Notary Council Nepal: An Introduction

Summary of Nepal Notary Public Council (History, Present Status & Functions)

1. Background & History

Before the Notary Public Act, 2063 (2006), Nepal had no clear legal system for certification, attestation, or translation of documents.

Document attestation was previously done by government officer-level staff, and translation was done by the Law Book Management Committee.

To make certification/translation accessible nationwide and legally uniform, the Notary Public Act, 2006 was enacted.

The Act created a formal system allowing Notary Publics to perform:

Document certification

Attestation

Translation

The Notary Public Council was established to manage, regulate, and monitor notary services across Nepal.

2. Establishment of the Notary Public Council

Formed under Section 5(1) of the Notary Public Act, 2063.

Purpose:

Confirm the identity of signatories

Control fraudulent activities

Make notarization and translation easy and accessible

Protect public interest

Act published: Ashoj 28, 2063 B.S. (11 Oct 2006 AD)

Came into force: Falgun 1, 2063 B.S. (3 Feb 2007 AD)

Notary Public Rules, 2063 approved on Chaitra 14, 2063 (28 March 2007 AD)

(Now amended three times)

3. Composition of the Council

The Council is chaired by the Attorney General of Nepal and includes:

President, Nepal Bar Association

Secretary, Ministry of Law, Justice & Parliamentary Affairs

Secretary, Office of Prime Minister & Council of Ministers

Secretary, Nepal Law Commission

Secretary, Ministry of Land Reform & Management

Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Registrar, Supreme Court

(Autonomous, corporate, perpetual legal body)

4. Office & Current Operational Setup

Initially, the Council operated from the Office of Attorney General.

Due to increased notary numbers, a separate office was established in:

Baishakh 2067 (2010 AD)

The office is currently located at Kupandol, Lalitpur, in a building leased from the Nepal Bar Council.

5. Main Functions, Duties & Rights (According to Act & Rules)

A. Core Legal Responsibilities

Formulate policies for Notary Public operations.

Issue Notary Public Certificates.

Conduct examinations and training for translators and notary applicants.

Monitor whether Notary Publics follow:

The Act

Rules

Code of Conduct

Form committees and define their powers.

Appoint auditors and approve the Council’s budget.

Protect and manage the Council’s property.

Direct the Council Secretary and oversee internal administration.

6. Additional Responsibilities (Added by Council Decisions Over Time)

A. Monitoring & Regulation

Regular inspection of Notary Public performance.

Hear complaints filed against Notaries.

Maintain discipline and ensure lawful practice.

B. Administrative Management

Prepare late-fee structure for:

Non-submission of reports

Bank guarantee delays

Renewal delays

Manage subject-wise committees:

Investigation Committee

Examination Committee

Other operational committees

C. Digital Modernization

Computerize and update Council data.

Enable online:

Reporting

Bank guarantee submission

New & renewal applications

Develop software to verify notary signatures and seals.

D. Public Information & Institutional Development

Inform the public about the Council’s services.

Coordinate with government bodies for implementation.

Create and maintain a reference library (laws, gazettes, study materials).

Prepare and implement annual work plans.

Manage and mobilize financial resources for long-term institutional development.

E. Legal System Management

Ensure notary-related works strictly follow Nepal’s existing laws.

Take initiatives to implement only those tasks legally assigned to notaries.

7. Contact Information

Nepal Notary Public Council

Phone: 01-5452357

Email: nepalnotary@gmail.com

 -Kalpana Sitoula