Srinagar, January 3, Kashmir Pen:
The Jammu and Kashmir government has decided to roll out an online notary portal and has ordered a preparatory physical verification of all notaries across the Union Territory to ensure accurate and seamless onboarding.
According to a circular issued by the Department of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Directors of Litigation in Jammu and Kashmir have been directed to constitute inspection teams under the supervision of District Litigation Officers. These teams will physically verify existing notaries in their respective districts and collect requisite details within a stipulated period of one week for registration on the proposed portal.
The department clarified that the verification exercise is a preparatory measure aimed at streamlining records prior to the portal becoming operational. Any discrepancies detected during the process will be reported to the department for appropriate action under the provisions of the Notaries Act, 1952, and the Notaries Rules, 1956.
All notaries appointed by the Jammu and Kashmir government have been instructed to extend full cooperation to the inspection teams within the prescribed timeframe, failing which action will be taken in accordance with law.
The department further stated that the upcoming online portal will facilitate registration and appointment of notaries, renewal of certificates of practice, online submission of annual returns, and provide public access to notary-related information. The portal will also offer a digital mechanism for lodging grievances related to notarial services.
The circular reiterates that notaries are required to submit annual returns of notarial acts during the first week of January each year and apply online for renewal of their certificates of practice within the prescribed period.
