Joint owner of a property: Who owns the cancelled UDS?

Ans: You have taken rightful steps. Court verdict is in your favour. That shows your legal ground is strong.

But still, the other party is asking for money. That too, an unfair amount. You also mentioned a lawyer suggested getting a ratification deed. Let us try to understand the full situation and assess all possible options. We will also cover what documents are needed to prove your ownership.

This reply gives you a 360-degree view. It will help you make a sound and confident decision.

Understanding Your Current Legal Standing
You said the land was sold without your knowledge. That makes the original sale illegal. The court has agreed with you. That is a key win for you.

You now have patta and registration in your name. These are strong documents. They show you have legal title.

Based on this, you are now the legal owner. That means you have the full right to sell the land. But the buyer must also be confident. So legal clarity is very important.

What Is a Ratification Deed?
A ratification deed is a It confirms a past act done without proper authority. The current party gives approval to that act.

In your case, it seems the buyer who bought the land earlier is being asked to “ratify” that sale. That is, to agree that you are the rightful owner now.

This is not a mandatory document by law. But it is sometimes used to make the title stronger. Some buyers or their banks ask for it.

However, since the court has already ruled in your favour, you may not legally need it. You already have the stronger claim.

Why Is the Buyer Still Causing Issues?
The person who bought the land earlier might feel he lost money. He may think the sale to him was legal. But since the court disagreed, he now holds no right.

His demand for money is unjust. It is a pressure tactic. He is trying to recover his loss by troubling you.

You are not legally required to pay him. He has no power to stop your sale.

Assessing Options Now
You can now evaluate your next steps from three angles – legal, practical, and financial.

Legal Options
Talk to your lawyer again. Ask: is a ratification deed mandatory in your case?

Get a written legal opinion. This should clearly mention your rights and position.

File a complaint if the other party is threatening you or asking money.

Send a legal notice through your lawyer to that person. Mention that he has no right now.

Practical Options
Try selling to a buyer who trusts the court order. Show them all documents.

Explain clearly that title is clean. Show the judgment, patta, and registration.

Use a reputed real estate lawyer for the sale. That gives buyers more confidence.

Financial Assessment
Do not agree to pay huge amounts. It may cause loss for you.

If needed, consider a small settlement. But only after full legal review. And only if it makes the sale smooth and quick.

Ask yourself: Even if I settle, will the person agree to give in writing? If not, don’t pay.

Must-Have Documents to Sell the Land
As a rightful owner, you must hold the following papers:

Patta in your name (this is land ownership proof)

Registered sale deed or title deed (issued after the court judgment)

Copy of the court verdict

Encumbrance Certificate (EC) (shows your name as the current legal holder)

Legal heir certificate, if you inherited the land

Property tax receipts in your name

Aadhar and PAN card copies

Suggested Steps to Make Sale Smooth
Get a detailed Title Certificate from a lawyer. It should mention the court case and outcome.

Keep a summary note ready. It should explain how you became owner.

Ensure name match across all your documents.

Keep a certified copy of court order with you at all times.

Use a reputed property consultant or broker only if needed. Prefer buyers who are local and familiar with such cases.

Emotional and Mental Pressure
You also mentioned you are facing many other issues. That is understandable. Land disputes take a heavy toll on health and peace of mind.

Please do not worry. You already have legal strength.

You have cleared a big milestone by getting the court’s support.

Don’t allow fear or threats to stop you.

Stay strong. Keep family informed. Talk regularly with your lawyer.

How Certified Financial Planner Can Help
A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can guide you better with your sale proceeds.

If you plan to sell, prepare a written cash flow plan.

Think about your family’s short-term and long-term needs.

Keep emergency funds aside. Don’t invest all money at once.

Mutual funds managed by professional advisors can be considered. They offer long-term wealth building.

What Not To Do
Do not deal in cash. Always use cheque or bank transfer.

Do not sign any paper without lawyer check.

Do not get emotionally disturbed by their false threats.

Do not delay your next steps due to confusion or fear.

Finally
You have shown good courage. You followed the legal process. You now own the land as per law.

