Question : APPOINTMENT OF NOTARIES

(a) the pro visions/criteria/selection process/eligibility prescribed for appointment of a notary in the country;

(b) the criteria adopted to determine the quota of notaries in various states;

(c) the total number of notaries sanctioned, working as on date, appointed during each of the last three years and the vacancies as on date, State-wise;

(d) the number of applications for appointment of notaries pending with the Government as on date, state-wise including Uttar Pradesh along with the steps taken/being taken by the Government to expedite disposal of these pending applications; and

(e) the extent to which the appointment of notaries is likely to help in reducing the huge pendency of court cases in the country?

MINISTER OF LAW & JUSTICE (SHRI D.V. SADANANDA GOWDA)

(a) The notaries are appointed in accordance with the provisions of Notaries Act, 1952 and Notaries Rules, 1956. Rule 3 to Rule 7A of the Notaries Rules governs the criteria for appointment of notaries in the country.

(b) The criteria adopted to determine the quota of notaries in various states was 50 notaries per district initially. However, the same has been revised from time to time on the basis of requests received and requirements projected from State Governments.

(c)& (d) A statement containing the required data is annexed.

(e) Notaries are appointed at District, Taluka, Tehsil and sub-tehsil level for authentication of documents. Notaries are not involved in reducing the backlog of pending cases in courts.