Glossary · Legal
What is Power of attorney?
Also called: POA, GPA (general power of attorney), SPA (special power of attorney), Mukhtiarnama
A power of attorney is a legal document authorising another person to act on your behalf — for example, to manage, lease or sell your land.
NRIs often give a power of attorney (POA) to a relative so they can handle land matters in India. A general POA gives wide powers; a special POA is limited to specific acts.
A POA executed abroad usually needs to be attested at an Indian mission or apostilled, and then stamped in India within a set time. Rules differ between states, so check with a local lawyer.
The Supreme Court has held that a power of attorney does not transfer ownership by itself. But a POA holder with power to sell can still execute a genuine sale deed — which is why misused POAs are one of the most common routes to NRI land fraud.
Why it matters if you live abroad
Give only a specific, time-limited POA when you must, revoke it formally when it’s no longer needed, and keep watching the land and its mutation history.
Read the full guide
Before you sign a POA
⚖️ Legal basics 6 min read
Power of Attorney for NRI Property: When You Need One & Risks
When an NRI needs a power of attorney for land in India, GPA vs SPA, signing one abroad, how POAs get misused, and simple safeguards to stay in control.