Kottayam: For 13 years, Muttambalam native Joseph Paulose (57) has been running from pillar to post, seeking a copy of the title deed for his two-cent property, for which he regularly pays tax. The original title deed for the land, registered in his father E J Paulose's name, was destroyed in the 2012 floods.

Joseph Paulose, a painter residing at Edamanayil house, Pulikachira, Muttambalam, has been relentlessly pursuing it since then. This is his only property. The title deed for the land, resurvey number 33/188, was issued in 1984.

The walls of his house, located near the paddy field, have all collapsed and are in a precarious condition. Seeing Joseph's plight, the parish church authorities agreed to build him a house.

It was for this purpose that Joseph, a heart patient, submitted applications to the Taluk Office and the RDO for a copy of the title deed. The authorities' reply is that old registers and files are not available.

However, Joseph questions why, if documents are available at the village office for him to pay the tax, there is a hindrance to providing a copy of the title deed. His 80-year-old mother and Plus Two student son live in the dilapidated house, which is on the verge of collapse.