Sections 19 and 20 of the Registration Act, 1908: Language and Alterations in Documents

Sections 19 and 20 of the Registration Act, 1908 prescribe safeguards concerning the language and physical integrity of documents presented for registration. Section 19 addresses documents written in a language unfamiliar to the registering officer; Section 20 addresses handwritten or other changes, blank spaces and erasures.

Section 19: Documents in a language not understood by the registering officer

Statutory rule. If a document duly presented for registration is written in a language that the registering officer does not understand and that is not commonly used in the district, the officer must refuse registration unless the document is accompanied by both (i) a true translation into a language commonly used in the district and (ii) a true copy.

The two language conditions operate together. A translation is not automatically mandatory merely because the officer personally does not understand a document written in a language commonly used in that district. Where Section 19 applies, however, the Act expressly requires both the true translation and the true copy.

Meaning and application

A true translation accurately reproduces the contents of the original in the required language. A true copy reproduces the original document. These serve different purposes: the translation permits examination of the content, while the copy preserves an accurate representation of the original. State registration rules and office procedures may prescribe additional formalities for preparation, verification and submission.

Section 20: Documents containing interlineations, blanks, erasures or alterations

Section 20(1): Discretion to refuse acceptance

The registering officer may, in the officer's discretion, refuse to accept a document containing any interlineation, blank, erasure or alteration unless the persons executing the document attest the relevant change or space with their signatures or initials. Unlike Section 19, this is expressed as a discretionary power, not an automatic refusal in every case.

Interlineation: words or figures inserted between existing lines.
Blank: an unfilled space that could affect the document's meaning or completeness.
Erasure: removal or obliteration of text or figures.
Alteration: a modification of existing wording, amounts, names, dates or other particulars.

The statute refers to attestation by the persons executing the document, using signatures or initials. A change acknowledged only by a typist, scribe or witness may not satisfy that requirement.

Section 20(2): Recording the changes

If the registering officer registers a document containing an interlineation, blank, erasure or alteration, the officer must, at the time of registration, make a note of it in the register. This record helps identify the state of the document when registration occurred.

Practical checklist before presenting a document

Check whether the document's language is understood by the registering officer or commonly used in the district. If neither condition is met, arrange a true translation into a commonly used language and a true copy.
Check names, property particulars, consideration, dates, schedules and annexures for missing or overwritten text.
Ensure every material insertion, correction, erasure or blank is appropriately attested by the persons executing the document.
Verify any applicable State amendments, registration rules and local requirements before presentation.
Remember that compliance with Sections 19 and 20 does not replace other requirements concerning execution, stamp duty, identity, presentation time or compulsory registration.

Section 17 identifies documents for which registration is compulsory; Section 18 covers optional registration. Section 21 concerns property descriptions and plans. These provisions should be read together with applicable State rules.

For the authoritative statutory text and amendments, consult the Government of India's India Code: Registration Act, 1908 or search the Act on India Code. State-specific rules, notifications and amendments should be checked through the relevant State Registration Department or official Gazette.

Scope: This article explains the central statutory provisions. State amendments and locally applicable registration procedures may vary.