474. Proving ownership of flat in

India . . .

Questions: Hello madam/sir, I born in India in 1960 and now I am living in Canada since 2003. I have the Canadian citizenship. My indian passport has been expired, and I have applied for OCI now. I have my flat in Mumbai in one of the building which is going to be redeveloped by one of the builder. He is asking for some documents from each tenant to show it to MHADA to get the ownership for each tenant in new tower. I am afraid that I don't have any main documents with me. I dont have PAN card, don't have indian passport. My electricity bill is on the name of my father who is no more. I only have indian driving license which will be expiring on 2014. Also nobody is living in that flat since last 5-6 years. The flat is vacant. Will I get any advantage once I get the OCI? Can you please suggest me what can I do to show my ownership on flat to MHADA? Thanks in advance, Sushant Answer: OCI will have no effect on the ownership of your flat. OCI will of course allow you to live in India for as long as you wish as OCI is a lifelong visa for India. As for a PAN Card, you can get one within a few weeks by applying for one from Canada. Moving abroad from India or acquiring foreign citizenship does not affect property owned in India prior to going abroad. Property a person legally owns, continues to belong to that person, even if they move abroad and acquire foreign citizenship. I assume the flat you refer to was in your father's name as the electricity bills are being sent in his name. You should collect documentation showing ownership of the flat and consult a lawyer in Mumbai for advice on the appropriate method of proceeding to protect your interest in your property.