Ensure Availability Of Cloud Storage Service To Sub-Registrars For Preservation Of Documents: High Court To Delhi Govt

The Delhi High Court has directed the Delhi Government to ensure availability of Delhi Online Registration System (DORIS), a cloud storage server, to all Sub-Registrars for preservation of documents including those relating to land records.

“For the said purpose the Principal Secretary (Revenue), GNCTD shall be personally responsible to ensure implementation of the DORIS system,” Justice Prathiba M Singh directed.

The court was hearing a plea moved by Monk Estates Private Limited relating to a large quantum of records which had gone missing from the office of a Sub-Registrar, way back in 2005. The plea sought an enquiry into the missing records relating to the entity’s land and also to re- construct the same.

Pursuant to an order passed on March 27, an affidavit was filed by Delhi Government’s Principal Secretary (Revenue). 

Justice Singh observed that while the response showed that a system has been designed for storage of records via DORIS system, it is not clear as to whether the same is implemented fully.

“Insofar implementation of the DORIS systems is concerned, the GNCTD is directed to ensure that the necessary systems and cloud service is made available to all the Sub-Registrars’ offices so that the documents can be preserved without a situation as arose in the present case being repeated,” the court said.

It also directed the Revenue Secretary to call for a periodic status report on the investigation conducted regarding the FIR registered in relation to missing land records of the entity.

“If a FIR needs to be registered, the steps be taken within three months. Officials responsible shall also be identified and action shall be taken. The Secretary (Revenue) shall be personally responsible for giving effect to these directions,” the court said while disposing of the plea.

Title: MONK ESTATES PRIVATE LIMITED & ANR. v. GOVERNMENT OF NCT OF DELHI & ORS.

Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (Del) 644

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