The other party is only trying to misuse your fear. Do not fall for it.

If the buyer still refuses to cooperate, avoid them. Choose another buyer.

If a ratification deed is insisted by your new buyer, ask your lawyer: Is it really needed?

If not needed, move ahead without it.

If needed, try again to convince the other person. If they demand unreasonable money, don’t agree.

Let your lawyer send notice. You can also explore police help if needed.

Always work with proper documents. Keep everything in writing.

Keep calm and move forward. With legal support and proper documents, you will win.

If you need help with managing the money after sale, we can help with a long-term financial plan.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

Ans: Property dispute cases create deep stress. You acted with trust. You paid almost full amount. Now a legal challenge has started after many years. I will explain the matter carefully. I will also give you a 360-degree perspective on what you should do next.

» understanding your situation clearly

– You bought a flat in joint venture.
– Registration was done in May 2014.
– Sale deed was signed by a person with power of attorney from builder.
– Builder now claims the sale deed is invalid.
– Builder filed a case in March 2025.
– You paid 90% of the amount.
– 80% came through bank loan.
– Almost 11 years 10 months have passed since registration.

This is a serious dispute. But law is usually on side of a bonafide buyer.

» checking validity of sale deed timing

– Law gives time limits for challenging registered documents.
– The general period is 12 years for property related challenges.
– But sometimes it is counted from the date the cause of action arises.
– In your case, the registration is old and in public record.
– You paid money, took bank loan, bank verified documents before sanction.
– All these make your position stronger.
– A builder suddenly claiming invalidity after nearly 12 years weakens his case.

Still, final validity can be decided only by a court after full hearing.

» power of attorney angle

– Sale deed was signed by a person with power of attorney from builder.
– If that power of attorney was valid at that time, the sale deed is valid.
– The builder giving POA means he authorised that person to sign.
– Unless the POA was fake or revoked before signing, builder cannot deny it now.
– You can obtain certified copies of POA from sub-registrar office for proof.

Proper POA is strong defence for your sale deed.

» bank loan verification importance

– Banks do not release loan without legal verification.
– Bank lawyers check title, encumbrance, and chain of ownership.
– Your bank releasing 80% means documents passed their due diligence.
– This legal verification helps you show that you acted in good faith.

It adds weight to your defence in court.

» legal action now required

– You cannot ignore this case.
– Hire a property lawyer experienced in civil cases immediately.
– File written statement with all proofs:

Sale deed copy

Bank loan sanction letter

Bank legal opinion copy

Receipts of payment

Builder receipts and allotment letters

POA copy and registration details
– Ask your bank to join as a party if needed.

Early legal response is critical. Courts act on evidence, not assumptions.

» about the 12-year period you heard

– There is a 12-year period in property law, mostly related to adverse possession or limitation to recover possession.
– In challenging a registered sale deed, there is usually a three-year period for challenging due to fraud or mistake.
– Some cases allow longer if claim is about title, but delay weakens the case.
– Courts do not favour builders waking up after a decade to dispute their own act.
– But limitation period is technical and depends on case facts.

Only your lawyer can confirm based on case documents.

» what to do financially meanwhile

– Do not panic sell or stop loan payments.
– Continue paying EMIs to avoid bank action.
– Keep all communication and legal notices safe.
– Avoid emotional settlement without lawyer advice.
– Do not sign any new documents with builder without legal vetting.

Staying calm and structured keeps you strong in court.

» risk control for future

– Always check POA carefully in property deals.
– Prefer direct builder signatory if possible.
– Get independent legal opinion before registration.
– Keep certified copies of all legal papers forever.
– Inform family about location and safety of documents.

This avoids future disputes and confusion.

» final insights

Your case appears strong. You bought in good faith, registered property, paid almost full, and bank verified. Builder challenging after nearly 12 years is weak unless he proves fraud. Still, law works on evidence and process, not assumptions. Engage a competent property lawyer. Prepare all papers. Cooperate with bank. Respond on time. Do not panic. Courts usually protect genuine buyers when builder tries to undo his own transaction after such a long period.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment