RTI in Tamil Nadu: Patta, Chitta, FMB Records, and TANGEDCO Electricity

Tamil Nadu has some of the most distinctive and historically layered land records terminology in India. A citizen in Chennai asking about their property's "Patta" is asking about something quite different from a Bengaluru resident asking about their "RTC" or a Lucknow resident asking about their "Khatauni" — and yet all three are asking for essentially the same thing: the official document that records who owns a piece of land. Understanding Tamil Nadu's specific terminology is the first step to using RTI effectively in the state.

This guide is a focused second layer on top of the general Tamil Nadu RTI guide. It goes deep into three specific systems: Tamil Nadu land records (Patta, Chitta, FMB, and the A-Register), TANGEDCO electricity disputes, and CMDA/DTCP planning authority records. All are Tamil Nadu State public authorities. Second appeals go to the Tamil Nadu Information Commission (TNIC) under Section 19(3) of the RTI Act, 2005.

Tamil Nadu Land Records: Patta, Chitta, FMB, and the A-Register

Understanding the Documents

Patta (Record of Rights): The Patta is the primary ownership document issued by the Revenue Department at the Taluk Office. A Patta number uniquely identifies a landholding. The Patta shows the name of the owner, the survey number and subdivision number of the land, the area, the classification (wet, dry, or garden), and any liabilities or encumbrances recorded. Patta is issued in the name of the individual landowner — one Patta may cover multiple survey subdivisions.

In Tamil Nadu, getting a certified copy of a current Patta is the starting point for almost any land transaction, dispute resolution, or government scheme benefit.

Chitta (Crop Account): The Chitta is the crop-wise account showing what is cultivated and by whom on each survey subdivision. Traditionally maintained as a separate document at the Village Administrative Officer (VAO) level, the Chitta has been substantially merged into the TSLR (Tamil Nadu Smart Land Records) digital system in most districts. However, older Chitta records remain important for tracing historical cultivation and for establishing the classification of land (dry, wet, or garden) — classification that affects stamp duty, water tax, and land conversion fees.

FMB (Field Measurement Book) Sketch: The FMB sketch is the cadastral map for each survey subdivision. It shows the shape, boundary measurements, and approximate dimensions of a plot. The FMB is an essential document for resolving boundary disputes, for planning construction, and for any case where the physical extent of a plot is in question. FMB sketches are maintained at the Taluk Survey Office and by the District Survey Superintendent.

A-Register: The A-Register is the basic village land register maintained at the Village Administrative Officer (VAO) level. It is the foundational record showing all land holdings in a village — survey number, subdivision, area, owner name, and classification. The A-Register feeds into all other land records.

How the Revenue Administration Works in Tamil Nadu

Land records in Tamil Nadu are maintained at the village level by the Village Administrative Officer (VAO). Above the VAO is the Revenue Inspector (RI), then the Tahsildar (Taluk level), the Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO), and finally the District Collector.

For RTI purposes: applications about Patta records, FMB sketches, and mutations should generally be addressed to the PIO at the Tahsildar's Office for the relevant Taluk. Applications requiring village-level records (A-Register, Chitta) are often most efficiently addressed to the Tahsildar because the VAO does not have independent PIO designation in most situations.

RTI Questions for Tamil Nadu Land Records

Certified Patta copy:

"Certified copy of the current Patta for Survey number X Sub-division X (or Patta number X) in Village X, Taluk X, District X. The name(s) of the current Patta holder(s), the total area in hectares, the land classification (wet/dry/garden), and all encumbrances, liabilities, or court attachment notations currently recorded on the Patta."

Complete mutation (Patta transfer) history:

"The complete mutation history for Patta number X / Survey number X Sub-division X in Village X, Taluk X — all transfers and changes of ownership recorded from year to the current date. For each transfer: the mutation number, date of order, names of outgoing and incoming Patta holder, the basis of mutation (sale deed, inheritance, gift, court decree), and the name of the Tahsildar who approved the mutation."

FMB sketch:

"A certified copy of the Field Measurement Book (FMB) sketch for Survey number X Sub-division X in Village X, Taluk X. The FMB should show the boundary measurements, dimensions, and the relative position of adjacent survey subdivisions."

