Archive · 27 Jan 2026
Punjab Govt Reviews Cooperative Housing Property Registration Policy
The Punjab Government wanted to make more money by asking people who own apartments in cooperative housing societies to register their properties and pay fees, even for old purchases.
This made many owners upset, and some even went to court to challenge the rule.
The Government is now thinking about changing the rule to only apply to new buyers.
They also gave some people a discount if they register their properties quickly.
The Government says this will help protect people's property rights and reduce arguments, but some people think it's unfair because they already paid fees when they bought their apartments.
Punjab Government initially mandated retrospective registration of properties in cooperative societies to earn Rs 200 crore.
Owners of 50,000 apartments in 600 societies challenged the notification in the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
Government is reviewing the decision and may make registration mandatory only for new/prospective buyers.
Amnesty window offered 50% rebate on stamp duty if registered by March 20, 2026, with tiered stamp duty rates.
Petitioners argue the notifications are arbitrary, confiscatory, and violate constitutional provisions.
- Who
- Punjab Government, cooperative housing society owners, IAS/PCS Cooperative House Building Society
- What
- Review of mandatory property registration policy in cooperative societies
- When
- Notification issued on November 21, 2025; potential amendment pending
- Where
- Punjab, India
- Why
- Government aims to earn Rs 200 crore; owners and society challenge the policy
- Government's Initial Plan
- Rs 200 crore from retrospective property registration in cooperative societies
- Affected Properties
- 50,000 apartments in 600 societies
- Amnesty Window
- 120-day period with 50% rebate on stamp duty
- Stamp Duty Rates
- 1% (Jan 31), 2% (Feb), 3% (Mar), 6% (after Mar 31)
- Penalty for Non-Registration
- 0.5% per month, max 100% of dues
- High Court Challenge
- Petition by IAS/PCS Cooperative House Building Society
- Government's Defense
- Protect members, improve revenue integrity, reduce disputes