Section 33. Attestation of leases in lieu of Registration

(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Indian Registration Act, 1908 (Central Act XVI of 1908) , the parties to a lease may, in lieu of registering the same, obtain the attestation thereto of such officer or person as the State Government may appoint in this behalf, (2) Such officer or person may, after making such inquiry as may be prescribed, attest the instrument of lease in the prescribed manner: Provided that no such instrument shall be accepted for attestation unless presented within four months of its execution: Provided further that nothing contain in this sub-section shall apply in respect of leases granted by or on behalf of the State Government (3) An instrument so attested shall be deemed to be registration within the meaning of the Indian Registration Act, 1908 (Central Act XVI of 1908).