The Delhi Government’s decision to abolish 200 types of affidavits and to replace it with self-attested documents is welcome. Notary public and oath commissioners usually authenticate documents for an ‘extra’ fee, without even identifying the authenticity of the person. It is time that this system be abolished altogether.
Instead, registered medical practitioners, lawyers, chartered-accountants and persons in other such categories apart from gazetted officers, easily accessible to the public should be empowered to attest the documents where necessary. It will also be in tune with the Union Government’s steps to review all laws of the British era and to end those colonial laws which are of no relevance now.