Registration Confers Sanctity on a Sale Deed and Is Not a Mere Formality

The Supreme Court, in Hemalatha (D) By Lrs v. Tukaram(D) By Lrs [2026 INSC 82], observed that a registered sale deed carries a greater presumption of validity and genuineness, and therefore cannot be lightly declared as ‘sham’ to oppose the sale transaction.

The Supreme Court added that registration is not a mere procedural formality but a solemn act that imparts high degree of sanctity to the document. Consequently, a Court must not lightly or casually declare a registered instrument as a “sham” document.

The Court clarified that it is a settled position of law that a registered Sale Deed carries with it a formidable presumption of validity and genuineness.