With the Current Owner or Their Legal Counsel

The original title documents, including the sale deed, lease deed, and previous ownership records, are usually held by the current legal owner or their appointed legal representative. These documents are stored:

• In physical form in personal or office custody
  
• Often secured in a bank locker or legal document safe
  
• May be notarized or certified copies retained for routine use
  

They are essential for resale, loan processing, and legal verification.

With Lending Institution (if Mortgaged)

If the property has been financed through a loan, the original title documents are typically held by the bank or financial institution as collateral until the loan is fully repaid. In such cases:

• A list of deposited documents is signed and acknowledged by the borrower
  
• The documents are held under lien and cannot be transferred or pledged elsewhere
  
• A release deed or NOC is issued upon loan closure, after which documents are returned
  

Registered Copies with Sub-Registrar Office

While the physical originals are retained by private parties, official registered copies of the title documents are permanently stored at the Sub-Registrar Office where the transaction was recorded. These copies:

• Serve as legal proof of registration
  
• Can be accessed by applying for a certified copy under the Registration Act
  
• Are digitally stored in many states as part of land record modernization (e.g., Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Telangana)
  

These records are critical for confirming authenticity in case the originals are misplaced or disputed.