Why a clean-looking title still needs a 30-year search
India registers transactions, not ownership. That single fact is why the paperwork matters more here than almost anywhere.
A registered sale deed proves that a transfer took place. It does not certify that the seller had good title to transfer. Indian title is presumptive — the state records the transaction and leaves ownership to be proved if challenged.
A title search traces the chain of ownership backwards, conventionally thirty years, looking for gaps: an unprobated will, an inherited share never released, a power of attorney that was revoked, a mortgage discharged in the index but with no discharge deed on file.
Encumbrances travel with the property, not the seller. An unpaid society due, a lien, or a pending litigation attaches to the asset and becomes your problem the day you register.
For older buildings and inherited property, ask for the encumbrance certificate, the property card, approved plans and the occupation certificate. Where the chain has a gap, title insurance is available and worth quoting — it is cheap relative to the risk it covers.