s. 2.   
8
Inserted by the Registration (Amendment) Ordinance, 1962 (XLV of 1962), published in the Gazette of Pakistan 
(Extraordinary), dated: 7 June 1962, pp. 953-960, s. 3. 
9
Substituted for the expression “clause (a)” by the Registration (Amendment) Act 2 011 (XIX of 2011), published in the Punjab 
Gazette (Extraordinary), dated: 3 October 2011, pp. 37373-37374, s. 6. 
(d)  leases of immoveable property from year to year, or for any term 
exceeding one year, or reserving a yearly rent; 
1
[(e) non-testamentary instruments transferring or assigning any decree or 
order of a Court or any award when such decree or order or award 
purports or operates to create, declare, assign, limit or extinguish, whether 
in present or in future, any right, tit le or interest, whether vested or 
contingent, of the value of one hundred rupees and upwards to or in 
immoveable property:] 
 Provided that the 
2
[Government] may, by order published in  the 
3
[Official 
Gazette], exempt from the operation of this sub -section any leases executed in any 
district, or part of a district, the terms granted by which do not exceed five years and 
the annual rents reserved by which do not exceed fifty rupees. 
 (2) Nothing in clauses (b) and (c) of sub-section (1) applies to– 
(i) any composition-deed; or 
(ii) any instrument relating to shares in a Joint Stock Company, 
notwithstanding that the assets of such Company consist in whole or in 
part of immoveable property; or 
(iii) any debenture issued by any such Company and not creating, 
declaring, assigning, limiting or extinguishing any right, title or interest, 
to or in immoveable property except in so far as it entitles the holder to 
the security afforded by a registered instrument whereby the Company 
has mortgaged, conveyed or otherwise tr ansferred the whole or part of 
its immoveable property or any interest therein to trustees upon trust 
for the benefit of the holders of such debentures; or 
(iv) any endorsement upon or transfer of any debenture issued by any 
such Company; or 
(v) any docume nt not itself creating, declaring, assigning, limiting or 
extinguishing any right, title or interest of the value of one hundred 
rupees and upwards to or in immoveable property, but merely creating 
a right to obtain another document which will, when execut ed, create, 
declare, assign, limit or extinguish any such right, title or interest 
4
[except a document which grants power to an atto rney or is an 
agreement to sell any right, title or interest of the said value in 
immovable property]; or 
                                                           
1
Inserted by the Transfer of Property (Amendment) Supplementary Act, 1929 (XXI of 1929); assented to by the Governor 
General on 4 October 1929 ; and, was published in the Gazette of India (Extraordinary), dated: 25 October 1929, pp. 133 -153, 
s. 10: it came into force on 1 April 1930. 
2
Substituted for the words “Provincial Government” by the Registration (Amendment) Act 2011 (XIX of 2011), publish ed in the 
Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated: 3 October 2011, pp. 37373 -37374, s. 6. They were earlier substituted for the words 
“Local Government” by the Government of India (Adaptation of Indian Laws) Order, 1937, published in the Gazette of India 
(Extraordinary), dated: 1 April 1937, pp. 75-344, Article 4 read with the Table of General Adaptations. 
3
Substituted for the words “local official Gazette” by the Government of India (Adaptation of Indian Laws) Order, 1937, 
published in the Gazette of India ( Extraordinary), dated: 1 April 1937, pp. 75 -344, Article 4 read with the Table of General 
Adaptations. 
4
Inserted by the Registration (Amendment) Act 2018 (XXVI of 2018), published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated: 24 
May 2018, pp. 8167-8168, s. 2. 
(vi) any decree or order of a Court 
1
[except a decree or order expressed to 
be made on a compromise and comprising immoveable property other 
than that which is the subject-matter of the suit or proceeding]; or 
(vii) any grant of immoveable property by 
2
[the Federal Governme nt or the 
Provincial Government]; or  
(viii) any instrument of partition made by a Revenue-officer; or 
(ix) any order granting a loan or instrument of collateral security granted 
under 
3
[* * * * * * * *] the Land Improvement Loans Act, 1883
4
; or 
5
[(x) any order granting a loan under the 
6
[ 
7
[Punjab Agriculturists’ Loans Act, 
1958] (W.P. Act XVII of 1958)], the Agricultural Development Bank 
Ordinance, 1961 (Ordinance No. IV of 1961), or under any other law for 
the time being in force relating to the advancem ent of loans for 
agricultural purposes, or any instrument under which a loan is granted 
by a co -operative society for any such purpose, or any instrument 
made for securing the repayment of a loan so granted; or] 
(xi) any endorsement on a mortgage -deed acknowledging the payment of 
the whole or any part of the mortgage -money, and any other receipt for 
payment of money due under a mortgage 
8
[* * * * * * * * * *]; or 
 (xii) any certificate of sale granted to the purchaser of any property sold by 
public auction by a Civil or Revenue Officer 
9
[; or] 
1
[(xiii) any counter-part of a lease, where the lease corresponding thereto has 
itself been registered.] 
                                                           
1
Substituted for the words “and any award” by the Transfer of Property (Amendment) Supplementary Act, 1929 (XXI of 1929); 
assented to by the Governor General on 4 October 1929; and, was published in the Gazette of India (Extraordinary), dated: 25 
October 1929, pp. 133-153, s. 10: it came into force on 1 April 1930. 
2
Substituted for the words “the [Government]” by the Registration (Amendment) Act 2011 (XIX of 2011), published in the Punjab 
Gazette (Extraordinary), dated: 3 October 2011, pp. 37373 -37374, s. 6. The word in crotches was earlier substituted for the 
word “Crown” by the Central Laws (Adapt ation) Order, 1961 (P. O. No. 1 of 1961); made by the Minister exercising the 
functions of President under Article 2 of the State Arrangements Order, 1959 on 21 January 1961; and, was published in the 
Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary), dated: 24 January 1961, pp.102-163, Article 2 read with the Table: it came into force on 23 
March 1956. The words “the Crown” were earlier substituted for the word “Government” by the Government of India (Adaptation 
of Indian Laws) Order, 1937, published in the Gazette of India (Extraordinary), dated: 1 April 1937, pp. 75 -344, Article 3 read 
with the First Schedule. 
3
The expression “the Land Improvement Act, 1871, or” was omitted by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) Ordinance, 
1981 (XXVII of 1981), published in the Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary), dated: 8 July 1981, pp. 345 -475, s. 3 read with the 
Second Schedule. 
4
XIX of 1883. 
5
Substituted by the Registration Act (Amendment) Ordinance, 1961 (XXXII of 1961), published in the Gazette of Pakistan 
(Extraordinary), dated: 31 July 1961, pp. 1165a-1165b, s. 3. 
6
Substituted for the expression “Agriculturists’ Loans Act, 1884” by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) Ordinance, 
1981 (XXVII of 1981), published in the Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary), dated: 8 July 1981, pp. 345 -475, s. 3 read with the 
Second Schedule. 
7
Substituted for the expression “West Pakistan Agriculturists’ Loans Act, 1958” by the Registration (Amendment) Act 2011 (XIX 
of 2011), published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated: 3 October 2011, pp. 37373-37374, s. 6. 
8
The words “when the receipt does not purport to extinguish the mortgage” were omitted by the Registration (Amendment) 
Ordinance, 1962 (XLV of 1962), published in the Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary), dated: 7 June 1962, pp. 953-960, s. 3. 
9
Substituted for the “full stop” by the Registration (Amendment) Ordinance, 1962 (XLV of 1962), published in the Gazette of 
Pakistan (Extraordinary), dated: 7 June 1962, pp. 953-960, s. 3. 
2
[Explanation.– A document purporting or operating to effect a contract for the sale of 
immoveable property shall  not be deemed to require or ever to have required 
registration by reason only of the fact that such  document contains a recital of the 
payment of any earnest money or of the whole or any part of the purchase-money.] 
(3) Authorities to adopt a son, execute d after the first day of January, 1872, and 
not conferred by a will, shall also be registered. 
18. Documents of which registration is optional.– 
3
[Any document not required 
to be registered under section 17 may also be registered under this Act.] 
19. Documents in language not understood by registering officer .– If any 
document duly presented for registration be in a language which the registering 
officer does not understand, and which is not commonly used in the district, he shall 
refuse to register the document, unless it be accompanied by a true translation into a 
language commonly used in the district and also by a true copy. 
20. Documents containing interlineations, blanks, erasures or alterations .– 
(1) The registering officer may in his discretion refus e to accept for registration any 
document in which any interlineation, blank, erasure or alteration appears, unless the 
persons executing the document attest with their signatures or initials such 
interlineation, blank, erasure or alteration. 
(2) If the re gistering officer registers any such document, he shall, at the 
time of registering the same, make a note in the register of such interlineation, blank, 
erasure or alteration. 
21. Description of property and maps or plans .– (1) No non -testamentary 
document relating to immoveable property shall be accepted for registration unless it 
contains a description of such property sufficient to identify the same. 
(2) Houses in towns shall be described as situate on the north or other 
side of the street or road (which should be specified) to which they front, and by their 
existing and former occupancies, and by their numbers if the houses in such street 
or road are numbered. 
(3) Other houses and lands shall be described by their name, if any, and 
as being in the territ orial division in which they are situate, and by their superficial 
contents, the roads and other properties on which they abut, and their existing 
occupancies, and also, whenever it is practicable, by reference to a Government 
map or survey. 
(4) No non -testamentary document containing a map or plan of any 
property comprised therein shall be accepted for registration unless it is 
accompanied by a true copy of the map or plan, or, in case  such property is situate 
in several districts, by such number of true c opies of the map or plan as are equal to 
the number of such districts. 
                                                                                                                                                                                     
