I own a 2BHK residential flat in Gujarat that I purchased in 2017. I am currently having difficulty selling it through a conventional sale because there is very low demand for properties in that particular area.

I am considering an alternative way of finding a buyer, but I have not implemented it or collected any money. I want to understand the legal position before doing anything.

Proposed structure

The basic idea is:

\* The flat is currently worth approximately ₹15 lakh based on what I believe I can realistically sell it for. \* I would limit participation to a maximum of 1,000 people. \* Each participant would pay ₹5,000 as a participation/registration amount. \* After registration closes, one participant would be selected through a random and publicly verifiable ballot/draw. \* The selected participant would receive the ownership of the 2BHK through a proper registered property-transfer process. \* The selected participant would not have to pay the remaining value of the property. My intention is that ₹5,000 would be their only payment for participation. \* I am also considering bearing the property-transfer-related expenses myself, subject to professional advice. \* Participants who are not selected would not receive the property and their ₹5,000 would not be refunded.

The draw would ideally be conducted transparently, with a predetermined procedure, unique participant numbers, a frozen final participant list, independent witnesses/professional supervision, and video/documentary evidence of the process.

My main legal question

Would this structure be legally permissible in India, particularly in Gujarat?

My concern is whether the combination of:

\*\*payment + random selection + property as the prize\*\*

would legally constitute a lottery, gambling activity, prize scheme, or any other regulated/prohibited activity.

I am aware that calling it a "ballot" or putting terms and conditions/notarised declarations in place would not necessarily make an otherwise unlawful arrangement legal. That is exactly why I want legal opinions before taking any action.

I would particularly appreciate advice from anyone familiar with:

\* Indian lottery/gambling laws \* Gujarat-specific laws \* Property transfer and registration \* Income-tax implications \* Stamp duty \* TDS/tax treatment \* Consumer protection \* Regulations concerning public collection of money \* Whether an escrow arrangement or any specific legal structure would be required

I would also like to know whether there is any \*\*legally compliant alternative structure\*\* that could achieve a similar objective without violating lottery/gambling or other applicable laws.

I am not asking whether this is a "good business idea." I am specifically trying to determine whether the proposed mechanism is legally permissible and, if not, what lawful alternatives may exist.

I have not started collecting registrations, advertising the scheme, or accepting participant money.

\*\*P.S. My words were a bit too heavy, so I used ChatGPT to rewrite my message. Thanks in Advance.\*\*