CRITICAL ROLE OF TITLE CLEARANCE IN REDEVELOPMENT
In a redevelopment project, it is highly recommended to verify and clear the property’s title first before formally deciding on and appointing a builder. While a builder can be tentatively selected (e.g., via a Letter of Intent or a resolution in a Special General Body Meeting), formalizing the development agreement and starting the actual project activities (like demolition or construction) without a clear and marketable title creates significant legal and financial risks. Why Title Clearance is Crucial First Legal Requirement: For a builder to obtain necessary municipal approvals and a Commencement Certificate (CC) to begin construction, the society must generally have a clear and marketable title to the land. This is often achieved through a registered conveyance deed or “deemed conveyance”. Risk Mitigation: Unclear land titles are a common source of delays and litigation in redevelopment projects. Title disputes can halt the project indefinitely, leaving both the builder and the society members in a precarious situation (e.g., displaced and without their new homes). Financial Safeguard: A clear title ensures the project is legally sound and makes it easier for the builder to secure project financing and for future buyers in the free-sale component to get home loans. This financial stability is a key factor in a project’s success. Transparency and Trust: Conducting thorough legal due diligence, including title verification, at an early stage demonstrates transparency and helps build trust between the society members and the chosen developer. Recommended Order of Operations (General Steps) Initial Decisions & Structural Audit: The society discusses redevelopment and conducts a structural audit to determine feasibility. Appoint Professionals: An architect/Project Management Consultant (PMC) and a legal advisor are appointed to guide the process. Title Verification/Conveyance: The society’s legal team conducts comprehensive title verification and works to obtain a clear conveyance deed or deemed conveyance for the property. Builder Selection: Once the title is confirmed, a transparent tendering process is used to select a reputable builder with a proven track record, financial stability, and relevant experience. Formal Agreements: A detailed Development Agreement (DA) and individual Permanent Alternate Accommodation Agreements (PAAA) are meticulously drafted, vetted by legal experts, and registered. Project Commencement: The builder then seeks the required approvals (IOD, CC, etc.) and begins construction. Prioritizing title clearance helps safeguard the interests of all stakeholders and ensures a smoother, legally compliant redevelopment process. HOW FAR A CERTIFICATE OF TITLE BY A SOLICITOR/ ADVOCATE IS SIGNIFICANT? In Ramniklal Tulsidas Kotak And Others vs Varsha Builders And Others on 26 August, 1991 Equivalent citations: AIR1992BOM62, AIR 1992 BOMBAY 62, (1993) MAH LJ 323, (1992) 2 BANKCAS 441, (1992) 2 BOM CR 492 “(1) A Certificate of Title need not necessarily be unconditional or unqualified. It can be qualified to the limited extent of the implied statutory exception contained in Section 3(2)(b) of the Maharashtra Ownerships Flats Act, 1963, as interpreted above. The Format of the Certificate of Title prescribed by the rules is mandatory, subject only to a limited scope for adaptability as explained in the judgment. A qualified certificate of title must furnish all relevant information as set out in paragraph 19 of this judgment. (2) The Promoter must […]
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Ownerless Property and State Claims: Bona Vacantia, Escheat, and Evacuee Property in India and Beyond
In India, Bona Vacantia (meaning “ownerless goods”) is the legal doctrine where property without a rightful owner reverts to the State. This principle is primarily codified under Article 296 of the Constitution of India. CONSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK (ARTICLE 296) Article 296 dictates how unclaimed property is distributed between the Union and the States: Vesting in States: Property located within a State that lacks a rightful owner (due to escheat, lapse, or bona vacantia) vests in that particular State Government. Vesting in the Union: Property located outside any State (such as in Union Territories) or property that was under the control of the Central Government at the time it became ownerless vests in the Union Government. It reads as under: Article 296 in Constitution of India Property accruing by escheat or lapse or as bona