The court directed the government to complete the re-validation of stamp papers and procure additional supplies within three weeks.

JUDGMENT

A. Muhamed Mustaque, Acg.C.J.

This writ petition highlights the non availability of Stamp Paper of smaller denominations. A written instruction of the learned Senior Government Pleader is placed before us, which reads thus:

“As per GO(P) No.143/2023/TAXES Dated 09/10/2023 (Government notification S.R.O. No.1075/2023), Government permitted to re- validate the non-judicial stamps of denominations of Rs.5, 10, 20 to Rs.100/- which remains unused in Treasuries and Central Stamp Depot. During the period from June 1, 2024 to till date, a total number of 9,37,646 stamps of face value of Rs.100 have been issued to vendors for distribution to general public and stake holders after re- validation. 12,22,679 stamp papers in the face-value of 20 remains in Treasuries for re- validation and distribution to Vendors. It is hoped that the re-validation process of these stamp papers would be completed by the end of September, 2024.

In case of limited stocks of stamps is reported from any area, the Treasury department is taking urgent measures to rectify that by delivering stamps from other districts that have adequate stock.

The Central Stamp Depot Officer has submitted an application to the Government for obtaining permission to take 600,000 more stamp papers of face value 50 rupees which is already printed and stored at Nasik Central Security Press and Government are taking urgent steps in consultation with the Finance Department for procuring it.”

2. As seen from the above, 12,22,679 stamp papers in the face-value of Rs.20/- remain in the treasury for re-validation and distribution to vendors. So also, the Central Stamp Report Officer submitted an application to the Government seeking permission to take six Lakh more stamp papers with a face-value of Rs.50/-, which are already printed and stored at Nasik Central Security Press.

3. If that be the case, there shall be a direction to complete the re-validation process of stamp papers of face- value of Rs.20/- which remain in the treasury within a period of three weeks. Similarly, the Government shall also take a decision in regard to the procurement of six Lakh stamp papers with a face-value of Rs.50/- within a period of three weeks.

This writ petition stands disposed of as above.