Jammu and Kashmir to Launch Online Notary Portal, Preparatory Verification Ordered – Alfaaz – The Words

Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir government has decided to launch an online notary portal and has ordered a preparatory physical verification of notaries across the Union Territory ahead of its rollout to ensure accurate onboarding.

A circular issued by the Department of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs directs Directors of Litigation in Jammu and Kashmir to constitute inspection teams under the supervision of District Litigation Officers. The teams will verify existing notaries in their respective districts and collect requisite details within one week for registration on the proposed portal.

The circular clarifies that the verification exercise is aimed at streamlining records before the portal becomes operational. Any discrepancy detected during the process will be reported to the department for action under the Notaries Act, 1952, and the Notaries Rules, 1956.

All notaries appointed by the Jammu and Kashmir government have been directed to cooperate with the inspection teams within the stipulated timeframe, failing which action will be taken as per law.

The department said the upcoming portal will facilitate registration and appointment of notaries, renewal of certificates of practice, online submission of annual returns, and public access to notary related information. It will also provide a digital platform for lodging grievances related to notarial services.

The circular says that notaries are required to submit annual returns of notarial acts in the first week of January each year and apply online for renewal of certificates of practice within the prescribed period.