After grappling for the stamp papers a few months ago due to shortage, citizens are again facing difficulties in procurring the stamp papers as they are now forced to buy the stamp papers at higher rates. The situation is evident near the Zilla office in Civil lines where the notary vendors are allegedly taking advantage of the situation by charging exorbitant rates, often nearly double, for stamp papers and related services.

 

Despite stamp papers being available at the official Tehsil office near Providence Girls High School, many notary shops operating in the vicinity have reportedly refused to sell the papers alone. Instead, they are compelling citizens to avail the full notary service, which includes typewriting and processing, at inflated prices. According to several complaints, a Rs 500 stamp paper is being sold for as much as Rs 1,000, while a Rs 100 stamp paper is being priced between Rs 300 to Rs 400. The same stamp papers are available in Tehsil office premises with margin of Rs 20 to Rs 50 over the original stamp paper price. The notary vendors near the Collector Office are said to be refusing to provide blank stamp papers to the individuals seeking stamp papers alone, instead redirecting them to the Tehsil office, roughly two kilometres away, thereby creating an artificial barrier to direct access.

 

This manipulation has left many citizens with no option but to comply with the vendors’ demands as they have limited time to get their work done and often no means to reach the Tehsil office. Speaking to ‘The Hitavada’, Dr Vipin Itankar, District Collector, addressed the issue and condemned the malpractice. “Strictest action will be taken against those found guilty. Notary vendors indulging in such deceit will face cancellation of their licences,” he assured. The situation underscores the urgent need for better regulation and easier public access to essential legal documentation. For now, residents are hoping swift action will bring relief and restore fairness to the system.