Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 19: In order to uphold the integrity of the e-stamp certificates, the Jammu and Kashmir Government has issued directives to the Sub-Registrars across the UT to ensure strict compliance of Rule 27 of J&K Stamps (Payment of Duty by means of e-stamping) Rules, 2020.
A decision in this regard was taken during a crucial meeting held on September 13, 2023, wherein the Principal Secretary to the Government, Finance Department, emphasized the importance of preventing the misuse of e-stamp certificates in Articles/Instruments within the Registration Department.
According to the Principal Secretary to the Government, Finance Department, the sub-rule (1) of the Rule 27 says that every instrument written on paper stamped with an e-stamp must be done in a way that the e-stamp certificate is clearly visible on the face of the instrument. Additionally, the sub rule says that a portion of the instrument should be written below their application in any other instrument.
Further, the sub-rule (2) of Rule 27 explicitly states that no second instrument chargeable with duty should be written on or using the same e-stamp certificate that has already been used for another instrument. This ensures that proper duty is paid for each instrument and prevents any attempt to evade stamp duty. The sub-rule (3) of the Rule 27 says that every instrument written in contravention of sub-rule (1) and (2) shall be deemed to be unstamped.
Accordingly, in order to ensure further compliance, all the Sub-Registrars have been directed to entertain instruments only if they meet the criteria laid down in Rule 27 and its sub-rules. Moreover, they (Sub-Registrars) are required to prominently display this circular in their offices, serving as a reference for citizens and professionals involved in registration processes.
Meanwhile, as per sources, the IG Registration, J&K, Sheikh Arshad Ayub led-panel, initiated on September 9, 2023, to investigate into the multi-crores e-stamp paper scam unearthed from Bishnah area of Jammu, is anticipated to require more time than initially stipulated to complete and submit the inquiry report.
“The panel had to submit the inquiry report by September 16 but due to the complexity of the matter under investigation, the inquiry report would be delayed,” sources said.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