1
Added by the Registration (Amendment) Ordinance, 1962 (XLV of 1962), published in the Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary), 
dated: 7 June 1962, pp. 953-960, s. 3. 
2
Inserted by the Indian Registration (Amen dment) Act, 1927 (II of 1927); assented to by the Governor General on 18  February 
1927; and, was published in the Gazette of India (Extraordinary), dated: 26 February 1927, p. 3, s. 2. 
3
Substituted by the Registration (Amendment) Ordinance, 1962 (XLV of 19 62), published in the Gazette of Pakistan 
(Extraordinary), dated: 7 June 1962, pp. 953-960, s. 4. 
22. Description of houses and land by reference to Government maps or 
surveys.– (1) Where it is, in the opinion of the 
1
[Government], practicable to describe 
houses, 
2
[not being houses in towns], and lands by reference to a Government map 
or survey, the 
3
[Government] may, by rule made under this Act, require that such 
houses and lands as aforesaid shall, for the purposes of section 21, be so described. 
 (2) Save as otherwise provided by any rule made under sub -section (1), 
failure to comply with the provisions of section 21, sub -section (2) or sub-section (3), 
shall not disentitle a document to be registered if the description of the property to 
which it relates is sufficient to identify that property. 
PART IV 
Of the Time of Presentation 
23. Time for presenting documents .– Subject to the provisions contained in 
sections 24, 25 and 26, no document other than a will shall be accepted for 
registration unless presented for that purpose to the proper officer within four months 
from the date of its execution: 
 Provided that a copy of a decree or order may be presented within four 
months from the day on which the decree or order was made, or, where it is 
appealable, within four months from the day on which it becomes final. 
4
[23A. Re-registration of certain documents .– Notwithstanding anything to the 
contrary contained in this Act, if in any case a  document requiring registration has 
been accepted for registration by a Registrar or Sub-Registrar from a person not duly 
empowered to present the same, and has been registered, any person claiming 
under such document may, within four months from his first becoming aware that the 
registration of such document is invalid, present such document or cause the  same 
to be presented, in accordance with the provisions of Part VI for re -registration in the 
office of the Registrar of the district in which the document was originally registered; 
and upon the Registrar being satisfied that the document was so accepted  for 
registration from a person not duly empowered to present the same, he shall 
proceed to the re -registration of the document as if it had not been previously 
registered, and as if such presentation for re -registration was a presentation for 
registration made within the time allowed therefor under Part IV, and all the 
provisions of this Act, as to registration of documents, shall apply to such re -
registration; and such document, if duly re -registered in accordance with the 
                                                           
1
Substituted for the words “Provincial Government” by the Registration (Amendment) Act 2011 (XIX of 2011), published in the 
Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), da ted: 3 October 2011, pp. 37373 -37374, s. 5. They were earlier substituted for the words 
“Local Government” by the Government of India (Adaptation of Indian Laws) Order, 1937, published in the Gazette of India 
(Extraordinary), dated: 1 April 1937, pp. 75-344, Article 4 read with the Table of General Adaptations. 
2
Omitted the words “not being houses in towns” by the Registration (Punjab Amendment) Act, 1941 (Punjab Act VIII of 1941), 
published in the Gazette of Punjab, dated: 23 May 1941, s. 2. 
3
Substituted for the words “Provincial Government” by the Registration (Amendment) Act 2011 (XIX of 2011), published in the 
Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated: 3 October 2011, pp. 37373 -37374, s. 5. They were earlier substituted for the words 
“Local Government” by th e Government of India (Adaptation of Indian Laws) Order, 1937, published in the Gazette of India 
(Extraordinary), dated: 1 April 1937, pp. 75-344, Article 4 read with the Table of General Adaptations. 
4
Inserted by the Indian Registration (Amendment) Act, 1 917 (XV of 1917); assented to by the Governor General on 13 
September 1917; and, was published in the Gazette of India (Extraordinary), dated: 15 September 1917, p. 57, s. 2. 
provisions of this section, shal l be deemed to have been duly registered for all 
purposes from the date of its original registration: 
Provided that within three months from the twelfth day of September, 1917, any 
person claiming under a document to which this section applies may present the 
same or cause the same to be presented for re -registration in accordance with this 
section, whatever may have been the time when he first became aware that the 
registration of the document was invalid.] 
24. Documents executed by several persons at diff erent times.– Where there 
are several persons executing a document at different times, such document may be 
presented for registration and re -registration within four months from the date of 
each execution. 
25. Provision where delay in presentation is unav oidable.– (1) If, owing to 
urgent necessity or unavoidable accident, any document  executed, or copy of a 
decree or order made, in 
1
[the Punjab] is not presented for registration till after the 
expiration of the time hereinbefore prescribed in that behalf, the Registrar, in cases 
where the delay in presentation does not exceed four months, may direct that, on 
payment of a fine not exceeding ten times the amount of the proper registration -fee, 
such document shall be accepted for registration. 
(2) Any application for such direction may be lodged with a Sub -Registrar, 
who shall forthwith forward it to the Registrar to whom he is subordinate. 
26. Documents executed out of 
2
[Pakistan].– When a document purporting to 
have been executed by all or any of the parties out of 
3
[Pakistan] is not presented for 
registration till after the expiration of the time hereinbefore prescribed in that behalf, 
the registering officer, if satisfied– 
(a) that the instrument was so executed, and 
(b) that it has been presented for regist ration within four months after its 
arrival in 
4
[Pakistan],  
may, on payment of the proper registration -fee, accept such document for 
registration. 
27. Wills may be presented or deposited at any time .– A will may at any time 
be presented for registration or deposited in manner hereinafter provided. 
PART V 
                                                           
1
Substituted for the words “Pakistan” by the Registration (Amendment) Act 2011 (XIX of 2011), published in the Punjab Gazette 
(Extraordinary), dated: 3 October 2011, pp. 37373 -37374, s. 7. It was earlier substituted for the words “the Provinces and the 
Capital of the Federation” by the Central Laws (Statute Reform) Ordinance, 1960 (XXI  of 1960); assented to by the President 
on 7 June 1960; and, was published in the Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary), dated: 9 June 1960, pp. 725-845, s. 3 read with 
the Second Schedule: it came into force on 14 October 1955. They were earlier substituted  for the words “British India” by the 
Adaptation of Central Acts and Ordinances Order, 1949 (G.G.O. No. 4 of 1949), published in the Gazette of Pakistan 
(Extraordinary), dated: 28 March 1949, pp. 223-283, Article 3 read with Article 4. 
2
Substituted for the words “the Provinces and the Capital of Federation” by the Central Laws (Statute Reform) Ordinance, 1960 
(XXI of 1960); assented to by the President on 7 June 1960; and, was published in the Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary), 
dated: 9 June 1960, pp. 725-845, s. 3 read with the Second Schedule: it came into force on 14 October 1955. They were earlier 
substituted for the words “British India” by the Adaptation of Central Acts and Ordinances Order, 1949 (G.G.O. No. 4 of 1949) , 
published in the Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary), dated: 28 March 1949, pp. 223-283, Article 3 read with Article 4. 
3
Ibid. 
4
Ibid. 
Of the Place of Registration 
28. Place for registering documents relating to land .– 
1
[(1)] 
2
[Every] document 
mentioned in section 17, sub -section (1), clauses (a), (b),  (c) 
3
[,(d) and (e), section 
17, sub-section (2), 
4
[and section 18, in so far as such document affects immovable 
property] ], shall be presented for registration in the office of a Sub -Registrar within 
whose sub-district the whole or some portion of the property to which such document 
relates is situate. 
 
5
[(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1),– 
(a) after a document is registered, no party thereto shall be entitled to 
question the validity of its registration on the ground that the property 
which purported to give jurisdic tion to the Sub -Registrar to register it 
either did not exist or was fictitious or insignificant or was not intended 
to be conveyed; and 
(b) a document the registration of which is secured by the inclusion of a 
non-existent, fictitious or insignificant por tion or item shall not in any 
manner affect the rights of a person who was not a party thereto and 
acquired rights in the property without notice of the transaction to which 
such document relates.] 
29. Place for registering other documents .– (1) Every docu ment 
6
[not being a 
document referred to in section 28 or a copy of a decree or order], may be presented 
for registration either in the office of the Sub -Registrar in whose sub -district the 
document was executed, or in  the office of any other Sub -Registrar under the  
7
[Government]  at which all the persons executing and claiming under the document 
desire the same to be registered. 
                                                           
1
Numbered by the Registration (Amendment) Ordinance, 1962 (XLV of 1962), published in the Gazette of Pakistan 
(Extraordinary), dated: 7 June 1962, pp. 953-960, s. 5. 
2
Substituted for the expression “Save as in this Part otherwise provided, every” by the Registration (Amendment) Act 2011 (XIX 
of 2011), published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated: 3 October 2011, pp. 37373-37374, s. 8. 
3
Substituted for the expression “and (d)” by the Indian Registration (Amendment) Act, 1940 (XXXIII of 1940), published in the 
Gazette of India (Extraordinary), dated: 30 November 1940, p. 128, s. 3.  
4
Substituted for the expression “in so far as such document affect s immoveable property, and section 18, clauses (a), (b) [,(c) 
and (cc)]” by the Registration (Amendment) Ordinance, 1962 (XLV of 1962), published in the Gazette of Pakistan 
(Extraordinary), dated: 7 June 1962, pp. 953 -960, s. 5. The expression in crotches were earlier substituted for the expression 
“and (c)” by the Indian Registration (Amendment) Act, 1940 (XXXIII of 1940), published in the Gazette of India (Extraordinary ), 
dated: 30 November 1940, p. 128, s. 3. 
5
Added by the Registration (Amendment) Ordinance, 1962 (XLV of 1962), published in the Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary), 
dated: 7 June 1962, pp. 953-960, s. 5. 
6
Substituted for the expression “other than a document referred to in section 28, and a copy of a decree or order” by the 
Repealing and Am ending Act, 1940 (XXXII of 1940), published in the Gazette of India (Extraordinary), dated: 30 November 
1940, pp. 123-127, s. 3 read with the Second Schedule. 
7
Substituted for the words “Provincial Government” by the Registration (Amendment) Act 2011 (XIX of 2011), published in the 
Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated: 3 October 2011, pp. 37373 -37374, s. 5. They were earlier substituted for the words 
“Local Government” by the Government of India (Adaptation of Indian Laws) Order, 1937, published in the Gaz ette of India 
(Extraordinary), dated: 1 April 1937, pp. 75-344, Article 4 read with the Table of General Adaptations. 
 (2) A copy of a decree or order may be presented for registration in the 
office of the Sub -Registrar in whose sub -district the or iginal decree or order was 
made, or, where the decree or order does not affect immoveable property, in the 
office of any other Sub -Registrar under the 
1
[Government] at which all the persons 
claiming under the decree or order desire the copy to be registered.  
2
[30. Registration by Registrars in certain cases .– Any Registrar may, in his 
discretion, receive and register any document which might be registered by any Sub -
Registrar subordinate to him.] 
31. Registration or acceptance for deposit at private reside nce.– 
3
[The 
presentation, registration or deposit of documents under this Act shall ordinarily] be 
made only at the office of the officer authorized to accept the same for registration or 
deposit: 
 Provided that such officer may on special cause being show n attend at the 
residence of any person desiring to present a document for registration or to deposit 
a will, and accept for registration or deposit such document or will. 
PART VI 
Of Presenting Documents for Registration 
32. Persons to present documents fo r registration .– Except in the cases 
mentioned in 
4
[* * *] section 89, every document to be registered under this Act, 
whether such registration be compulsory or optional, shall be presented 
5
[* * * * *],– 
(a) by some person executing or claiming under the  same, or, in the case 
of a copy of a decree or order, claiming under the decree or order, or 
(b) by the representative or assign of such person, or 
(c) by the agent of such person, representative or assign, duly authorized 
by power-of-attorney executed and authenticated in manner hereinafter 
mentioned. 
33. Powers-of-attorney recognizable for purposes of section 32 .– (1) For the 
purposes of section 32, the following powers -of-attorney shall alone be recognized, 
namely:– 
                                                           
