NRI Property Under Illegal Possession in Punjab: Legal Remedies

First documents to collect

• Sale deed, gift deed, will, inheritance documents or family settlement.
• Jamabandi, mutation/intkal entries, khasra girdawari and possession record.
• Photos, site details, electricity/water bills, rent papers and caretaker communications.
• Any police complaint, legal notice, prior court order or revenue authority order.

Civil remedy: injunction, possession or declaration

Where ownership or possession is disputed, the civil court may be the correct forum. Depending on the facts, the suit may seek injunction, possession, declaration of title, cancellation of forged documents or partition. Interim relief is important where the opposite party may sell, alter or further encumber the property during the case.

When criminal action may be relevant

Not every property dispute is criminal. But if there are forged documents, cheating, trespass, criminal intimidation or dishonest transfer, a police complaint or private complaint may be considered alongside civil proceedings. The complaint should be supported by documents, chronology and specific allegations.

Can an NRI act through a power of attorney?

A properly drafted power of attorney can help with filing, document collection, certified copies and procedural steps. Personal affidavits, evidence or appearance may still be required depending on the case. The POA should be specific and should not give unnecessary sale or settlement powers unless intended.