In a world where everything moves toward digital speed, a recent technical hiccup has reminded us of the importance of system reliability. For over a week, the process of property registration across Maharashtra has faced a significant hurdle. A glitch in the Aadhaar-based verification system has paused the seamless online experience that many citizens have come to rely on.
What caused the stalling?
The issue began in late December 2025, when the online verification system, which uses Aadhaar data to confirm identities, stopped working correctly. While initial reports pointed toward the central Aadhaar authority (UIDAI), state officials later clarified that the snag was actually within the state’s own IT servers.
In cities like Mumbai and Pune, where thousands of rental agreements and property sales happen every day, this digital roadblock created immediate backlogs. Since the law requires a “biometric” check (like a fingerprint scan) to prevent fraud, the failure of the online system meant that the “Submit” button simply wouldn’t work for thousands of users.
The return to traditional ways
To keep the wheels of the economy moving, the state government has allowed a traditional backup plan. If you are currently trying to complete a property registration, you are not completely stuck, but you will need to do things the old-fashioned way:
- Physical presence: You must visit the local sub-registrar’s office in person.
- The witness rule: Because the digital Aadhaar check isn’t working, you must bring two witnesses with you. These witnesses must carry their own identity proofs to vouch for the buyers and sellers.
- Manual verification: Officials will manually check your documents and record your signatures in the presence of the registrar.
Impact on renters and developers
The group hit hardest by this glitch has been tenants and landlords. Many housing societies in major cities do not allow new tenants to move in without a registered “leave-and-license” agreement. With the online portal down, many people moving for new jobs or education have found themselves in a difficult spot, waiting for their paperwork to clear.
Similarly, large developers who usually register hundreds of new flats directly from their offices have seen their sales processes slow down. For them, moving to a manual system for every single flat is a time-consuming task that requires significant coordination.
Looking ahead
State IT departments are working around the clock to fix the server issues. Historically, these types of outages occur toward the end of the year during system maintenance or license renewals. Officials are now discussing the need for “Alternative Verification” methods, such as using email or different biometric scans, so that one single technical glitch doesn’t stop the entire state’s real estate market in the future.
For now, the best advice for anyone in the middle of a property registration is to stay in touch with your legal advisor or local registration office. While the digital path is currently bumpy, the manual backup ensures your property rights can still be protected.
Also read – Sky-high growth: How the new airport is transforming Navi Mumbai real estate
Disclaimer – The details provided in this article are for general information only. It is not financial or legal advice. Please consult with a professional advisor before making any property investments.
Source – ET Realty
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