is GPA property legally valid in Kolkata

A General Power of Attorney (GPA) does not convey title or ownership of immovable property, as held by the Supreme Court in Suraj Lamp & Industries v. State of Haryana. A GPA coupled with a sale agreement and will may provide limited protection but does not amount to a valid transfer of title. The Calcutta High Court has reiterated that GPA-based transactions are not recognized as valid sales and cannot confer ownership rights. West Bengal Premises Tenancy Act 1997 may have additional restrictions on GPA transactions or require compulsory registration of agreements to sell in West Bengal. The only legally valid modes of transfer of immovable property are by registered sale deed or registered gift deed. A GPA holder can only act on behalf of the owner but cannot transfer title to himself or a third party. It is advisable to obtain a registered sale deed instead of relying on a GPA.