1
Ibid. 
2
Substituted by the Registration (Amendment) Act 2011 (XIX of 2011), published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated: 
3 Octo ber 2011, pp. 37373 -37374, s. 9. Certain amendments were earlier made by the Registration (West Pakistan 
Amendment) Act, 1967 (XIV of 1967), published in the Gazette of West Pakistan (Extraordinary), dated: 21 October 1967, pp. 
2988-C to 2988-D, s. 2 and the Registration (Amendment) Ordinance, 1962 (XLV of 1962), published in the Gazette of Pakistan 
(Extraordinary), dated: 7 June 1962, pp. 953-960, s. 6. 
3
Substituted for the expression “In ordinary cases the registration or deposit of documents under this A ct shall” by the 
Registration (Amendment) Ordinance, 1962 (XLV of 1962), published in the Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary), dated: 7 June 
1962, pp. 953-960, s. 7. 
4
Omitted the expression “section 31 and” by the Registration (Amendment) Ordinance, 1962 ( XLV of 1962), published in the 
Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary), dated: 7 June 1962, pp. 953-960, s. 8. 
5
Omitted the expression “at the proper registration-office” ibid. 
(a) if the principal at the time of e xecuting the power-of-attorney resides in 
any part of 
1
[the Punjab] in which this Act is for the time being in force, 
a power -of-attorney executed before and authenticated by the 
Registrar or Sub -Registrar within whose district or sub -district the 
principal resides; 
(b) if the principal at the time aforesaid resides in any other part of 
2
[the 
Punjab or Pakistan], a power -of-attorney executed before and 
authenticated by any Magistrate; 
(c) if the principal at the time aforesaid does not reside in 
3
[Pakistan], a 
power-of-attorney executed before and authenticated by a Notary 
Public, or any Court, Judge,  Magistrate, 
4
[Pakistan] Consul or Vice -
Consul, or representative of 
5
[* * * *] the 
6
[Federal Government]:  
 Provided that the following persons shall not be re quired to attend at any 
registration-office or Court for the purpose of executing any such power -of-attorney 
as is mentioned in clauses (a) and (b) of this section, namely,– 
(i) persons who by reason of bodily infirmity are unable without risk or 
serious inconvenience so to attend; 
(ii) persons who are in jail under civil or criminal process; and  
(iii) persons exempt by law from personal appearance in Court. 
(2) In the case of every such person the Registrar or Sub -Registrar or 
Magistrate, as the case may be, if satisfied that the power -of-attorney has been 
voluntarily executed by the person purporting to be the principal, may attest the 
same without requiring his personal attendance at the office or Court aforesaid. 
                                                           
1
Substituted for the word “Pakistan” by the Registration (Amendment) Act 2011 (XIX of 2011), published in the Punjab Gazette 
(Extraordinary), dated: 3 October 2011, pp. 37373 -37374, s. 10. It was earlier substituted for the words “the Provinces and the 
Capital of the Federation” by the Central Laws (Statute Reform) Ordinance, 1960 (XXI o f 1960); assented to by the President 
on 7 June 1960; and, was published in the Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary), dated: 9 June 1960, pp. 725-845, s. 3 read with 
the Second Schedule: it came into force on 14 October 1955. They were earlier substituted f or the words “British India” by the 
Adaptation of Central Acts and Ordinances Order, 1949 (G.G.O. No. 4 of 1949), published in the Gazette of Pakistan 
(Extraordinary), dated: 28 March 1949, pp. 223-283, Article 3 read with Article 4. 
2
Ibid. 
3
Substituted for the words “the Provinces and the Capital of the Federation” by the Central Laws (Statute Reform) Ordinance, 
1960 (XXI of 1960); assented to by the President on 7 June 1960; and, was published in the Gazette of Pakistan 
(Extraordinary), dated: 9 June 1960, pp. 725-845, s. 3 read with the Second Schedule: it came into force on 14 October 1955. 
They were earlier substituted for the words “British India” by the Adaptation of Central Acts and Ordinances Order, 1949 
(G.G.O. No. 4 of 1949), published in the Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary), dated: 28 March 1949, pp. 223-283, Article 3 read 
with Article 4. by the Adaptation of Central Acts and Ordinances Order, 1949 (G.G.O. No. 4 of 1949), published in the Gazette  
of Pakistan (Extraordinary), dated: 28 March 1949, pp. 223-283, Article 3 read with Article 4. 
4
Substituted for the word “British” by the Central Laws (Adapt ation) Order, 1961 (P. O. No. 1 of 1961); made by the Minister 
exercising the functions of President under Article 2 of the State Arrangements Ord er, 1959 on 21 January 1961; and, was 
published in the Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary), dated: 24 January 1961, pp.102-163, Article 2 read with the Table: it came 
into force on 23 March 1956. 
5
Omitted the words “His Majesty or of” ibid. 
6
Substituted for the words “Central Government” by the Federal Adaptation Laws Order, 1975 (P.O. 4 of 1975), published in the 
Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary), dated: 1 August 1975, pp. 435 -467, Article 2 read with the Table. They were earlier 
substituted by the words “Government of India” by the Government of India (Adaptation of Indian Laws) Order, 1937, published 
in the Gazette of India (Extraordinary), dated: 1 April 1937, pp. 75-344, Article 4 read with the Table of General Adaptations. 
 (3) To obtain evidence as to the volunt ary nature of the execution, the 
Registrar or Sub -Registrar or Magistrate may either himself go to the house of the 
person purporting to be the principal, or to the jail in which he is confined, and 
examine him, or issue a commission for his examination. 
(4) Any power-of-attorney mentioned in this section may be proved by the 
production of it without further proof when it purports on the face of it to have been 
executed before and authenticated by the person or Court hereinbefore mentioned in 
that behalf. 
34. Enquiry before registration by registering officer .– (1) Subject to the 
provisions contained in this Part and in sections 41, 43, 45, 69, 75, 77, 88 and 89, no 
document shall be registered under this Act, unless the persons executing such 
document, or t heir representatives, assigns or agents authorized as aforesaid, 
appear before the registering officer within the time allowed for presentation under 
sections 23, 24, 25 and 26: 
 Provided that, if owing to urgent necessity or unavoidable accident all such 
persons do not so appear, the Registrar, in cases where the delay in appearing does 
not exceed four months, may direct that on payment of a fine not exceeding ten 
times the amount of the proper registration fee, in addition to the fine, if any, payable 
under section 25, the document may be registered. 
(2) Appearances under sub-section (1) may be simultaneous or at different 
times. 
 (3) The registering officer shall thereupon– 
(a) enquire whether or not such document was executed by the persons 
by whom it purports to have been executed; 
(b) satisfy himself as to the identity of the persons appearing before him 
and alleging that they have executed the document; and 
(c) in the case of any person appearing as a representative, assign or 
agent, satisfy himself of the right of such person so to appear. 
 (4) Any application for a direction under the proviso to sub -section (1) may 
be lodged with the Sub -Registrar, who shall forthwith forward it to the Registrar to 
whom he is sub-ordinate. 
(5) Nothing in this section applies to copies of decrees or orders. 
35. Procedure on admission and denial of execution respectively .– (1)(a) If 
all the persons executing the document appear personally before the registering 
officer and are personally known to him, or if he be otherwi se satisfied that they are 
the persons they represent themselves to be, and if they all admit the execution of 
the document, or 
(b) if in the case of any person appearing by a representative, assign or 
agent, such representative, assign or agent admits the execution, or 
(c) if the person executing the document is dead, and his representative or 
assign appears before the registering officer and admits the execution, 
 the registering officer shall register the document as directed in sections 58 to 
61, inclusive. 
 (2) The registering officer may, in order to satisfy himself that the persons 
appearing before him are the persons they represent themselves to be, or for any 
other purpose contemplated by this Act, examine any one present in his office. 
 (3)(a) If any person by whom the document purports to be executed denies 
its execution, or 
(b) if any such person appears to the registering officer to be a minor, an 
idiot or a lunatic, or 
(c) if any person by whom the document purports to be executed is dead, 
and his representative or assign denies its execution, 
 the registering officer shall refuse to register the document as to the person so 
denying, appearing or dead: 
 Provided that, where such officer is a Registrar, he shall follow the procedure 
prescribed in Part XII. 
 
1
[Provided further that the 
2
[Government] may, by notification in the 
3
[Official 
Gazette], declare that any Sub-Registrar named in the notification shall, in respect of 
documents the execution of which is denied, be deemed to be a Registrar for the 
purposes of this sub-section and of Part XII.] 
PART VII 
Of Enforcing the Appearance of Executants and Witnesses 
36. Procedure where appearance of executant or witness is desired .– If any 
person presenting any document for registration or claiming under  any document, 
which is capable of being so presented, desires the appearance of any person 
whose presence or testimony is necessary for the registration of such document, the 
registering officer may, in his discretion, call upon such officer or Court as t he 
4
[Government] directs in this behalf to issue a summons requiring him to appear at 
the registration -office, either in person or by duly authorized agent, as in the 
summons may be mentioned, and at a time named therein. 
37. Officer or Court to issue and cause service of summons .– The officer or 
Court, upon receipt of the peon's fee payable in such cases, shall issue the 
summons accordingly, and cause it to be served upon the person whose 
appearance is so required. 
                                                           
