SRINAGAR, Feb 5 – Residents and legal experts in Jammu and Kashmir have raised concerns over the design of domicile certificates, citing the disproportionately large font used for magistrates’ names and the excessive repetition of digital signatures.
The domicile certificate, an essential document for residents to prove their eligibility for domicile status, includes key information such as the applicant’s name, parentage, and address. However, critics argue that the inclusion of the magistrate’s name in a prominent font size, appearing multiple times on the certificate, has led to confusion among applicants.
Several residents and legal professionals have voiced concerns over the issue, calling for immediate rectification.
Mudassir Hussain Shah, a concerned citizen, stated that the placement of the magistrate’s name in such a large font distracts from the applicant’s details. “Many people, especially those who are less familiar with official documents, initially mistake the magistrate’s name for their own. This is a fundamental design flaw that needs correction,” he said.
Nasir Hussain Kichloo, another resident, emphasized that the presence of the magistrate’s name three times on the document is excessive. “A domicile certificate is about the applicant, not the official signing it. The repeated digital signatures create unnecessary clutter and diminish the document’s readability,” he told The Chenab Times.
Adv Zeehsan, a legal expert, highlighted that government-issued documents should follow a standardized and professional format. “In legal documentation, clarity is key. The magistrate’s name should appear only once, in a normal font, and the digital signature should be placed appropriately to maintain the document’s authenticity without overpowering the applicant’s details,” he explained.
Observers have suggested that the concerned department streamline the document by reducing the size of the magistrate’s name and limiting the digital signature to a single instance. “A cleaner, more structured layout would enhance readability and eliminate unnecessary confusion,” said a legal expert familiar with the matter.
Authorities have yet to respond to these concerns. However, residents hope that necessary modifications will be made to improve the usability of the document.
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Anzer Ayoob is the Founder and Chief Editor to The Chenab Times
