Plea in Kerala High Court to address stamp paper shortage, implement online e-stamp facility

The Kerala High Court on Monday issued notice to the Directorate of Treasuries in a petition filed by an advocate highlighting shortage of non-judicial stamp papers in Kerala. [Jyothish P v State of Kerala & anr].A Division Bench of Justice A Muhamed Mustaque and Justice Sophy Thomas heard the plea which said that there is shortage of non-judicial stamp papers of ₹100, ₹200, and ₹500 denominations, which has been persisting for the past six months across Kerala.Therefore, the petitioner said that Court should issue directions to the Directorate of Treasuries for immediate implementation of the e-stamp facility for all denominations through an online portal.The petitioner also prayed that a detailed report should be sought from the State on the current status of stamp paper availability and the measures taken by the Directorate to address the shortage. The Court issued notice to the State government and sought its reply.The case will be heard next after two weeks. The petition was filed through advocates MG Sreejith, Vidyajith M, Rojin Devassy and Bincy Jose..According to the petition filed by Jyothish P, the shortage of lower denomination stamp papers of ₹100, ₹200 and ₹500 has significantly impacted the public’s ability to fulfill legal obligations, such as preparing affidavits, rent agreementsand other official documents. The petitioner submitted 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."Stamp papers of ₹100, ₹200 and even ₹500 denominations are in short supply in all over Kerala, at least for the past six months. Earlier, such shortage used to last only a couple of months, but this time general pubic have been facing the issue for several months now. People are forced to finally buy Rs 1,000- stamp paper despite visiting several vendors," the petition stated..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.Even after making a representation before the Directorate no action has been taken yet.The petition thus highlighted the difficulties faced by the general public and legal professionals due to the scarcity of the non-judicial stamp papers..Besides seeking implementation of e-stamp facility, the petitioner has sought a detailed report on the current status of stamp paper availability. Additionally, he has prayed that the Court should declare that all stakeholders have right to access e-stamp papers online.