Circular No. 05/2023, Ban on Allowing Document Writers and Middlemen in Sub-Registrar Offices
The Head of the Tamil Nadu Registration Department issued Circular No. 05/2023, File No. 23217/S1/2023, dated 22 June 2023, directing Sub-Registrars to prevent document writers and middlemen from entering or operating inside Sub-Registrar Offices. The circular supplements earlier instructions and allows a document writer to enter only when called by the Sub-Registrar for official work.
What the circular governs
Circular No. 05/2023, File No. 23217/S1/2023, dated 22 June 2023, was issued by the Head of the Tamil Nadu Registration Department to improve transparency and prevent corruption in registration work. It adds to earlier departmental instructions concerning document writers and middlemen in Sub-Registrar Offices.
The circular applies to Sub-Registrars, licensed document writers, middlemen, District Registrars and Deputy Heads of the Registration Department involved in inspections.
Entry restrictions
Licensed document writers must not enter a Sub-Registrar Office for registration-related work unless the registering officer directs them to do so. Sub-Registrars must enforce this restriction strictly.
Key requirements are:
- A document writer may enter only when called by the Sub-Registrar for official purposes.
- Document writers and middlemen must not operate or move around inside Sub-Registrar Offices contrary to these instructions.
- Document writers must not use seating areas reserved for members of the public.
- Sub-Registrars must ensure that these restrictions are followed in their offices.
Consequences for violations
The Tamil Nadu Registration Department states that appropriate further action will be taken when document writers or middlemen are found operating or moving inside a Sub-Registrar Office in breach of the instructions. The action may be taken under the Tamil Nadu Document Writers Licence Rules, 1982, and the circulars of the Head of the Registration Department.
A document writer who violates the applicable rules may have the licence cancelled. A Sub-Registrar who fails to monitor or enforce the restrictions may face serious disciplinary action.
Monitoring and publication
District Registrars and regional Deputy Heads of the Registration Department must check compliance during surprise inspections. Their inspections must verify whether document writers and middlemen are being prevented from entering and operating inside Sub-Registrar Offices.
Every Sub-Registrar Office must display Circular No. 05/2023 on its notice board so that document writers can see it. All licensed document writers must also receive a copy, and their acknowledgement must be obtained and retained through the relevant District Registrar.
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Common questions
Can my document writer come inside the Sub-Registrar Office with me?
A document writer may enter only when the Sub-Registrar calls or directs the writer to enter for official registration work.
Can a document writer use the public seating area in a Sub-Registrar Office?
No. Sub-Registrars must ensure that document writers do not use seating areas reserved for members of the public.
What can happen if a licensed document writer breaks these restrictions?
Further action may be taken under the Tamil Nadu Document Writers Licence Rules, 1982, and departmental circulars. The circular states that a violator's licence may be cancelled.
Who checks whether Sub-Registrar Offices enforce the ban?
District Registrars and regional Deputy Heads of the Registration Department must verify compliance during surprise inspections. Sub-Registrars who fail to monitor the restrictions may face serious disciplinary action.