A-Register entry:

"The A-Register entry for Survey number X in Village X, Taluk X as of Fasli year X / as of date. The name of the recorded owner, area, classification, and any annotations made in the register for this survey number."

Court attachment, Wakf, or Temple Trust notations:

"Whether any court attachment, encumbrance, mortgage, Wakf Board claim, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department claim, or government reservation is currently noted in the Patta records for Survey number X Sub-division X in Village X, Taluk X. A copy of the endorsement or order on the basis of which any such notation was made."

Patta Transfers (Mutations) in Tamil Nadu

In Tamil Nadu, the process of changing the name on a Patta after a property transaction — by sale, inheritance, or court order — is called a Patta Transfer. The application is filed at the Taluk Office (Tahsildar's office). After enquiry, the Tahsildar issues a mutation order, and the new Patta is issued in the transferee's name.

RTI for a pending Patta transfer:

"Status of the Patta transfer application number X filed at Taluk X on date for Survey number X Sub-division X in Village X. The date on which the application was received, the name and designation of the officer currently holding the file, the stage of processing, and the specific reason for any delay beyond the prescribed time period."

"The total number of Patta transfer applications pending at the Taluk Office name for more than 90 days / 180 days / one year as of date, and the number pending for Survey numbers in Village X specifically."

Poramboke Land — Government and Common Land

In Tamil Nadu, land that is classified for public purposes — roads, water bodies, paths, commons, temple tank surroundings, burial grounds, and similar uses — is classified as Poramboke. Poramboke land cannot be privately owned, and encroachments on Poramboke land are a widespread problem.

RTI on Poramboke land:

"The classification of Survey number X (or the area adjacent to address/description) in Village X, Taluk X as recorded in Revenue Department records — whether it is classified as Poramboke, and if so, the specific sub-type (road Poramboke, water body, commons, etc.). The total extent of Poramboke land within Survey number X."

"Whether any regularisation of encroachment on Poramboke land in Survey number X / Village X has been granted by the Revenue Department or the Collector. The order number and date of any such regularisation, and the area regularised."

TSLR (Tamil Nadu Smart Land Records) and Patta Online

Tamil Nadu has significantly digitised its land records. However, for certified copies — admissible as evidence in court or for official purposes — RTI or an application to the Taluk Office remains necessary. Online printouts from the TSLR portal do not carry official certification, though they are useful for preliminary verification.

TANGEDCO — Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Ltd

TANGEDCO is the state electricity company in Tamil Nadu, formed by the unbundling of TNEB (Tamil Nadu Electricity Board) in 2010. TANGEDCO handles both generation and distribution in most of Tamil Nadu (TNEB Limited continues as a holding company). TANGEDCO is a Tamil Nadu State corporation; second appeals go to the Tamil Nadu Information Commission (TNIC).

Within TANGEDCO, electricity is distributed through Electricity Distribution Circles (EDCs), each covering a district or part of a district. The correct PIO for RTI applications is usually the Executive Engineer (O&M) or the Superintending Engineer at the relevant EDC or sub-division level. Consumer connection records are maintained at the sub-division or section level — identify yours from the distribution section code shown on your electricity bill.

RTI for Billing Disputes

Billing complaints — high bills, estimated readings, and wrong tariff classification — are by far the most common TANGEDCO RTI subject.

"The meter reading register for consumer service connection number X at address for the past 12 billing months. For each billing month: the date on which the meter reading was taken, the actual reading recorded, and whether the reading was an on-site reading or an Average Meter Reading (AMR / estimated reading). The name and employee number of the meter reader responsible for the section where this consumer is located."

"Whether the meter installed at service connection number X at address has been calibrated or tested for accuracy within the past three years. If tested, the date of testing, the result, and the officer who certified the test. If not tested within three years, the reason."

"The tariff category under which service connection number X is currently classified (LT1-A domestic, LT2-A commercial, LT3A agricultural, etc.). The basis for classifying this connection in this category. Whether any tariff re-classification notice has been issued for this connection in the past three years."