vacantia Subject as hereinafter provided any property in the territory of India which, if this Constitution had not come into operation, would have accrued to His Majesty or, as the case may be, to the Ruler of an Indian State by escheat or lapse, or as bona vacantia for want of a rightful owner, shall, if it is property situate in a State, vest in such State, and shall, in any other case, vest in the Union: Provided that any property which at the date when it would have so accrued to His Majesty or to the Ruler of an Indian State was in the possession or under the control of the Government of India or the Government of a State shall, according as the purposes for which it was then used or held were purposes of the Union or a State, vest in the Union or in that State. Explanation. –In the article, the expressions “Ruler” and “Indian Slate” have the same meanings as in article 363. Article 363 in Constitution of India provides as under: Bar to interference by courts in disputes arising out of certain treaties, agreements, etc. (1) Notwithstanding anything in this Constitution but subject to the provisions of article 143, neither the Supreme Court nor any other court shall have jurisdiction in any dispute arising out of any provision of a treaty, agreement, covenant, engagement, sanad or other similar instrument which was entered into or executed before the commencement of this Constitution by any Ruler of an Indian State and to which the Government was a party and which has or has been continued in operation after such commencement, or in any dispute in respect of any right accruing under or any liability or obligation arising out of any of the provisions of this Constitution relating to any such treaty, agreement, covenant, engagement, sanad or other similar instrument. (2) In this article— (a)”Indian State” means any territory recognised before the commencement of this Constitution by his Majesty or the Government of the Dominion of India as being such a State; and (b)”Ruler” includes the Prince, Chief or other person recognised before such commencement by his Majesty or the Government of the Dominion of India as the Ruler of any Indian State. How and when it works: When property is identified as ownerless, […]
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Understanding Bill No 193: Reforming Inheritance Laws in India
Government of India has proposed to delete Sec 213 from Indian Succession Act 1925. It was learnet that Probate is optional for all others except Hindus,Jain,Sikh and Baudh. To have parity under Constitution it was proposed in 2008 by 209th Law Commission to delete the said provision. Present Government is now implementing the same. For details and consequences read the blog
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FRAUDULENT RECORDS CREATED BY MANAGING COMMITTEE – EFFECT ON REVERSIONARY INTEREST- CONSEQUENCES
WHAT IS THE PROCESS OF PURCHASING REVERSIONARY INTEREST? IS DEEMED CONVEYANCE A FINAL TITLE WITHOUT CONVEYANCE OF REVERSIONARY INTEREST? DOES REVERSIONARY INTEREST EXTINGUISH AFTER GETTING DEEMED CONVEYANCE? WHAT ARE CONSEQUENCES OF FRAUD PLAYED BY THE COMMITTEE BY FABRICATING TITLE RECORDS? First let us see What is Lease? Under Transfer of Property Act 1882 its defined in Section 105 Lease defined. A lease of immoveable property is a transfer of a right to enjoy such property, made for a certain time, express or implied, or in perpetuity, in consideration of a price paid or promised, or of money, a share of crops, service or any other thing of value, to be rendered periodically or on specified occasions to the transferor by the transferee, who accepts the transfer on such terms. Lessor, lessee, premium and rent defined. — The transferor is called the lessor, the transferee is called the lessee, the price is called the premium, and the money, share, service or other thing to be so rendered is called the rent How is Lease determined? It is provided in the Transfer of Property Act 1882. Section 111 Determination of lease. — A lease of immoveable property determines—(a)by efflux of the time limited thereby;(b)where such time is limited conditionally on the happening of some event—by the happening of such event;(c)where the interest of the lessor in the property terminates on, or his power to dispose of the same extends only to, the happening of any event—by the happening of such event;(d)in case the interests of the lessee and the lessor in the whole of the property become vested at the same time in one person in the same right;(e)by express surrender; that is to say, in case the