Coimbatore Farmers Petition Collector for Clear Stamp Paper Seals to Prevent Legal Hassles
Farmers in Coimbatore have submitted a formal petition to District Collector Pavankumar G Giriyappanavar, demanding that land documents prepared and registered for them must be maintained with clear and proper seals. The petition was presented during the Farmers’ Grievance Redressal Meeting held at the district collectorate on Thursday.
Key Demands for Stamp Paper Clarity
The farmers, represented by the Tamilaga Vivasayigal Sangam, emphasized that seals affixed on stamp papers—which serve as crucial property documents—should clearly mention the location of the treasury office that issued them, along with the precise date and year of stamping. They also stressed the urgent need to ensure the proper quality and clarity of these seals to avoid future disputes.
Dr G Ranganathan, a state executive committee member of the association, highlighted that in many valuable stamp papers issued for sale, the seal indicating the treasury office and the stamping details are often unclear. "Even after registration, the seals affixed on the spread of documents are not clearly visible," he stated, pointing out a significant oversight in document preservation.
Historical Decline in Seal Quality
On examining documents registered over the decades, it was found that the clarity of such seals has gradually reduced from the 1930s to the present day. This decline persists despite technological advancements and increased government revenue from stamp paper fees, reflecting what the association describes as negligence in the concerned departments.
The petition argues that documents intended to be preserved for over a hundred years are being compromised due to poor seal quality, which could lead to legal ambiguities and property disputes.
Proposed Solutions to Improve Documentation
The association has requested authorities to investigate this issue thoroughly and take necessary action to enhance the quality of stamp seals. They have suggested several improvements, including:
- Introducing a computer-based verification system where the stamp paper number can be checked digitally to identify the treasury district where it was sold.
- Implementing stricter quality control measures for seal affixation during registration.
- Ensuring regular audits of document preservation practices to maintain clarity over time.
Such measures, the farmers believe, could help reduce the large number of property-related cases pending in courts by providing clearer, more verifiable documentation.
Broader Implications for Property Rights
This petition underscores a critical issue in land administration, where unclear documentation can lead to prolonged legal battles and financial losses for farmers. By advocating for better stamp paper seals, the Tamilaga Vivasayigal Sangam aims to safeguard property rights and promote transparency in land transactions.
The district collector has acknowledged the petition and is expected to review the concerns raised, with potential follow-up actions to address the farmers' demands for improved document clarity and preservation.
