If you have bought land in Gujarat, then a term “encumbrance certificate” might be making the rounds in your mind. One of the most essential land-related documents lays down all the details about a particular land one wishes to buy. It not only helps to avail loans but also proves the ownership of an individual, eliminating any risk of land disputes in future.

An Encumbrance certificate signifies that the property is free of disputes and has a free title or ownership. This certificate reflects all the details on ownership, transactions, and any other encumbrances related to land. It provides a landowner with the security to restrict any land disputes against his land.

An EC comes with the following details mentioned on it –

• Name of the property owner.
• Property-related documents.
• Details mentioned on sales deed.
• Name and dates of transactions made in a property for a specific period.
• Mortgage details, if used to avail a loan or others.

There are two routes to choose, either online or offline, to avail an encumbrance certificate in Gujarat. Both processes are simple to implement, but the major difference is that the time taken for the offline method is greater than the online process. So let us look into the procedures and documents required to avail an EC.

Here is the process to apply for EC online –

Step 1 – Visit the official portal of Gujarat Revenue Department.

Step 2 – Select ‘Online Applications’ and in the next window check ‘New application’.

Step 3 –  For Purpose of Application, choose “Application relating to Sub-Registrar Office”. Choose Application Type as “Application for obtaining Boja Certificate (EC Certificate)”. Enter mobile number, captcha code and hit “Generate OTP”.

Step 4 – In the next window, fill in the fields with village name, district name, and the OTP received and then ‘Submit’.

Step 5 – Now, on the redirected window, fill in with your personal details and then click on ‘Save Application’. Your EC application will be saved. Note down the application number that prompts above your screen.

Step 6 – After that you will be redirected to the payment page, enter the requisite fee and click on ‘Save’ to get redirected to ‘Cyber Treasury Gujarat Payment’ gateway. Select the mode of payment and click on ‘Confirm’.

Step 7 – A disclaimer window will open upon confirming payment, read through it carefully and check mark ‘I Agree’. 

Step 8 – You will be redirected back to the transaction page from where you will be able to take a print out of the challan.

Upon verification by the concerned officer, the status of your application will get updated via SMS and email.

The procedure to avail an EC in Gujarat in the offline method is as follows –

Step 1 – Visit your nearest Sub-registrar’s office.

Step 2 – Collect Form 22 of EC. Fill it with your particulars as per requirement.

Step 3 – Submit this form along with property details, title details, and other required documents.

Step 4 – Pay the fees applicable as per the set period of encumbrance.

After submission, the concerned officer will verify the authenticity of the details, and upon satisfaction, the acknowledgement slip is generated for the applicant.

The following documents are required to apply for EC -

• Applicant’s residence proof
• Identity cards like Aadhaar, PAN and ration cards
• Property address and credentials
• Sales deed copy (any sales deed related to land, latest or old)
• Application purpose
• EC requirement period
• Copy of power of attorney if applied by a holder of the same

Individuals who are eligible to avail an EC are as follows -

• Applicants should own land
• Individuals intending to buy land
• Someone who holds a power of attorney

Following are the steps to download the EC–

Step 1 – Visit the official portal of the Revenue department of Gujarat.

Step 2 – Click on ‘Online Applications’ and fill in with mandatory details under ‘Registered Application’ and then ‘Generate OTP’.

Step 3 – You can print or download your online EC in pdf format in the next window.

The uses of encumbrance certificate are as follows –

• Legal land owner proof
• To avail loans from various financial institutions
• To update the land records
• Mutation process becomes seamless
• To buy a property

This article provides detailed information on an encumbrance certificate in Gujarat. With both offline and online routes available, it is now upon you to choose at your convenience. Either you can generate an EC while sitting back home, which may take 3 to 7 days or visit the sub-registrar’s office, where it may take 15 to 30 days. So, the onus falls on your choice of routes.