1
Added by the Indian Regist ration (Amendment) Act, 1926 (XIII of 1926); assented to by the Governor General on 9 March 
1926; and, was published in the Gazette of India (Extraordinary), dated: 13 March 1926, p. 16, s. 2. 
2
Substituted for the words “Provincial Government” by the Regis tration (Amendment) Act 2011 (XIX of 2011), published in the 
Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated: 3 October 2011, pp. 37373 -37374, s. 5. They were earlier substituted for the words 
“Local Government” by the Government of India (Adaptation of Indian Laws)  Order, 1937, published in the Gazette of India 
(Extraordinary), dated: 1 April 1937, pp. 75-344, Article 4 read with the Table of General Adaptations. 
3
Substituted for the words “local official Gazette” by the Government of India (Adaptation of Indian Law s) Order, 1937, 
published in the Gazette of India (Extraordinary), dated: 1 April 1937, pp. 75 -344, Article 4 read with the Table of General 
Adaptations. 
4
Substituted for the words “Provincial Government” by the Registration (Amendment) Act 2011 (XIX of 20 11), published in the 
Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated: 3 October 2011, pp. 37373 -37374, s. 5. They were earlier substituted for the words 
“Local Government” by the Government of India (Adaptation of Indian Laws) Order, 1937, published in the Gazette of India 
(Extraordinary), dated: 1 April 1937, pp. 75-344, Article 4 read with the Table of General Adaptations. 
38. Persons exempt from appearance at reg istration-office.– (1) (a) A person 
who by reason of bodily infirmity is unable without risk or serious inconvenience to 
appear at the registration office, or 
(b) a person in jail under civil or criminal process, or 
(c) persons exempt by law from personal appearance in Court, and who 
would but for the provision next hereinafter contained be required to 
appear in person at the registration-office 
1
[or], 
2
[(d) a person who is overseas,]  
 shall not be required so to appear. 
 (2) In the case of every such pers on the registering officer shall either 
himself go to the house of such person, or to the jail in which he is confined, and 
examine him or issue a commission for his examination. 
39. Law as to summonses, commissions and witnesses .– The law in force for 
the time being as to summonses, commissions and compelling the attendance of 
witnesses, and for their remuneration in suits before Civil Courts, shall, save as 
aforesaid and mutatis mutandis, apply to any summons or commission issued and 
any person summoned to appear under the provisions of this Act. 
PART VIII 
Of Presenting Wills and Authorities to Adopt 
40. Persons entitled to present wills and authorities to adopt .– (1) The 
testator, or after his death any person claiming as executor or otherwise under a wil l, 
may present it to any Registrar or Sub-Registrar for registration. 
(2) The donor, or after his death the donee, of any authority to adopt, or 
the adoptive son, may present it to any Registrar or Sub-Registrar for registration. 
41. Registration of wills and authorities to adopt .– (1) A will or an authority to 
adopt, presented for registration by the testator or donor, may be registered in the 
same manner as any other document. 
 (2) A will or authority to adopt presented for registration by any other 
person entitled to present it shall be registered if the registering officer is satisfied– 
(a) that the will or authority was executed by the testator or donor, as the 
case may be; 
(b) that the testator or donor is dead; and 
(c) that the person presenting the w ill or authority is, under section 40, 
entitled to present the same. 
PART IX 
3
[Deposit and Disposal of Wills] 
                                                           
1Inserted by the Registration (Amendment) Act 2024 (XIV of 2024), published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated : 21 
November 2024, p. 1405, s. 2(a). 
2Inserted by the Registration (Amendment) Act 2024 (XIV of 2024), published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated : 21 
November 2024, p. 1405, s. 2(b). 
3
Substituted for the cross -heading “OF THE DEPOSIT OF WILLS” by the Registration (A mendment) Ordinance, 1962 (XLV of 
1962), published in the Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary), dated: 7 June 1962, pp. 953-960, s. 9. 
42. Deposit of wills .– 
1
[(1)] Any  testator may, either personally or by duly 
authorized agent, deposit with any Registrar his will in a sealed co ver superscribed 
with the name of the testator and that of his agent (if any) and with a statement of the 
nature of the document. 
2
[(2) The testator shall also endorse on the cover the name and address of 
the person to whom the original document shall be d elivered after registration 
thereof, after his death.] 
43. Procedure on deposit of wills .– (1) On receiving such cover, the Registrar, 
if satisfied that the person presenting the same for deposit is the testator or his 
agent, shall transcribe in his Regist er-book No. 5 the superscription aforesaid, and 
shall note in the same book and on the said cover the year, month, day and hour of 
such presentation and receipt, and the names of any persons who may testify to the 
identity of the testator or his agent, and  any legible inscription which may be on the 
seal of the cover. 
(2) The Registrar shall then place and retain the sealed cover in his fire -
proof box. 
44. Withdrawal of sealed cover deposited under section 42 .– If the testator 
who has deposited such cover wishes to withdraw it, he may apply, either personally 
or by duly authorized agent to the Registrar who holds it in deposit, and such 
Registrar, if satisfied that the applicant is actually the testator or his agent, shall 
deliver the cover accordingly. 
45. Proceedings on death of depositor .– (1) If, on the death of a testator who 
has deposited a sealed cover under section 42, application be made to the Registrar 
who holds it in deposit to open the same, and if the Registrar is satisfied that the 
testator is dead, he shall, in the applicant's presence, open the cover, and, at the 
applicant's expense, cause the contents thereof to be copied into his Book No. 3 
3
[and then deliver the deposited will to the nominee of the testator or his 
representative]. 
4
[(2) If, in respect of any will deposited, no steps are taken by the testator or 
other person under section 44 or sub -section (1) of this section, the Registrar shall 
follow the procedure hereinafter provided for the disposal of such will or sealed 
cover.] 
46. Saving of certain enactments and powers of Courts .– (1) Nothing 
hereinbefore contained shall affect the provisions of section 
5
[294 of the Succession 
                                                           
1
Numbered by the Registration (Amendment) Ordinance, 1962 (XLV of 1962), published in the Gazette of Pakistan 
(Extraordinary), dated: 7 June 1962, pp. 953-960, s. 10. 
2
Added ibid. 
3
Added by the Registration (Amendment) Ordinance, 1962 (XLV of 1962), published in the Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary), 
dated: 7 June 1962, pp. 953-960, s. 11. 
4
Substituted ibid. 
5
Substituted fo r the expression “259 of the Indian Succession Act, 1865” by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) 
Ordinance, 1981 (XXVII of 1981), published in the Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary), dated: 8 July 1981, pp. 345 -475, s. 3 
read with the Second Schedule. 
Act, 1925 (XXXIX of 1925)], 
1
[* * * * * * * * * * *] or the power of any Court by order to 
compel the production of any will. 
(2) When any such order is made, the Registrar shall, unless the will has 
been already copied under section 45, open the cover and cause the will to be 
copied into his Book No. 3 and make a note on such copy that the original has been 
removed into Court in pursuance of the order aforesaid. 
2
[46A. Destruction of wills .– (1) Any will in deposit with a Registrar at the 
commencement of the Registration (Amendment) Ordinance, 1962, and any will 
thereafter deposited may be destroyed after followi ng the procedure hereinafter 
provided, if the will is not registered before such destruction. 
(2) Every registering officer shall on the first day of July in the year next 
after the commencement of the Registration (Amendment) Ordinance, 1962, and on 
the first day of July in every succeeding third year, send by post a notice to every 
depositor and his nominee, inquiring about the depositor's present address and shall 
enter on the cover and in his registers any new address supplied in response to such 
notice. 
(3) If, as a result of such notice or in any other manner, the Registrar is 
satisfied that the testator has died, the Registrar shall, after making an entry in his 
books as to the death of the testator and the nature of the information on which he 
has acted, open the cover in the presence of a judicial officer (not below the rank of 
a Civil Judge or Munsif). He shall thereupon issue a notice to the executor, if any, 
and also to such other person or persons deriving any benefit under the will as the 
two officers may determine, informing them about the existence of the will and also 
that unless steps are taken within a period of six months therefrom for registration of 
the will the document shall be liable to be destroyed. 
(4)  Notwithstanding the expiry of the period specified in the notice, until the 
will is actually destroyed in accordance with the provisions of the Destruction of 
Records Act, 1917
3
, the registration of the same can be effected, at the request of 
the person entitled thereto, on payment of the proper charges.] 
PART X 
Of the Effects of Registration and Non-Registration 
47. Time from which registered document operates .– A registered document 
shall operate from the time from which it would have commenced to operate if no 
registration thereof ha d been required or made, and not from the time of its 
registration. 
                                                           
1
The expression “or of section 81 of the Probate and Administration Act, 1881,” was omitted ibid. 
2
Inserted by the Registration (Amendment) Ordinance, 1962 (XLV of 1962), published in the Gazette of Pakistan 
(Extraordinary), dated: 7 June 1962, pp. 953-960, s. 12. 
3
V of 1917. 
48. Registered documents relating to property when to take effect against 
oral agreements.– All non-testamentary documents duly registered under this Act, 
and relating to any property, whe ther moveable or immoveable, shall take effect 
against any oral agreement or declaration relating to such property, unless where the 
agreement or declaration has been accompanied or followed by delivery of 
possession 
1
[and the same constitutes a valid tran sfer under any law for the time 
being in force: 
Provided that a mortgage by deposit of title -deeds as defined in section 58 of 
the Transfer of Property Act, 1882
2
, shall take effect against any mortgage -deed 
subsequently executed and registered which relates to the same property]. 
49. Effect of non -registration of documents required to be registered .– 
3
[No 
document required to be registered under this Act or under any earlier law providing 
for or relating to registration of documents shall– 
(a) operate to c reate, declare, assign, limit or extinguish, whether  in 
present or in future, any right, title or interest, whether vested or 
contingent, to or in immoveable property, or 
(b) confer any power to adopt, 
unless it has been registered.] 
50. Certain registered  documents relating to land, to take effect against 
unregistered documents.– (1) Every document of the kinds mentioned in clauses 
(a), (b), (c) and (d) of section 17, sub -section (1), 
4
[and every document registerable 
under section 18, in so far as such do cument affects immoveable property or 
acknowledges the receipt or payment of any consideration in respect of any 
transaction relating to immoveable property], shall, if duly registered, take effect as 
regards the property comprised therein, against every u nregistered document 
relating to the same property, and not being a decree or order, whether such 
unregistered document be of the same nature as the registered document or not 
5
[:] 
6
[Provided that the person in possession of the property under an unregistered 
document prior in date, would be entitled to the rights under section 53A of the 
Transfer of Property Act, 1882 (IV of 1882) if the conditions of that section are 
fulfilled: 
                                                           
