Non-Resident Indians often hold ancestral property, agricultural land or built-up assets in Punjab while residing abroad. Distance makes these holdings vulnerable to encroachment, forged documentation and neglected litigation.
Special Power of Attorney
An NRI may execute a Special Power of Attorney in favour of a trusted person in India for specific acts — appearing before authorities, executing documents or pursuing litigation. Executed abroad, the document should be notarised and apostilled (or attested by the Indian Embassy) and then adjudicated in India.
Common NRI Matters
- Partition and possession of ancestral property
- Protection against illegal occupation and tenant disputes
- Registration of wills, gift deeds, rental and lease agreements
- Matrimonial and custody proceedings involving parties resident abroad
Practical Safeguards
Periodic verification of revenue records, registered documentation of all transactions, and timely response to legal notices materially reduce risk. Courts increasingly permit representation through counsel and, in appropriate cases, evidence through video conferencing, so physical presence is not always required.
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
