If you're a public servant and forget to report a new house, land, or flat you bought — you're in trouble. The punishment for non intimation of immovable property can include official warnings, stalled promotions, and even legal action. It’s not just paperwork. It’s a rule. Breaking it can damage your career.
Why is property reporting mandatory?
Government employees must report every big asset. That includes land, buildings, or inherited property. The rule is there to stop corruption and check sudden rise in wealth.
As per Rule 18(2) in respect of immovable property, public servants are required to report every transaction involving immovable propertyThis means:
- Buying land or a house
- Selling property
- Receiving property as a gift
- Inheriting property
- Transferring it to or from a family member
If you don’t report it, the department may start an inquiry. That’s where the real trouble begins.
Read Also: What Is Ifms In Real Estate In India?
What happens if you don’t inform about property purchase?
Many people think nothing will happen if they skip the reporting. That’s wrong.
If you don’t file the intimation after purchase of immovable property form, here’s what could follow:
- Warning letter from your department
- Inquiry into the source of money
- Loss of promotions
- Negative remarks in your service file
- Suspension or even court action in serious cases
Failing to report also comes under hiding wealth. This often leads to legal action for undisclosed property.
What is Rule 18(2) in respect of immovable property?
It is a part of conduct rules for government employees. It says that every immovable asset must be declared. If you buy or sell a house, flat, shop, or land, you must inform your department. Inherited property also has to be reported.
Rule 18(2) in respect of immovable property exists to make sure no one is secretly growing rich in service. If you delay or skip this step, it can raise doubts about your honesty.
How to report a property purchase?
The process is simple. Submit the intimation after purchase of immovable property form. You usually have 30 days from the date of deal.
In many departments, this form is online. You log in, upload the details, and submit it. In some places, it’s still done on paper. Either way, the form should include:
- Property location and size
- Date of purchase
- Mode of purchase (loan, savings, etc.)
- Seller’s name
- Total value
If you forget this step, you must file it as soon as you remember. Add a letter explaining why you missed the deadline.
What is considered a late intimation of immovable property?
If you inform your department after the 30-day period, it’s called late intimation of immovable property. One late entry with a good reason might be accepted. But if it happens again, the department could treat it as hiding facts.
Multiple late submissions raise red flags. Vigilance teams may start digging deeper. That’s when legal action for undisclosed property begins.
What kind of punishment can you face?
Here’s what the punishment for non intimation of immovable property could look like:
- First offence: You may get a warning or be asked for an explanation.
- Repeated offences: Your annual report could mention misconduct.
- If the asset is high value: It might trigger a full inquiry.
- If money source is unclear: You may be charged under corruption laws.
In rare but serious cases, people have lost jobs or faced trial for not declaring properties.
What is legal action for undisclosed property?
Legal action for undisclosed property happens when the department believes your income doesn’t match your assets. Here’s how it usually unfolds:
- Department starts an internal check
- They send you notices to explain
- If not satisfied, they send it to anti-corruption agencies
- FIR can be filed under Prevention of Corruption Act
- Your property may be attached during investigation
It’s not just a rule on paper. Many officers have faced legal action for hiding property purchases.
Real-life cases you should know
Case 1: Minor Delay, Major Impact
A state officer in Nagpur forgot to file the form after buying a flat. A year later, during a promotion round, the delay came up. His promotion was paused, and he got a written warning.
Case 2: Hidden Assets Found
A central government employee was found with three flats that weren’t declared. A tip-off led to a probe. He was suspended, and the case is now in court under legal action for undisclosed property.
What if you already made a mistake?
If you’ve missed reporting a property, don’t panic. Fix it.
- Submit the intimation after purchase of immovable property form
- Write a short note explaining the delay
- Add documents like sale deed and payment proof
- If needed, consult your department for format
Timely correction often reduces the impact. But don’t wait too long.
Read: How to Buy a House with Low Income?
Why is reporting important for public servants?
Reporting helps in keeping the system clean. When government employees declare their wealth honestly, it builds public trust.
Reporting immovable property as a public servant protects you too. It shows you have nothing to hide. If you skip this, it can look like you're hiding something — even if you're not.
Remember, departments run checks before promotions, transfers, and retirements. If your record is clean, you avoid delays and doubts.
Spouse-Owned Property Rules
Still report it. Even if the flat or land is in your partner’s name, but bought from your income, you must inform. It counts as your asset.
Also, if you inherit or receive property as a gift, you must report that too. Don’t take chances. Over-reporting never hurts, but under-reporting always does.
How to avoid trouble in future?
- File property intimation forms within the deadline
- Save receipts, deeds, and payment records
- If buying on loan, keep the loan details ready
- Avoid late intimation of immovable property more than once
- Read the rules about Rule 18(2) in respect of immovable property
Final Word: Stay Safe, Stay Honest
The punishment for non intimation of immovable property is serious. It’s not just a technical error. It can lead to major setbacks in your job. You might lose promotions, face inquiries, or even court cases.
To stay safe, be quick to file the intimation after purchase of immovable property form. Don’t delay. Don’t ignore it. That’s the best way to avoid legal action for undisclosed property and protect your career.
