Also called: Parent document, Link document, Previous deed
The earlier deed, or set of deeds, that traces how the property came to the present seller. The term is common in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Tamil Nadu.
How it works and what to check
A buyer and a lender want to see where the seller's title came from. The mother deed shows the earlier transfer, and the deeds before it continue the chain.
If the original is lost, a certified copy can be taken from the sub-registrar office, and a lender may also ask for a police complaint and a newspaper notice about the loss.
Common questions
Why is the mother deed important?
It shows that the seller's predecessor had title, which is the base of the chain you rely on.
What if the mother deed is lost?
Get a certified copy from the sub-registrar office. Lenders may ask for more steps.