1
Inserted by the Transfer of Property (Amendment) Supplementary Act, 1929 (XXI of 1929); assented to by the Governor 
General on 4 October 1929; and, was published in the Gazette of  India (Extraordinary), dated: 25 October 1929, pp . 133-153, 
s. 10: it came into force on 1 April 1930. 
2
IV of 1882. 
3
Substituted by the Registration (Amendment) Ordinance, 1962 (XLV of 1962), published in the Gazette of Pakistan 
(Extraordinary), dated: 7 June 1962, pp. 953-960, s. 13. 
4
Substituted for the expression “and clauses (a) and (b) of section 18” ibid., s. 14. 
5
Ibid. for the “full stop”. 
6
Added by the Registration (Amendment) Ordinance, 1962 (XLV of 1962), published in the Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary), 
dated: 7 June 1962, pp. 953-960, s. 14. 
Provided further that the person in whose favour an unregistered document is 
executed shall be entitled to enforce the contract under the unregistered document in 
a suit for specific performance against a person claiming under a subsequent 
registered document, subject to the provisions of clause (b) of section 27 of the 
Specific Relief Act, 1877 (I of 1877).] 
(2) Nothing in sub -section (1) applies to leases exempted under the 
proviso to sub-section (1) of section 17 or to any document mentioned in sub -section 
(2) of the same section, or to any registered document which had not priori ty under 
the law in force at the commencement of this Act. 
Explanation.– In cases where Act No. XVI of 1864 or the Indian Registration Act, 
1866
1
, was in force in the place and at the time in and at which such unregistered 
document was executed, “unregistered” means not registered according to such Act, 
and, where the document is executed after the first day of July, 1871, not  registered 
under the Indian Registration Act, 1871
2
, or the Indian Registration Act, 1877
3
, or this 
Act. 
PART XI 
Of the Duties and Powers of Registering Officers 
(A) As to the Register-books and Indexes 
51. Register-books to be kept in the several offices .– (1) The following books 
shall be kept in the several offices hereinafter named, namely:– 
A– In all registration offices– 
Book 1, “Register of non -testamentary documents relating to immoveable 
property;”  
Book 2, “Record of reasons for refusal to register;” 
Book 3,  “Register of wills and authorities to adopt;” and  
Book 4, “Miscellaneous Register”.  
B– In the offices of Registrar– 
Book 5, “Register of deposits of wills.” 
(2) In Book 1 shall be entered or filed all documents or memoranda 
registered under sections 17, 18 and 89 which relate to immoveable property, and 
are not wills. 
 (3) In Book 4 shall be entered all documents register ed under      
4
[* * * *] 
section 18 which do not relate to immoveable property. 
(4) Nothing in this section shall be deemed to require more than one set of 
books where the office of Registrar has been amalgamated with the office of a Sub -
Registrar. 
                                                           
1
XX of 1866. 
2
VIII of 1871. 
3
III of 1877. 
4
The expression “clauses (d) and (f) of” was omitted by the Registration (Amendment) Ordinance, 1962 (XLV of 1962), 
published in the Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary), dated: 7 June 1962, pp. 953-960, s. 15. 
1
[(5) If, in the opinion of the Registrar, any of the books mentioned in sub -
section (1) is in danger of being destroyed or becoming illegible wholly or partially, 
the Registrar may, by a written order, direct such book or portion thereof as he thinks 
fit, to be recopied and authenticated in such manner as may be prescribed by rules, 
and the copy prepared  and  authenticated  under  such  direction  shall, for all 
purposes of this Act and of the Evidence Act, 1872 (I of 1872), be deemed to be the 
original book or portion and all references in this Act  to the original book shall be 
deemed to be to the book or portion so recopied and authenticated.] 
52. Duties of registering officers when document presented .– (1)(a) The day, 
hour and place of presentation, and the si gnature of every person presenting a 
document for registration, shall be endorsed on every such document at the time of 
presenting it; 
(b) a receipt for such document shall be given by the registering officer to 
the person presenting the same; and, 
(c) subject to the provisions contained in section 62, every document 
admitted to registration shall without unnecessary delay be copied in 
the book appropriated therefor according to the order of its admission. 
(2) All such books shall be authenticated at such i ntervals and in such 
manner as is from time to time prescribed by the Inspector General. 
53. Entries to be numbered consecutively .– All entries in each book shall be 
numbered in a consecutive series, which shall commence and terminate with the 
year, a fresh series being commenced at the beginning of each year. 
54. Current indexes and entries therein .– In every office in which any of the 
books hereinbefore mentioned are kept, there shall be prepared current indexes of 
contents of such books; and every entry in such indexes shall be made, so far as 
practicable, immediately after the registering officer has copied, or filed a 
memorandum of, the document to which it relates. 
55. Indexes to be made by registering officers, and their contents .– (1) Four 
such index es shall be made in all registration offices, and shall be named, 
respectively, Index No. I, Index No. II, Index No. Ill and Index No. IV. 
(2) Index No. I shall contain the names and additions of all persons 
executing and of all persons claiming under ever y document entered or 
memorandum filed in Book No. 1. 
 (3) Index No. II shall contain such particulars mentioned in section 21 
relating to every such document and memorandum as the Inspector General from 
time to time directs in that behalf. 
 (4) Index No. Ill shall contain the names and additions of all persons 
executing every will and authority entered in Book No. 3, and of the executors and 
persons respectively appointed thereunder, and after the death of the testator or the 
donor (but not before) the nam es and additions of all persons claiming under the 
same. 
 (5) Index No. IV shall contain the names and additions of all persons 
executing and of all persons claiming under every document entered in Book No. 4. 
                                                           
1
Added ibid. 
 (6) Each index shall contain such other parti culars, and shall be prepared 
in such form as the Inspector General from time to time directs. 
 
1
[(7) If, in the opinion of the Registrar, any of the indexes mentioned in sub -
section (1) is in danger of being destroyed or becoming illegible wholly or parti ally, 
the Registrar may, by a written order, direct such index or portion thereof, as he 
thinks fit, to be recopied in such manner as may be prescribed by rules, and any 
copy so prepared shall, for the purposes of this Act and of the Evidence Act, 1872 (I 
of 1872), be deemed to be the original index or portion and all references in this Act 
to the original index or portion shall be deemed to be references to the index or 
portion prepared as aforesaid.] 
2
[56. Copy of entries in Indexes Nos. I, II and III to be sent by the Sub -Registrar to 
Register and filed.– * * * * * *   ] 
57. Registering officers to allow inspection of certain books and indexes, 
and to give certified copies of entries.– (1) Subject to the previous payment of the 
fees payable in that behalf  the Books Nos. 1 and 2 and the Indexes relating to Book 
No. 1 shall be at all times open to inspection by any person applying to inspect the 
same; and, subject to the provisions of section 62, copies of entries in such books 
shall be given to all persons applying for such copies. 
 (2) Subject to the same provisions, copies of entries in Book No. 3 and in 
the Index relating thereto shall be given to the persons executing the documents to 
which such entries relate, or to their agents, and after the death of the executants 
(but not before) to any person applying for such copies. 
 (3) Subject to the same provisions, copies of entries in Book No. 4 and in 
the Index relating thereto shall be given to any person executing or claiming under 
the documents to which s uch entries respectively refer, or to his agent or 
representative. 
 (4) The requisite search under this section for entries in Books Nos. 3 and 
4 shall be made only by the registering officer. 
 (5) All copies given under this section shall be signed and se aled by the 
registering officer, and shall be admissible for the purpose of proving the contents of 
the original documents. 
(B) As to the Procedure on admitting to Registration 
58. Particulars to be endorsed on documents admitted to registration .– (1) 
On every document admitted to registration, other than a copy of a decree or order, 
or a copy sent to a registering officer under section 89, there shall be endorsed from 
time to time the following particulars, namely:– 
(a)  the signature and addition of every  person admitting the execution of 
the document, and, if such execution has been admitted by the 
representative, assign or agent of any person, the signature and 
addition of such representative, assign or agent; 
                                                           
1
Added by the Registration (Amendment) Ordinance, 1962 (XLV of 1962), published in the Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary), 
dated: 7 June 1962, pp. 953-960, s. 16. 
2
Repealed by the Indian Registration (Amendment) Act, 1929 (XV of 1929); assented to by the Governor General on 1 October 
1929; and, was published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated: 18 October 1929, p. 118, s. 2. 
(b)  the signature and addition of every per son examined in reference to 
such document under any of the provisions of this Act; and 
(c)  any payment of money or delivery of goods made in the presence of 
the registering officer in reference to the execution of the document, 
and any admission of receipt of consideration, in whole or in part, made 
in his presence in reference to such execution. 
(2)  If any person admitting the execution of a document refuses to endorse 
the same, the registering officer shall nevertheless register it, but shall at the sa me 
time endorse a note of such refusal. 
59. Endorsements to be dated and signed by registering officer .– The 
registering officer shall affix the date and his signature to all endorsements made 
under sections 52 and 58, relating to the same document and mad e in his presence 
on the same day. 
60. Certificate of registration .– (1) After such of the provisions of sections 34, 
35, 58 and 59 as apply to any document presented for registration have been 
complied with, the registering officer shall endorse thereon a  certificate containing 
the word “registered”, together with the number and page of the book in which the 
document has been copied. 
(2) Such certificate shall be signed, sealed and dated by the registering 
officer, and shall then be admissible for the purp ose of proving that the document 
has been duly registered in manner provided by this Act, and that the facts 
mentioned in the endorsements referred to in section 59 have occurred as therein 
mentioned. 
61. Endorsements and certificate to be copied and docum ent returned.– (1) 
The endorsements and certificate referred to and mentioned in sections 59 and 60 
shall thereupon be copied into the margin of the Register -book, and the copy of the 
map or plan (if any) mentioned in section 21 shall be filed in Book No. 1. 
(2) The registration of the document shall thereupon be deemed complete, 
and the document shall then be returned to the person who presented the same for 
registration, or to such other person (if any) as he has nominated in writing in that 
behalf on the receipt mentioned in section 52. 
62. Procedure on presenting document in language unknown to registering 
officer.– (1) When a document is presented for registration under section 19, the 
translation shall be transcribed in the register of documents of the  nature of the 
original, and, together with the copy referred to in section 19, shall be filed in the 
registration office. 
(2)  The endorsements and certificate respectively mentioned in sections 
59 and 60 shall be made on the original, and, for the purpos e of making the copies 
and memoranda required by sections 57, 64, 65 and 66, the translation shall be 
treated as if it were the original. 
63. Power to administer oaths and records of substance of statements .– (1) 
Every registering officer may at his discre tion administer an oath to any person 
examined by him under the provisions of this Act. 
 (2) Every such officer may also at his discretion record a note of the 
substance of the statement made by each such person, and such statement shall be 
read over, or ( if made in a language with which such person is not acquainted) 
interpreted to him in a language with which he is acquainted, and, if he admits the 
correctness of such note, it shall be signed by the registering officer. 
 (3)  Every such note so signed sha ll be admissible for the purpose of 
proving that the statements therein recorded were made by the persons and under 
the circumstances therein stated. 
(C) Special Duties of Sub-Registrar 
64. Procedure where document relates to land in several sub -districts.– (1) 
Every Sub -Registrar on registering a non -testamentary document relating to 
immoveable property not wholly situate in his own sub -district shall make a 
memorandum thereof and of the endorsement and certificate (if any) thereon, and 
send the same to ev ery other Sub -Registrar subordinate to the same Registrar as 
himself in whose sub -district any part of such property is situate, and such Sub -
Registrar shall file the memorandum in his Book No. 1. 
65. Procedure where document relates to land in several dis tricts.– (1) Every 
Sub-Registrar on registering a non -testamentary document relating to immoveable 
property situate in more districts than one shall also forward a copy thereof and of 
the endorsement and certificate (if any) thereon, together with a copy o f the map or 
plan (if any) mentioned in section 21 to the Registrar of every district in which any 
part of such property is situate other than the district in which his own sub -district is 
situate. 
 (2)  The Registrar on receiving the same shall file in hi s Book No. 1 the 
copy of the document and the copy of the map or plan (if any), and shall forward a 
memorandum of the document to each of the Sub -Registrars subordinate to him 
within whose sub -district any part of such property is situate: and every Sub -
Registrar receiving such memorandum shall file it in his Book No. 1. 
(D) Special Duties of Registrar 
66. Procedure after registration of documents relating to land .– (1) On 
registering any non -testamentary document relating to immoveable property, the 
Registrar shall forward a memorandum of such document to each Sub -Registrar 
subordinate to himself in whose sub-district any part of the property is situate. 
 (2)  The Registrar shall also forward a copy of such document, together 
with a copy of the map or plan (if any) mentioned in section 21, to every other 
Registrar in whose district any part of such property is situate. 
 (3)  Such Registrar on receiving any such copy shall file it in his Book No. 1 
and shall also send a memorandum of the copy to each of the S ub-Registrars 
subordinate to him within whose sub-district any part of the property is situate. 
 (4)  Every Sub -Registrar receiving any memorandum under this section 
shall file it in his Book No.1. 
67. Procedure after registration under section 30, sub -section (2).– On any 
document being registered under section 30, sub -section (2), a copy of such 
document and of the endorsements and certificate thereon shall be forwarded to 
every Registrar within whose district any part of the property to which the instrum ent 
relates is situate, and the Registrar receiving such copy shall follow the procedure 
prescribed for him in section 66, sub-section (1). 
(E) Of the controlling Powers of Registrars 
and Inspectors General 
68. Power of Registrar to superintend and control Sub-Registrars.– (1) Every 
Sub-Registrar shall perform the duties of his office under the superintendence and 
control of the Registrar in whose district the office of such Sub-Registrar is situate. 
 (2)  Every Registrar shall have authority to issue (whet her on complaint or 
otherwise) any order consistent with this Act which he considers necessary in 
respect of any act or omission of any Sub -Registrar subordinate to him or in respect 
of the rectification of any error regarding the book or the office in whi ch any 
document has been registered. 
69. Power of Inspector General to superintend registration offices and make 
rules.– (1) The Inspector General shall exercise a general superintendence over all 
the registration offices in the territories under  the 
1
[Government], and shall have 
powers from time to time to make rules consistent with this Act– 
(a)  providing for the safe custody of books, papers and documents, 
2
[* * * * 
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *]; 
(b)  declaring what languages shall be deemed to be comm only used in 
each district; 
(c)  declaring what territorial divisions shall be recognized under section 21; 
3
[(cc) regulating and supervising the profession of conveyance writing;] 
(d)  regulating the amount of fines imposed under sections 25 and 34, 
respectively; 
(e) regulating the exercise of the discretion reposed in the registering 
officer by section 63; 
(f)  regulating the form in which registering officers are to make 
memoranda of documents; 
(g)  regulating the authentication by Registrars and Sub -Registrars of the 
books kept in their respective offices under section 51; 
                                                           