RTI for New Service Connections

"Status of new service connection application reference number X filed at Sub-Division name / Section name on date. Whether a site inspection has been conducted by the Junior Engineer or Section Engineer, and if so, the date and the result. Whether any high-tension clearance, transformer capacity upgrade, or RoW (Right of Way) clearance is pending. The officer currently responsible for the application and the expected date of connection."

RTI for Agricultural Pump Set Connections

Agricultural connections — pump sets for irrigation — receive preferential tariff and, under various state government schemes, may be entitled to free or subsidised power. The waiting list for new agricultural connections can run to years in some areas.

"Whether a new agricultural service connection application for pump set use has been filed by applicant name / bearing reference number X in village/sub-division. The current waiting list position of this application. The date of feasibility inspection, if conducted. Whether the application is eligible under government scheme name, if applicable and the status of that eligibility verification."

RTI for Power Disruptions

"The reason(s) for the unscheduled power supply interruption on date from time to time in the area served by sub-station name / feeder X in district. The fault reported, the time at which the sub-station / section engineer was informed, the time at which restoration work commenced, and the time at which supply was restored."

"The total hours of unscheduled power outage experienced by consumers on feeder X / in area/village during month, year. For each outage exceeding three hours, the date, duration, cause, and the steps taken to prevent recurrence."

CMDA and DTCP — Planning Authorities in Tamil Nadu

CMDA — Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority

The CMDA is the statutory planning authority for the Chennai Metropolitan Area (CMA), which extends well beyond Chennai city and includes parts of Tiruvallur and Kancheepuram districts. CMDA is a Tamil Nadu State body; second appeals go to the TNIC.

CMDA issues Planning Permissions for buildings and layouts within the CMA. Without CMDA planning permission, a building in the CMA is technically unauthorised from a land-use standpoint, regardless of its registration status.

"Whether a planning permission (PP) has been issued by CMDA for the building/plot at address / survey number in village/area. If a planning permission has been issued, the PP number, date, the approved plan (floor-wise), and the permissible Floor Space Index (FSI) availed. If no PP has been issued, whether any application is pending and its current status."

"Whether an Approval Order / Completion Certificate has been issued by CMDA for the building at address. If not issued, the reason and the officer responsible for issuing it."

DTCP — Directorate of Town and Country Planning

Outside the Chennai Metropolitan Area, the DTCP is the planning authority under the Tamil Nadu Town and Country Planning Act, 1971. Every municipality, panchayat town, and special planning area outside the CMA falls under DTCP jurisdiction. DTCP is a Tamil Nadu State body; second appeals go to the TNIC.

"Whether a planning permit / layout approval has been issued by the DTCP (or the relevant Local Planning Authority under DTCP oversight) for the layout / scheme at survey numbers, village, taluk. The date of approval, the conditions of approval, and whether the developer has fulfilled all conditions including road formation and amenity space provision."

"The current status of the building plan approval application reference X filed at the DTCP regional office name / LPA name on date. The officer currently holding the file and the stage of processing."

Filing RTI in Tamil Nadu: Practical Notes

Tamil Nadu has a state RTI portal for online applications to state public authorities. Verify the current portal URL on the Tamil Nadu government's official website before filing — do not rely on third-party links, as government portal URLs change from time to time.

Offline applications can be sent by post to the PIO or submitted in person. Application fee: ₹10. BPL cardholders are exempt under Section 7(5).

Language: RTI applications may be filed in Tamil or English. For Revenue Department matters at the Taluk level, filing in Tamil is generally more effective and produces more accurate responses. For TANGEDCO and urban body matters, English is widely used.

Response deadline: 30 days under Section 7(1). First Appeal under Section 19(1) to the FAA within the same body within 30 days. Second Appeal to the TNIC under Section 19(3) within 90 days.

Note on TANGEDCO responses: TANGEDCO as a large corporation tends to respond to RTI applications more systematically than district-level revenue offices, but billing-related information requests sometimes face partial responses or vague answers. A well-crafted First Appeal citing the specific information denied, citing the PIO's obligation under Section 7(1), and noting the TNIC's past orders on electricity billing RTI cases, is frequently effective.