lessee yields up his interest under the lease to the lessor, by mutual agreement between them;(f)by implied surrender;(g)by forfeiture; that is to say, (1) in case the lessee breaks an express condition which provides that, on breach thereof, the lessor may re-enter; or (2)in case the lessee renounces his character as such by setting up a title in a third person or by claiming title in himself; or (3)the lessee is adjudicated an insolvent and the lease provides that the lessor may re-enter on the happening of such event; and in any of these cases the lessor or his transferee gives notice in writing to the lessee of his intention to determine the lease; (h)on the expiration of a notice to determine the lease, or to quit, or of intention to quit, the property leased, duly given by one party to the other. Illustration to clause (f)A lessee accepts from his lessor a new lease of the property leased, to take effect during the continuance of the existing lease. This is an implied surrender of the former lease, and such lease determines thereupon. DEEMED CONVEYANCE- REVERSIONARY INTEREST Buying private reversionary rights means, purchasing the right of an original owner (Reversioner) to get their property back after a temporary interest (like a lease or life estate) ends. This process involves a formal “Deed of Conveyance” to transfer these future ownership rights, allowing the buyer […]
Read moreSELF REDEVELOPMENT
SELF REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY PLANNED REDEVELOPMENT – SUGGESTIONSThe government of Maharashtra is actively pursuing the establishment of a dedicated Redevelopment Oversight Authority. This body would function as an independent authority to regulate, streamline, and monitor all types of redevelopment projects across the state, with a specific focus on increasing transparency and resolving disputes.A suggestion was floated by writer of this blog. It is now under consideration.Moving forward what are suggestions? Establishment of a judicial body with judicial powers to monitor and resolve issues including of title of land (which is not with RERA); If government is of the opinion that right of civil court will be ousted, then Development Authority must be empowered to refer the issue to Civil Court. Key Details and Objectives Scope: The proposed authority would have specialized jurisdiction over all redevelopment projects, including those initiated by private developers, self-redevelopment schemes by cooperative housing societies (CHS), cluster redevelopment, and Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) projects. Aims: The primary goals are to accelerate project timelines, enhance accountability, and provide regulatory clarity, addressing common challenges like bureaucratic delays, opaque agreements, and litigation that often stall projects. Functions: Streamlined Approvals: Act as a single-window clearance mechanism to facilitate faster project sanctions. Monitoring and Compliance: Monitor project progress using technology-enabled reporting and enforce penalties for undue delays. Dispute Resolution: Serve as a quasi-judicial body to mediate and resolve conflicts between residents, developers, and planning authorities. Standardization: Standardize procedures for project planning, developer selection, and financial approvals Current StatusThe state government has already established a separate Self Redevelopment Authority (SRA, distinct from the Slum Rehabilitation Authority) to specifically promote and expedite projects undertaken by housing societies themselves, appointing a chairman for the new body. The broader, overarching Redevelopment Oversight Authority for all project types is currently in the planning stage, with high-level committees having submitted reports recommending its formation.This initiative is expected to have a significant impact on urban areas like Mumbai and Pune, where aging buildings and high demand make redevelopment a critical part of the urban growth strategy. Maharashtra’s Self-Redevelopment Rules, guided by Government Resolutions (GRs) from 2019 and subsequent amendments, enable housing societies to redevelop buildings over 30 years old, offering benefits like extra Floor Space Index (FSI) and incentives, requiring society ownership, member consent (typically 70%+), appointing experts (PMC, Architect), and securing loans via banks like MDCC Bank, streamlining approvals with a single-window system for transparency, but necessitate adherence to Maharashtra Cooperative Societies Act rules.Key Eligibility & Requirements: Age: Building must be 30+ years old. Ownership: Society must own the land (Conveyance Deed) or have a valid purchase agreement. Registration: Must be registered under the Maharashtra Cooperative Societies Act, 1960. Consent: At least 70% member consent is generally needed for major decisions. Audit: Societies need ‘A’ or ‘B’ audit class for loans. Benefits & Incentives: Extra FSI/TDR: Societies get 10% more FSI/incentive space than usual. Reduced Costs: Lower premiums, taxes, and charges. Single Window: Streamlined approvals via a nodal agency. Process Overview: Formation: Society decides on self-redevelopment. Appointment: Appoint Project Management Consultant (PMC), Architect, Legal Advisor. Approvals: Secure initial permissions (IOD/LOA) at society cost. Loan: Apply to banks like Mumbai […]
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DEEMED CONVEYANCE OR DOOMED CONVEYANCE
Today here we are going to discuss A very important TOPIC Deemed Conveyance. This Article also contains suggestions, and I appeal to the government to consider seriously for benefit of people at large. Deemed Conveyance has become fraud and liberal approach of courts and of law has given full freedom to the Committee, who circumvent law and oppress members after taking blanket consent. Let us first learn the provision: State of Maharashtra – Section 11 in The Maharashtra Ownership Flats (Regulation of the Promotion of Construction, Sale, Management and Transfer) Act, 1963 Promoter to convey title, etc., and execute documents, according to agreement. [(1) A promoter shall take all necessary steps to complete his title and convey to the organisation of persons, who take flats, which is registered either as a co-operative society or as a company as aforesaid, or to an association of flat takers [or apartment owners] [Section 11 renumbered as sub-section (1) and sub-sections (2) to (5) were inserted by Maharashtra 4 of 2008, (w.e.f. 25-2-2008), Section 6.] his right, title and interest in the land and building, and execute all relevant documents therefor in accordance with the agreement executed under section 4 and if no period for the execution of the conveyance is agreed upon, he shall execute the conveyance within the prescribed period and also deliver all documents of title relating to the property which may be in his possession or power.] (2) [ It shall be the duty of the promoter to file with the Competent Authority, within the prescribed “‘period, a copy of the conveyance executed by him under sub-section (1). (3) If the promoter fails to execute the conveyance in favour of the co-operative society formed under Section 10 or, as the case may be, the company or the association of apartment owners, as provided by sub-section (1), within the prescribed period, the members of such co-operative society or, as the case may be, the company or the association of apartment owners may, make an application, in writing, to the concerned Competent Authority accompanied by the true copies of the registered agreements for sale, executed with the promoter by each individual member of the society or the company or the association, who have purchased the fiats and all other relevant documents (including the occupation certificate, if any), for issuing a certificate that such society, or as the case may be, company or association, is entitled to have an unilateral deemed conveyance, executed in their favour and to have it registered. (4)The Competent Authority, on receiving such application, within reasonable time and in any case not later than six months, after making such enquiry as deemed necessary and after verifying the authenticity of the documents submitted and after giving the promoter a reasonable opportunity of being heard, on being satisfied that it is a fit case for issuing such certificate, shall issue a certificate to the Sub-Registrar or any other appropriate Registration Officer under the Registration Act, 1908, certifying that it is a fit case for enforcing unilateral execution of conveyance deed conveying the right, title and interest of the promoter in the […]
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Legal Fraud or Ownership Rights? Deemed Conveyance Explained
The concept of deemed conveyance under the Maharashtra Ownership Flats Act (MOFA), 1963, allows housing societies to gain legal ownership of land when builders fail to execute the conveyance deed. This process is crucial for mitigating issues stemming from non-compliance, enabling societies to have control over property and redevelopment despite the complexities of leasehold and fraudulent practices.