1
Substituted for the words “Provincial Government” by the Registration (Amendment) Act 2011 (XIX of 2011), publi shed in the 
Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated: 3 October 2011, pp. 37373 -37374, s. 5. They were earlier substituted for the words 
“Local Government” by the Government of India (Adaptation of Indian Laws) Order, 1937, published in the Gazette of India 
(Extraordinary), dated: 1 April 1937, pp. 75-344, Article 4 read with the Table of General Adaptations. 
2
Omitted the expression “and also for the destruction of such books, papers and documents as need no longer be kept” by the 
Destruction of Record Act, 1917 (V of 1917); assented to by the Governor General on 28 February 1917; and, was published in 
the Gazette of India (Extraordinary), dated: 16 March 1917, pp. 35-36, s. 6 read with the Schedule. 
3
Inserted by the Registration (Second Amendment) Act 2018 (XX VII of 2018), published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), 
dated: 24 May 2018, pp. 8169-8170, s. 2.  
(h)  declaring the particulars to be contained in Indexes Nos. I, II, III and IV, 
respectively; 
(i) declaring the holidays that shall be observed in the registration offices; 
and  
(j)  generally, regulating the proceedings of the Registrars and Sub -
Registrars. 
 (2)  The rules so made shall be submitted to the 
1
[Government] for 
approval, and, after they have been approved, they shall be published in the official 
Gazette, and on publication shall have effect as if enacted in this Act. 
70. Power of Inspector General to remit fines .– The Inspector General may 
also, in the exercise of his discretion, remit wholly or in part the difference between 
any fine levied under section 25 or section 34 , and the amount of the proper 
registration fee. 
2
[PART XI-A 
Of the Copying of Documents by means of Photography 
70-A. Application of this Part .– This Part shall apply to such areas only as are 
specified in a notification issued under section 70-D. 
70-B. Definition.– For the purposes of this Part “Photo -Registrar” means a Photo -
Registrar appointed under this Part. 
70-C. Appointment of Photo -Registrars.– The 
3
[Government] may appoint a 
Registrar or Sub -Registrar or any other person to be a Photo -Registrar fo r the 
performance of duties under this Part: 
Provided that the 
4
[Government] may, subject to such restrictions and 
conditions as it thinks fit, delegate the power of appointing Photo -Registrars to the 
Inspector-General of Registration. 
70-D. Documents may be photographed in areas notified by Government .– (1) 
The 
5
[Government] may, by notification in the official Gazette, direct that in any 
district or sub -district specified in the notification copies of documents admitted to 
registration under this Act shall be made by means of photography. 
                                                           
1
Substituted for the words “Provincial Government” by the Registration (Amendment) Act 2011 (XIX of 2011), published in the 
Punjab Gazette (Extraordina ry), dated: 3 October 2011, pp. 37373 -37374, s. 5. They were earlier substituted for the words 
“Local Government” by the Government of India (Adaptation of Indian Laws) Order, 1937, published in the Gazette of India 
(Extraordinary), dated: 1 April 1937, pp. 75-344, Article 4 read with the Table of General Adaptations. 
2
Inserted by the Registration (Amendment) Ordinance, 1962 (XLV of 1962), published in the Gazette of Pakistan 
(Extraordinary), dated: 7 June 1962, pp. 953-960, s. 17. 
3
Substituted for the words “Provincial Government” by the Registration (Amendment) Act 2011 (XIX of 2011), published in the 
Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated: 3 October 2011, pp. 37373-37374, s. 5. 
4
Ibid. 
5
Ibid. 
 (2) On the issue of such notification it shall be translated into 
1
[* * * * * * * * 
* * * * *] Urdu 
2
[* * * * * * * * *] and shall be posted in a conspicuous place at the 
Registration offices affected by the notification. 
70-E. Application of Act to areas notified under section 70 -D.– In any district or 
sub-district in respect of which a notification has been issued under section 70-D, the 
provisions of this Act shall, for the purposes of this Part, be subject to the foll owing 
modifications, namely:– 
 (1)(a) Every document admitted to registration under section 35 or section 41 
shall on every page– 
(i) be signed in the presence of the registering officer by the person 
or any one of the persons presenting the document for 
registration; and 
(ii) be carefully marked with an identification stamp and the serial 
number of the document. 
(b) It shall be then transmitted by the registering officer, unless he is 
himself the Photo-Registrar, to the Photo-Registrar, and the registering 
officer or the Photo -Registrar, as the case may be, shall cause each 
side of each page of such document together with all stamps, 
endorsements, seals, signatures, thumb -impressions and certificates 
appearing thereon to be photographed without subtraction or alteration. 
He may for this purpose cut or untie, without breaking any seals, the 
thread or ribbon, if any, wherewith the pages of the document are sewn 
together, in order to separate the pages of the document, and, as soon 
as the document has been phot ographed, he shall, as far as 
practicable, exactly rebind the document as before, and, if he has cut 
the thread or ribbon shall seal it over the joint with his seal: 
Provided that the party presenting the document for registration shall, if 
he so desires, be allowed to be present and watch the unbinding, 
rebinding and sealing of the document: 
Provided further that if the party presenting the document so requests 
the document shall be returned to him unbound: 
Provided also that before or after transmission o f the document 
to the Photo -Registrar the party presenting the document may require 
the registering officer to have it copied by hand under section 52, or if 
the document has been presented for registration under section 19 its 
translation copied under sec tion 62 on payment of an additional 
copying fee. 
                                                           
1
Omitted the expression “Bengali in the case of the Province of East Pakistan, and in” by the Federal Adaptation of Laws Order, 
1975 (P.O. No. 4 of 1975), published in the Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary), dated: 1 August 1975, pp. 435 -467, Article 2 
read with the Schedule. 
2
Omitted the expression “in the case of Province of West Pakistan,” ibid. 
(c) There shall then be prepared and preserved the negative and at least 
one Photographic print and to each such negative and print the Photo 
Registrar shall fix his signature and seal in token of the exact 
correspondence of the copy to the original document, as admitted for 
registration: 
 Provided that when more than one such negative is recorded on 
one length of film and the Photo-Registrar has affixed his signature and 
seal at the end of such length of fil m certifying in the manner 
prescribed by rules made in this behalf, the exact correspondence of all 
copies on such length of film with the original documents, the Photo -
Registrar shall be deemed to have affixed his signature and seal to 
each such negative on such length of film. 
(d) One set of such prints arranged in the order of their serial numbers 
shall be made up into books and sewn or bound together. To each 
such book the Registrar or Sub-Registrar shall prefix a certificate of the 
serial numbers it contains, and the books shall then be preserved in the 
records of the Sub-Registrar. The negatives shall be preserved in such 
suitable place as the Inspector-General may prescribe. 
 (2) All words and expressions used in the Act with reference to the making 
of copies of documents by hand or the entering or filing of documents or memoranda 
in books provided under section 16 shall, so far as may be necessary, be construed 
as referring to the making of such copies by means of photography or the entering or 
filing of documents or memoranda in books made up of copies prepared by means of 
photography. 
 (3) Where this Part applies the sections mentioned below shall be deemed 
to be modified as follows:– 
(a) In section 19 the words “and also by a true copy” shall be omitted; 
(b) sub-section (4) of section 21 shall be omitted; 
(c) the words “according to the order of its admission” occurring in clause 
(c) of sub-section (1) of section 52 shall be omitted; 
(d) section 53 shall be omitted; 
(e) in sub-section (1) of section 60 the words “and page” shall be omitted; 
(f) sub-section (1) of section 61 shall be omitted; and 
(g) in sub-section (1) of section 62,–  
(i) for the word “transcribed” the word “copied” shall be substituted; 
and 
(ii) for the words and figures “copy referr ed to in section “19” the 
words “photograph of the original” shall be substituted. 
70-F. The Inspector-General may, with the previous approval of the  
1
[Government], 
by notification in the official Gazette, make rules for the purposes of giving effect to 
the provisions of this Part.] 
PART XII 
Of Refusal to Register 
71. Reasons for refusal to register to be recorded .– (1) Every Sub -Registrar 
refusing to register a document, except on the ground that the property to which it 
relates is not situate within his sub-district, shall make an order of refusal and record 
his reasons for such order in his Book No. 2, and endorse the words “registration 
refused” on the document; and on application made by any person executing or 
claiming under the document, shall, witho ut payment and unnecessary delay, give 
him a copy of the reasons so recorded. 
(2) No registering officer shall accept for registration a document so 
endorsed unless and until, under the provisions hereinafter contained, the document 
is directed to be registered. 
72. Appeal to Registrar from orders of Sub -Registrar refusing registration 
on ground other than denial of execution .– (1) Except where the refusal is made 
on the ground of denial of execution, an appeal shall lie against an order of a Sub -
Registrar refusing to admit a document to registration (whether the registration of 
such document is compulsory or optional) to the Registrar to whom such Sub -
Registrar is subordinate, if presented to such Registrar within thirty days from the 
date of the order; and the Registrar may reverse or alter such order. 
(2) If the order of the Registrar directs the document to be registered and 
the document is duly presented for registration within thirty days after the making of 
such order, the Sub -Registrar shall obey the same, and thereupon shall, so far as 
may be practicable, follow the procedure prescribed in sections 58, 59 and 60; and 
such registration shall take effect as if the document had been registered when it 
was first duly presented for registration. 
73. Application to Registrar where Sub -Registrar refuses to register on 
ground of denial of execution.– (1) When a Sub-Registrar has refused to register a 
document on the ground that any person by whom it purports to be executed, or his 
representative or assign, den ies its execution, any person claiming under such 
document, or his representative, assign or agent authorized as aforesaid, may, 
within thirty days after the making of the order of refusal, apply to the Registrar to 
whom such Sub -Registrar is subordinate i n order to establish his right to have the 
document registered. 
(2) Such application shall be in writing and shall be accompanied by a 
copy of the reasons recorded under section 71, and the statements in the application 
shall be verified by the applicant i n manner required by law for the verification of 
plaints. 
                                                           
