( 1 ) THE petitioner has filed this petition against non-consideration of his name for appointment of Notary under the Notaries Act, 1952 (hereinafter referred to as 'the Act' ).

( 2 ) THE State Government instead of filing return produced the record of selection of Notaries. Respondents Nos. 3 to 5 also relied upon the record and argued the case.

( 3 ) THE applications were invited for appointment of Notaries in the district of Bhind by District and Sessions Judge, Bhind. Only one name was sent. However, the Law Minister vide order dated 20-9-96 directed that panel of the lawyers be placed before him. Thereafter, applications were invited and 11 Advocates including the petitioner applied for appointment as Notary under Rule 4 of the Notaries Rules, 1956 (hereinafter referred to as 'the Rules' ). Thereafter, a notification was published in Official Gazette inviting objections under Rule 6 of the Rules.

( 4 ) AFTER no objections were raised, the District and Sessions Judge, Bhind, being competent authority, forwarded all the application forms to the State Government without recording any finding as to the person more suitable than other applicants for appointment.

( 5 )