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AI AND MEDICAL SCIENCE
INTRODUCTION AI is a blessing for health care. When we are scared of an AI in such an arena if I say it’s a boon then of course I must explain how. In the Western world healthcare is good but the patient has to wait for days or months. While in my Country India, it’s immediate. We just get admission and the next day the patient is operated on. In the West, there is a shortage of human resources. Many countries issue visas for medical and para-medical services with benefits attached. So AI can be a blessing in disguise for the West. Let’s analyze how. FACTS AND TECHNOLOGY In India, for various types of surgeries, doctors are already using robots. These surgeries are complicated like cancer, dental surgeries, stone, spine, etc. These surgeries are affordable because of the use of robots by doctors. It’s called robotic surgery. India is now a medical hub because of its competitive price, availability of doctors, immediate care, and affordability. If AI is brought in, in the medical field many lives can be saved as there will be immediate attention given to the patient. This will help even a person who is going through pain to get early relief. Nowadays there is much discussion on new invention of an AI “eye”. If this EYE is introduced in the medical field then we do not require huge machines like X-rays and MRIs. This will save cost and also space. Especially in metro cities space crunch is always an issue. I understand that this EYE technology will give an instant cause of disease and doctors can treat patients fast. Many patients are scared of huge machines which catch their body in. So this issue of scare will also be resolved. DISCUSSION But with blessings, there are shortcomings too. The question arises when robotic surgery fails. Who is responsible for error done by robots? The hospital? The doctor who was in command of the robot? or the company which designed and activated software and algorithms? Usually, if a surgery is done by a human being a certified licensed surgeon then of course he is liable. But in the case of robotic surgery malfunction maker of the robot company is responsible. Certain fundamental laws are dictums about liability. But it needs to be codified. Certain resolutions are passed by the UN but it is in the nascent stage. CONCLUSION Use technology for the benefit of humankind. As such rockets and bombs are also technology but it’s for destruction. During surgery if the internet signal is lost who is responsible? Well, human race is ready for AI? Surgeries were done even in ancient India. Sushrut Samhita speaks of it. Another question therefore arise is do we need AI? All these questions will be answered with the passage of time. But at present with whatever inventions are there in the market it’s a blessing for humankind. Shruti Desai 17th September 2025
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Redevelopment and Property Rights: Key Insights
Today, we will discuss a very critical issue: redevelopment. Redevelopment involves fundamental rights, Article 300A, Guideline 79A, and managing committees. Before we proceed, I kindly request you to like, subscribe, and share my channel since it is free of cost and the issues discussed here are relevant to the general public. Let’s move forward with redevelopment. Redevelopment is a hot topic, and roughly every third building is undergoing redevelopment. It’s true. Just as in life, according to Hindu scriptures, when we leave our body, our soul enters a new body and takes a new birth, similarly, an old building must be given new life through redevelopment. The first movement for redevelopment started in the Island City of Mumbai because all the old buildings, known as chawls, would get flooded during the monsoon season, and there were no laws to address this. Murli Deora, a senior leader, introduced a law for the redevelopment of dilapidated buildings. This law provided many benefits and initially applied to cess buildings from Churchgate, Colaba to Bandra. Gradually, in 1991, the Development Control Regulations (DCR) were introduced, covering provisions for redevelopment of Mhada lands, slums, army and police headquarters, BMC properties, and housing societies. I have discussed all these in my book, "Commentary on Development Control Regulations 1991," which is now in its 15th edition. Moving past 1991, in 2009, Guideline 79A was introduced for cooperative societies. Most redevelopment projects in Mumbai today are under this guideline. On January 3, 2009, these