Encumbrance
Definition: Any charge, lien, mortgage, or claim on a property.
In depth
An Encumbrance is any legal charge or claim on a property: mortgages, court orders, tax liens, easements, or third-party claims. The Encumbrance Certificate (Form 25 in Odisha) lists encumbrances registered with the Sub-Registrar over a specified period. A NIL Encumbrance Certificate confirms no registered charges; it does not rule out unregistered charges, court-ordered restraints, or oral mortgages.