The Kerala High Court recently directed the State government to complete the revalidation of non-judicial ₹20 stamp papers amid an ongoing shortage of lower denomination stamp papers in Kerala. [Jyothish P v. State of Kerala & Anr.]
While issuing the direction, a Division Bench of Justice A Muhamed Mustaque and Justice S Manu noted that over over 12 lakh stamp papers of ₹20 denomination are in the treasury for re-validation and distribution to vendors.
"If that be the case, there shall be a direction to complete the re-validation process of stamp papers of facevalue of ₹20 which remain in the treasury within a period of three weeks," the Court ordered.
The Court also ordered the State government to take a decision on the request by Central Stamp Report Officer for permission take 6 lakh more ₹50 stamp papers which are already printed and stored at Nasik Central Security Press.
The direction was passed on a petition filed by an advocate highlighting the severe scarcity of ₹100, ₹200 and ₹500 denomination stamp papers.
The petitioner had emphasized that despite multiple attempts to procure these stamp papers, they remain in short supply, forcing people to purchase higher denomination stamp papers which are often unaffordable for many.
The petition also stated that the Kerala government failed to place timely orders with the Nashik Printing Press, resulting in an acute shortage of such stamp papers.
Moreover, the government’s promise to commence an e-stamp service from August 1, 2024, was also not implemented and only revalidated ₹20 stamp papers were provided on a limited basis, available just three days a week to address the high demand for ₹100 stamp papers.
Besides seeking implementation of the e-stamp facility, the petitioner also sought a detailed report on the current status of stamp paper availability.
During the hearing, the State government, through a written instruction from the Directorate of Treasuries, informed the Court that 9,37,646 stamp papers of ₹100 denomination have been revalidated and distributed to vendors since June 1, 2024.
It was also submitted that the State government plans to revalidate over 12 lakh ₹20 stamp papers in the treasury by the end of September.
The State government assured the Court that urgent steps were being taken to rectify the shortage in areas where the supply of stamp papers remains limited, including transferring stock from other districts with surplus supplies.
The Court disposed of the writ petition directing the State to complete the revalidation process for the ₹20 stamp papers and make a decision to obtain the ₹50 stamp papers within a period of three weeks.
The petition was moved by advocate Jyothish P who was represented by advocates MG Sreejith, Vidyajith M, Rojin Devassy and Bincy Jose.
Senior Government Pleader Tek Chand V appeared for the State.
[Read Judgment]