guidelines mandated that redevelopment projects be prepared by the managing committee. However, many complaints arose, such as managing committees not keeping members informed, lack of transparency, arbitrary appointments, and mismanagement during meetings like AGMs and SGMs. Often, committees behaved as if they were landlords and the flat owners were their tenants or slaves. They even recorded videos but did not share them with the members. When members approached the registrar, orders would take months or even a year, by which time the entire process was often derailed. Another issue was lack of coordination between architects and project consultants, who often worked at cross purposes. Redevelopment projects were prepared without proper planning, and tenders were finalized unfairly. Agreements with developers lacked parity and clarity. After these concerns were raised, the government revised the guidelines through a Government Resolution (GR) on July 4, 2019, under Section 79A of the Maharashtra Cooperative Societies Act, 1960. I will share the link to this GR in the video description so you can read it. The 2019 guidelines state that one-fifth of society members can represent the committee to propose redevelopment, along with submitting schemes and suggestions. Within 8 days of receiving the application, the society must issue a notice for an SGM, which should be held within 14 days, followed by convening AGMs or SGMs. Quotations must be obtained from three architects and project management consultants to assess the viability of the redevelopment project. However, problems persist. Sometimes the committee claims members’ consent without any scheme or decision in place. Is this legal? Often, committees record videos but do not share them with members. Can a committee take a […]
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पुनर्विकास परियोजनाओं के लिए न्यायिक निकाय की आवश्यकता
पुनर्विकास परियोजनाओं के लिए न्यायिक निकाय की आवश्यकता आज हम बात करेंगे एक बहुत क्रिटिकल मुद्दा है रीडवलपमेंट। रीडवलपमेंट फंडामेंटल राइट, आर्टिकल 300 ए, गाइडलाइन 79 ए और मैनेजिंग कमेट। अब हम आगे बढ़ते हैं। उसके पहले मैं आपसे निवेदन करूंगी कि मेरे यह चैनल को लाइक, सब्सक्राइब और शेयर कीजिए क्योंकि यह फ्री ऑफ कॉस्ट है और आपको यह जो है मुद्दे वो आपके जनरल पब्लिक के काम में आते हैं वैसे मुद्दे हैं। चलो आगे बढ़ते हैं हम रीडवलपमेंट में। रीडवलपमेंट एक बहुत हॉट केक है और ये हर एक तीसरा बिल्डिंग रीडवलपमेंट में जा रहा है। सही बात है। जैसे हमारी लाइफ है तो हम यह जैसे हमारे हिंदू शास्त्रों में लिखा है कि हम शरीर छोड़ के हमारा आत्मा नए शरीर में जाता है और नया जन्म लेता है। तो जो इधर है उसको नया जन्म लेना ही पड़ता है। तो वैसे ही अगर बिल्डिंग पुराना हो जाए तो उसको नया बनाना पड़ता है। तो उसके लिए सबसे पहले जो मूवमेंट शुरू हुई थी वो आइलैंड सिटी ऑफ मुंबई से हुई थी क्योंकि सारे के सारे जो पुराने बिल्डिंग्स थे जो चॉल्स थी वो मसून के सीजन में कॉलेज हो जाती थी उसके लिए कोई कानून नहीं थे और मुरली देवरा जो हमारे बहुत वरिष्ठ नेता थे उन्होंने एक कानून लाया और रीडवलपमेंट ऑफ डाई लेपिटेटेड बिल्डिंग्स। तो इसके तहत उन लोगों को काफी सुविधा मिली और यह शुरुआत में जो थी वो सेस बिल्डिंग के लिए थी और वो चर्च गेट्स कुलाबा से लेके बैंड्रा तक एप्लीकेबल थी। धीरे-धीरे 1991 आया जो डीसीआर 1991 डेवलपमेंट कंट्रोल रेगुलेशन 1991 आया और उसके अंदर सारे प्रावधान किए गए। माड़ा की लैंड को रीडवलप कैसे किया जाए? स्लम को कैसे रीडवलप किया जाए? आर्मी वाली जो है पुलिस हेड क्वार्टर्स कैसे डेवलप किया जाए? बीएएमसी की जो प्रॉपर्टीज है उसको कैसे डेवलप किया जाए? और जो हाउसिंग सोसाइटी है उसे कैसे डेवलप किया जाए? यह सारे प्रावधान मैंने अपनी बुक कमेंट्री ऑन डेवलपमेंट कंट्रोल रेगुलेशन 1991 जिसकी 15 एडिशंस आ चुकी है आई थी वो उसके अंदर हमने मैंने डिस्कस किया है। आगे बढ़ते हैं 1991 के बाद क्या हुआ? इसके बाद 2009 के तहत एक 79 ए का गाइडलाइंस आया। यह गाइडलाइंस थी कोऑपरेटिव सोसाइटी क्योंकि मेजरिटी जो रीडवलपमेंट है वह कोऑपरेटिव हाउसिंग सोसाइटी जो अभी लागू होता है पूरे बंबई में और इसके तहत थर्ड जनवरी 2009 में एक गाइडलाइंस आई वो गाइडलाइंस के तहत रीडवलपमेंट के प्रोजेक्ट्स तैयार करने होते थे मैनेजिंग कमेट को इसके अंदर बहुत सारी कंप्लेंट्स आई कि जो मैनेजिंग कमेट है वह रीडवलपमेंट प्रोसेस में मेंबर्स को कॉन्फिडेंस में नहीं लेती। ट्रांसपेरेंसी नहीं है। आर्बिटरी अपॉइंटमेंट्स होती है। बिजनेस जो होता है वह कंडक्टिंग बिजनेस मतलब कि वह चाहे एजीएम हो, एसजीएम हो तो वो लोग सही जवाब नहीं देते हैं। ऐसे करली बिहेव करते हैं जैसे वो लोग जमींदार है और बाकी के जो फ्लैट ओनर्स हैं वो उनके स्लेव्स है, टेनेंट्स हैं। तो ऐसे भी बिहेव करते हैं और वो लोग वीडियो उतारते हैं तो वीडियो वो लोग शेयर नहीं करते हैं मेंबर्स के साथ में क्योंकि वो अपने पास ही रखते हैं। रजिस्ट्रार में जाते हैं तो वो […]
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