1
Substituted for the words “Provincial Government” by the Registration (Amendment) Act 2011 (XIX of 2011), published in the 
Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated: 3 October 2011, pp. 37373-37374, s. 5. 
74. Procedure of Registrar on such application.– In such case, and also where 
such denial as aforesaid is made before a Registrar in respect of a document 
presented for registration to him, the Regi strar shall, as soon as conveniently may 
be, enquire– 
(a) whether the document has been executed; 
(b) whether the requirements of the law for the time being in force have 
been complied with on the part of the applicant or person presenting 
the document for  registration, as the case may be, so as to entitle the 
document to registration. 
75. Order by Registrar to register and procedure thereon .– (1) If the Registrar 
finds that the document has been executed and that the said requirements have 
been complied with, he shall order the document to be registered. 
(2) If the document is duly presented for registration within thirty days after 
the making of such order, the registering officer shall obey the same and thereupon 
shall, so far as may be practicable, follo w the procedure prescribed in sections 58, 
59 and 60. 
(3) Such registration shall take effect as if the document had been 
registered when it was first duly presented for registration. 
(4) The Registrar may, for the purpose of any enquiry under section 74, 
summon and enforce the attendance of witnesses, and compel them to give 
evidence, as if he were a Civil Court, and he may also direct by whom the whole or 
any part of the costs of any such enquiry shall be paid, and such costs shall be 
recoverable as if they had been awarded in a suit under the Code of Civil Procedure, 
1908
1
. 
76. Order of refusal by Registrar.– (1) Every Registrar refusing– 
(a) to register a document except on the ground that the property to which 
it relates is not situate within his distri ct or that the document ought to 
be registered in the office of a Sub-Registrar, or 
(b) to direct the registration of a document under section 72 or section 75, 
shall make an order of refusal and record the reasons for such order in 
his Book No. 2, and, on  application made by any person executing or 
claiming under the document, shall, without unnecessary delay, give 
him a copy of the reasons so recorded. 
 (2) No appeal lies from any order by a Registrar under this section or 
section 72. 
77. Suit in case of order of refusal by Registrar .– (1) Where the Registrar 
refuses to order the document to be registered, under section 72 or section 76, any 
person claiming under such document, or his representative, assign or agent, may 
within thirty days after the making  of the order of refusal, institute in the Civil Court, 
within the local limits of whose original jurisdiction is situate the office in which the 
document is sought to be registered, a suit for a decree directing the document to be 
registered in such offic e if it be duly presented for registration within thirty days after 
the passing of such decree 
2
[:] 
                                                           
1
V of 1908. 
2
Substituted for the “full stop” by the Registration (Amendment) Ordinance, 1962 (XLV of 1962), published in the Gazette of 
Pakistan (Extraordinary), dated: 7 June 1962, pp. 953-960, s. 18. 
 
1
[Provided that failure to file a suit or the dismissal of a suit filed under this 
section shall not disentitle a party to any other remedy to which he may  be entitled, 
on the basis of the unregistered document.] 
(2) The provisions contained in sub-sections (2) and (3) of section 75 shall, 
mutatis mutandis, apply to all documents presented for registration in accordance 
with any such decree, and, notwithstan ding anything contained in this Act, the 
document shall be receivable in evidence in such suit. 
PART XIII 
Of the Fees for Registration, Searches and Copies 
78. Fees to be fixed by 
2
[Government].– 
3
[* * * * * * * * * *] the 
4
[Government] 
shall prepare a table of fees payable– 
(a) for the registration of documents; 
(b) for searching the registers; 
(c) for making or granting copies of reasons, entries or documents, before, 
on or after registration; 
and of extra or additional fees payable– 
(d) for every registration under section 30; 
(e) for the issue of commission; 
(f) for filing translations; 
(g) for attending at private residences; 
(h) for the safe custody and return of documents; and 
(i) for such other matters as appear to the 
5
[Government] necessary to 
effect the purposes of this Act 
6
[:] 
                                                           
1
Added ibid. 
2
Substituted for the words “Provincial Government” by the Regist ration (Amendment) Act 2011 (XIX of 2011), published in the 
Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated: 3 October 2011, pp. 37373 -37374, s. 11.  They were earlier substituted for the words 
“Local Government” by the Government of India (Adaptation of Indian Laws ) Order, 1937, published in the Gazette of India 
(Extraordinary), dated: 1 April 1937, pp. 75-344, Article 4 read with the Table of General Adaptations. 
3
Omitted the words “Subject to the control of the Governor -General in Council” by the Devolution Act, 1 920 (XXXVIII of 1920); 
assented to by the Governor General  on 14 September 1920; and, was published in the Government Gazette, Punjab and its 
Dependencies (Extraordinary), dated: 24 September 1920, pp. 127-153, s. 2 read with the First Schedule. 
4
Substituted for the words “Provincial Government” by the Registration (Amendment) Act 2011 (XIX of 2011), published in the 
Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated: 3 October 2011, pp. 37373 -37374, s. 11. They were earlier substituted for the words 
“Local Government” by the Government of India (Adaptation of Indian Laws) Order, 1937, published in the Gazette of India 
(Extraordinary), dated: 1 April 1937, pp. 75-344, Article 4 read with the Table of General Adaptations. 
5
Substituted for the words “Provincial Government ” by the Registration (Amendment) Act 2011 (XIX of 2011), published in the 
Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated: 3 October 2011, pp. 37373 -37374, s. 11. They were earlier substituted for the words 
“Local Government” by the Government of India (Adaptation of Indian Laws) Order, 1937, published in the Gazette of India 
(Extraordinary), dated: 1 April 1937, pp. 75-344, Article 4 read with the Table of General Adaptations. 
6
Substituted for the “full -stop” by the Banking and Financial Services (Amendment of Laws ) Ordinance, 1984 (LVII of 1984), 
published in the Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary), dated: 31 December 1984, pp. 681-695, s. 2 read with the Schedule. 
1
[Provided that the 
2
[Government] may, by notification in the official 
Gazette, exempt from payment of fees, either in whole or in part, any 
instrument executed by or in favour of a banking company in the normal 
course of its banking business. 
Explanation.– For the purpose of this section, “banking company” shall have the 
same meaning as in the Banking Tribunals Ordinance, 1984.] 
79. Publication of fees.– A table of the fees so payable shall be published in the 
official Gaze tte, and a copy thereof in English and the vernacular language of the 
district shall be exposed to public view in every registration office. 
80. Fees payable on presentation .– All fees for the registration of documents 
under this Act shall be payable on the presentation of such documents. 
PART XIV 
Of Penalties 
81. Penalty for incorrectly endorsing, copying, translating or registering 
documents with intent to injure.– Every registering officer appointed under this Act 
and every person employed in his office for the purposes of this Act, who being 
charged with the endorsing, copying, translating or registering of any document 
presented or deposited under its provisions endorses, copies, translates or registers 
such document in a manner which he knows or believ es to be incorrect, intending 
thereby to cause or knowing it to be likely that he may thereby cause, injury, as 
defined in the 
3
[Pakistan] Penal Code
4
, to any person, shall be punishable with 
imprisonment for a term which may extend to seven years or with fine, or with both. 
5
[81A. Penalty for engagement as conveyance writer without valid enrolment or 
license.– Whoever engages himself as conveyance writer without valid enrolment or 
license shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to  three 
months but which shall not be less than ten days and with fine which may extend to 
two hundred thousand rupees but which shall not be less than fifty thousand rupees.] 
82. Penalty for making false statements, delivering false copies or 
transactions, false personation, and abetment.– Whoever– 
(a) intentionally makes any false statement, whether on oath or not, and 
whether it has been recorded or not, before any officer acting in 
execution of this Act, in any proceeding or enquiry under this Act; or 
(b) intentionally delivers to a registering officer, in any proceeding under 
section 19 or section 21, a false copy or translation of a document, or a 
false copy of a map or plan; or 
                                                           
