Notaries Rules, 1956 — Detailed Summary & Section-wise Analysis

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Rule 1: Short title and commencement

• Specifies that these rules may be called the Notaries Rules, 1956.

• They come into force on the date of their publication in the official Gazette.

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Rule 2: Definitions

• Defines key terms used in the rules, such as “Act” (Notaries Act, 1952), “Government,” “Notary,” and “Registrar.”

• Ensures clarity and uniform understanding for interpretation.

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Rule 3: Application for appointment as notary

• Advocates eligible for appointment must submit a formal application to the government authority.

• The application should include credentials and proof of legal practice.

• This rule sets the initial step for selecting notaries.

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Rule 4: Grant of certificate of appointment

• Upon approval, the government issues a certificate of appointment specifying the territorial jurisdiction.

• The certificate authorizes the advocate to act as a notary within the specified area.

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Rule 5: Notarial seal

• The government provides or approves an official seal for the notary.

• Seal must contain the notary’s name and title, and be affixed on all notarized documents.

• The seal authenticates the notary’s acts.

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Rule 6: Register of Notarial Acts

• Each notary must maintain a bound register or book recording:

  • Date of the act

  • Nature of the act (e.g., attestation, oath)

  • Details of the document or transaction

  • Name and address of parties involved

• This register is subject to inspection by government authorities.

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Rule 7: Fees for Notarial Acts

• The government fixes fees for various notarial services.

• Notaries must charge exactly as prescribed, with no additional fees allowed.

• Fees cover acts like certification, attestations, and protests.

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Rule 8: Conduct and duties of notaries

• Notaries must act impartially and in good faith.

• They must ensure that documents are signed voluntarily and parties are properly identified.

• Confidentiality and professional ethics must be maintained at all times.

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Rule 9: Suspension and removal

• Provides procedure for suspending or removing a notary based on misconduct, incapacity, or criminal conviction.

• Requires an inquiry or hearing before removal.

• Ensures due process is followed protecting notary’s rights.

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Rule 10: Reports and returns

• Notaries may be required to submit periodic returns or reports of their notarial acts to the appointing authority.

• Helps government monitor compliance and activity.

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Rule 11: Renewal of Appointment

• If applicable, notaries must renew their appointment certificates periodically as prescribed.

• Ensures continuous eligibility and adherence to standards.

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Rule 12: Miscellaneous provisions

• Includes powers for the government to amend fees or make additional procedural rules.

• Specifies that these rules do not affect other laws unless expressly stated.

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Summary

Rule No.	Topic	Purpose/Key Points
1	Short Title & Commencement	Formalizes the rules, specifies effective date
2	Definitions	Clarifies terminology used in the Rules
3	Application Process	Procedure for advocates to apply for appointment as notary
4	Certificate of Appointment	Government issues formal appointment with territorial limits
5	Notarial Seal	Requirements for official seal to authenticate notarial acts
6	Register of Acts	Maintaining a detailed official record of all notarial acts
7	Fees	Fixation of fees; no extra charges permitted
8	Duties & Conduct	Ethical and procedural duties of a notary
9	Suspension & Removal	Grounds and process for suspending or removing a notary
10	Reporting	Obligation to submit returns/reports to authorities
11	Renewal	Renewal requirements for ongoing appointments
12	Miscellaneous	Power to amend rules, scope, and effect