Notary Council: Establishment and Functions

The Nepal Notary Public Council was established under the Notary Public Act, 2063 to create a clear, uniform, and accessible legal framework for document certification, attestation, and translation in Nepal. Before this Act, attestation was handled by government officers and translation by the Law Book Management Committee. The Act brought all these functions under a regulated system, making it easier for the public to verify documents, prevent fraud, and confirm the identity of signatories. Approved by the House of Representatives in Ashoj 2063 and enforced from Falgun 2063, the Act also laid the foundation for the Notary Public Council as an autonomous corporate body responsible for regulating notary work nationwide.

The Council is formed under the chairpersonship of the Attorney General and includes high-level representatives such as the President of the Nepal Bar Association, secretaries from key ministries and legal bodies, and the Registrar of the Supreme Court. Initially, the Council operated from the Office of the Attorney General, but as the number of notaries increased, a separate office was established in Baishakh 2067 at Kupandol, Lalitpur, where it continues to function today.

The primary responsibilities of the Nepal Notary Public Council include formulating policies for notary operations, issuing notary certificates, conducting examinations and training for translators and notary applicants, and monitoring whether notaries follow the Notary Public Act, Rules, and Code of Conduct. The Council also forms committees, appoints auditors, manages its budget and property, and oversees the administrative work of the Council Secretary. Additionally, it has the authority to perform any legal functions necessary for strengthening the notary system in Nepal.

Over time, the Council has taken on additional roles such as conducting regular monitoring of notary activities, handling complaints against notaries, preparing fee structures for delays in reporting and renewal, and coordinating with bodies through subject-wise, investigation, and examination committees. The Council is also modernizing its operations by computerizing its database, enabling online reporting, bank guarantee submissions, and renewal applications, and developing software to verify notary seals and signatures. Furthermore, it works to increase public awareness, develop reference libraries, implement annual plans, manage resources for long-term institutional development, and ensure that all notarial functions align with prevailing laws and established practices.

Krishna Prasai