1
Added by the Banking and Financial Services (Amendment of  Laws) Ordinance, 1984 (LVII of 1984), published in the Gazette 
of Pakistan (Extraordinary), dated: 31 December 1984, pp. 681-695, s. 2 read with the Schedule. 
2
Substituted for the words “Federal Government” by the Registration (Amendment) Act 2011 (XIX of 2011), published in the 
Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated: 3 October 2011, pp. 37373-37374, s. 11.  
3
The word “Indian” deemed to be substituted by virtue of its substitution for the word “Pakistan” of the said word in the “sho rt 
title” of the Indian Penal Code by the Adaptation of Central Acts and Ordinances Order, 1949 (G.G.O. No. 4 of 1949), published 
in the Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary), dated: 28 March 1949, pp. 223-283, Article 3 read with the Schedule. 
4
XLV of 1860. 
5
Inserted by the Registration (Second Amendment) Act 2018 (XXVII o f 2018), published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), 
dated: 24 May 2018, pp. 8169-8170, s. 3.   
(c) falsely personates another, and in such assumed character presents 
any document, or makes any admission or statement, or causes any 
summons or commission to be issued, or does any other act in any 
proceeding or enquiry under this Act; or 
(d) abets anything made punishable by this Act; 
shall be punishable with imprisonment for  a term which may extend to 
seven years, or with fine, or with both. 
83. Registering officer may commence prosecutions .– (1) A prosecution for 
any offence under this Act coming to the knowledge of a registering officer in his 
official capacity may be comme nced by or with the permission of the Inspector 
General, 
1
[* * * * * * *], the Registrar or the Sub -Registrar, in whose territories, district 
or sub-district, as the case may be, the offence has been committed. 
(2) Offences punishable under this Act shall be, triable by any Court or 
officer exercising powers not less than those of a Magistrate of the second class. 
84. Registering officers to be deemed public servants .– (1) Every registering 
officer appointed under this Act shall be deemed to be a public ser vant within the 
meaning of the 
2
[Pakistan] Penal Code
3
. 
(2) Every person shall be legally bound to furnish information to such 
registering officer when required by him to do so. 
(3) In section 228 of the 
4
[Pakistan] Penal Code
5
, the words “judicial 
proceeding” shall be deemed to include any proceeding under this Act. 
PART XV 
Miscellaneous 
85. Destruction of unclaimed documents .– Documents (other than wills) 
remaining unclaimed in any registration office for a period exceeding two years may 
be destroyed. 
86. Registering officer not liable for thing bona fide done or refused in his 
official capacity.– No registering officer shall be liable to any suit, claim or demand 
by reason of anything in good faith done or refused in his official capacity. 
                                                           
1
The words “the Branch Inspector -General of Sindh” were omitted by the Government of India (Adaptation of Indian Laws) 
Order, 1937, published in the Gazett e of India (Extraordinary), dated: 1 April 1937, pp. 75 -344, Article 3 read with the First 
Schedule. 
2
The word “Indian” deemed to be substituted by virtue of its substitution for the word “Pakistan” of the said word in the “sho rt 
title” of the Indian Penal Code by the Adaptation of Central Acts and Ordinances Order, 1949 (G.G.O. No. 4 of 1949), published 
in the Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary), dated: 28 March 1949, pp. 223-283, Article 3 read with the Schedule. 
3
XLV of 1860.  
4
The word “Indian” deemed t o be substituted by virtue of its substitution for the word “Pakistan” of the said word in the “short 
title” of the Indian Penal Code by the Adaptation of Central Acts and Ordinances Order, 1949 (G.G.O. No. 4 of 1949), published 
in the Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary), dated: 28 March 1949, pp. 223-283, Article 3 read with the Schedule 
5
XLV of 1860. 
87. Nothing so done invalidated by defect in appointment or procedure .– 
1
[(1)] Nothing done in good faith pursuant to this Act or any Act hereby repealed, by 
any registering officer, shall be deemed invalid merely by reason of any defect in his 
appointment or procedure. 
2
[(2) Any defect in or the want of authority of a person to present a 
document shall not by itself, render invalid the registration of the document or the 
transaction effected by it.] 
88. Registration of documents executed by Government officers or certain  
public functionaries.– (1) Notwithstanding anything herein contained,  it  shall  not  
be necessary for any officer of Government, 
3
[* * * * * * * * *], or  for  any  Official  
Trustee  or  Official  Assignee,  or  for the 
4
[*], Receiver or Registrar of a  High Court, 
to appear in person or by agent at any registration office in any proceeding 
connected with the registration of any instrument executed by him in his official 
capacity, or to sign as provided in section 58. 
(2) Where any instrument is so execu ted, the registering officer to whom 
such instrument is presented for registration may, if he thinks fit, refer to any 
Secretary to Government or to such officer of Government, Administrator General, 
Official Trustee, Official Assignee, 
5
[*], Receiver or Registrar, as the case may be, for 
information respecting the same, and, on being satisfied of the executions thereof, 
shall register the instrument. 
89. Copies of certain orders, certificates and instruments to be sent to 
registering officers and filed .– (1) Every officer granting a loan under the Land 
Improvement Loans Act, 1883
6
, shall send a copy of his order to the registering 
officer  within  the  local  limits  of  whose jurisdiction the whole or any part of the 
land to be improved or of the land to b e granted as collateral security, is situate, and 
such registering officer shall file the copy in his Book No.1. 
(2) Every court granting a certificate of sale of immoveable property under 
the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908
7
, shall send a copy of such certi ficate to the 
registering officer within the local limits of whose jurisdiction the whole or any part of 
the immoveable property comprised in such certificate is situate, and such officer 
shall file the copy in his Book No.1. 
                                                           
1
Numbered by the Registration (Amendment) Ordinance, 1962 (XLV of 1962), published in the Gazette of Pakistan 
(Extraordinary), dated: 7 June 1962, pp. 953-960, s. 19. 
2
Added by the Registration (Amendment) Ordinance, 1962 (XLV of 1962), published in the Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary), 
dated: 7 June 1962, pp. 953-960, s. 19. 
3
Omitted the expression “or for the Administrator -General of East Pakistan,” by th e Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) 
Ordinance, 1981 (XXVII of 1981), published in the Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary), dated: 8 July 1981, pp. 345 -475, s. 3 
read with the Second Schedule. The expression “East Bengal,” were earlier substituted for  the words “Bengal, Madras or 
bombay” by the Adaptation of Central Acts and Ordinances Order, 1949 (G.G.O. No. 4 of 1949), published in the Gazette of 
Pakistan (Extraordinary), dated: 28 March 1949, pp. 223-283, Article 3 read with the Schedule. 
4
Omitted the word “Sheriff” by the Adaptation of Central Acts and Ordinances Order, 1949 (G.G.O. No. 4 of 1949), published in 
the Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary), dated: 28 March 1949, pp. 223-283, Article 3 read with the Schedule. 
5
Ibid. 
6
XIX of 1883. 
7
V of 1908. 
(3) 
1
[Every officer and every co-operative society granting any such loan as 
is referred to in clause (x) of sub -section (2) of section 17] shall send a copy of any 
instrument whereby immoveable property is mortgaged for the purpose of securing 
the repayment of the loan, and, if any su ch property is mortgaged for the same 
purpose in the order granting the loan, a copy also of that order, to the registering 
officer within the local limits of whose jurisdiction the whole or any part of the 
property so mortgaged is situate, and such regist ering officer shall file the copy or 
copies, as the case may be, in his Book No.1. 
(4) Every Revenue-officer granting a certificate of sale to the purchaser of 
immoveable property sold by public auction shall send a copy of the certificate to the 
registering officer within the local limits of whose jurisdiction the whole or any part of 
the property comprised in the certificate is situate, and such officer shall file the copy 
in his Book No.1. 
Exemptions from Act 
90. Exemption of certain documents executed b y or in favour of 
Government.– (1) Nothing contained in this Act or in the Indian Registration Act, 
1877
2
, or in the Indian Registration Act, 1871
3
, or in any Act thereby repealed shall be 
deemed to require, or to have at any time required, the registratio n of any of the 
following documents or maps, namely:– 
(a) documents issued, received or attested by any officer engaged in 
making a settlement or revision of settlement of land -revenue, and 
which form part of the records of such settlement; or 
(b) documents and maps issued, received or authenticated by any officer 
engaged on behalf of Government in making or revising the survey of 
any land, and which form part of the record of such survey; or 
(c) documents which under any law for the time being in force, ar e filed 
periodically in any revenue -office by patwaris or other officers charged 
with the preparation of village-records; or 
(d) sanads, inam title -deeds and other documents purporting to be or to 
evidence grants or assignments by Government of land or of any 
interest in land; or 
4
[(e) * * * * * * * * *   ] 
(2) All such documents and maps shall, for the purposes of sections 48 
and 49, be deemed to have been and to be registered in accordance with the 
provisions of this Act. 
                                                           
1
Substituted for the expression “Every officer granting a loan under the Agriculturists’ Loans Act, 1884,” by the Registration  Act 
(Amendment) Ordinance, 1961 (XXXII of 1961), published in the Gazette of Pakistan (Extraordinary), dated: 31 July 1961, pp . 
1165a-1165b, s. 4. 
2
III of 1877. 
3
VIII of 1871. 
4
Omitted by the Registration (Amendment) Act 2011 (XIX of 2011), published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated: 3 
October 2011, pp. 37373-37374, s. 12.   
91. Inspection and copies of such  documents.– Subject to such rules and the 
previous payment of such fees as the 
1
[Government] prescribes in this behalf, all 
documents and maps mentioned in section 90, 
2
[clauses (a), (b) and (c),] and all 
registers of the documents mentioned in clause (d) , shall be open to the inspection 
of any person applying to inspect the same, and, subject as aforesaid, copies of 
such documents shall be given to all persons applying for such copies. 
3
[92. Burmese registration-rules confirmed.– * * * *   ] 
4
[93. Repeals.– * * * * * * * *   ] 
5
[THE SCHEDULE.– 
Repeal of Enactments * * * *] 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                           
1
Substituted for the words “Provincial Gove rnment” by the Registration (Amendment) Act 2011 (XIX of 2011), published in the 
Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated: 3 October 2011, pp. 37373 -37374, s. 13. They were earlier substituted for the words 
“Local Government” by the Government of India (Adapt ation of Indian Laws) Order, 1937, published in the Gazette of India 
(Extraordinary), dated: 1 April 1937, pp. 75-344, Article 4 read with the Table of General Adaptations. 
2
Substituted for the expression “clauses (a), (b), (c) and (e),” by the Registratio n (Amendment) Act 2011 (XIX of 2011), 
published in the Punjab Gazette (Extraordinary), dated: 3 October 2011, pp. 37373-37374, s. 13. 
3
Repealed by the Government of India (Adaptation of Indian Laws) Order, 1937, published in the Gazette of India 
(Extraordinary), dated: 1 April 1937, pp. 75-344, Article 3 read with the First Schedule. 
4
Repealed by the Repealing Act, 1938 (I of 1938); assented to by the Governor General on 26 February 1938; and, was 
published in the Gazette of India (Extraordinary), dated: 5 March 1938, pp. 1-20, s. 2 read with the Schedule. 
5
Repealed by the Repealing Act, 1938 (I of 1938); assented to by the Governor General on 26 February 1938; and, was 
published in the Gazette of India (Extraordinary), dated: 5 March 1938, pp. 1-20, s. 2 read with the Schedule.