Is Release Deed and Settlement Deed same?

1. Release Deed vs. Settlement Deed

• Release Deed: Generally used when one co-owner (releasor) releases their share in a property to another co-owner (releasee). It’s often executed without consideration (no money involved), usually among family members.

• Settlement Deed: A broader instrument to settle property rights among family members or parties — it can involve creating new rights, distributing property, or resolving disputes.

They’re not exactly the same. A release is narrower — it merely extinguishes one person's right in favor of another, while a settlement can allocate or create new rights.

2. Validity of a Release Deed without Releasee’s Signature

Under Tamil Nadu Registration practices and general property law principles:

• The release deed is primarily executed by the Releasor(s).

  • They are the ones giving up their rights, so their signature, photo, and fingerprint are mandatory.

• The Releasee (the person receiving the property) is not executing the document — they are only the beneficiary.

  • Your signature is not mandatory because you are not conveying any right, only receiving it.

• Registration under the Indian Registration Act, 1908 focuses on validating the intent of the executants (Releasors), not the claimant (Releasee).

Since:

1. All Releasors signed the deed,

2. The Sub-Registrar registered it, and

3. Your name is showing as a claimant in the Encumbrance Certificate (EC),

→ The deed is valid even without your signature, photo, or fingerprint.

3. Why you didn’t sign or give biometrics?

• In Tamil Nadu, typically only executants (the Releasors) are required to give thumbprints, photos, and signatures during registration.

• Claimants/Releasees are not always asked to sign, unless you were also joining as an executant or witness.

Conclusion

• Your registered Release Deed is valid.

• The lack of your signature, photo, or fingerprint does NOT affect validity, because you are not an executant.

• Since it’s reflected on the EC, it confirms that the Sub-Registrar has recognized you as the absolute owner of that share.