Ensure stamp papers at low costs, HRC tells CS

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state human rights commission has directed the chief secretary to ensure availability of stamp papers at low costs. HRC chairman Justice J B Koshy issued the directive while considering a complaint filed by social activist P K Raju.
The complaint cited that people are forced to buy stamp papers worth Rs 500 due to non-availability of stamp papers worth Rs 20, 50 and 100.The stamp papers worth Rs 20 are required for birth and death certificates and Rs 200 stamp paper is required for rental agreements.
However, the finance department had issued an order in 2015 making 500 minimum stamp paper value for agreements. Later, it was brought down to Rs 200 owing to protests. P K Raju said that some people are generating a dearth of stamp papers of value Rs 200 so that people would buy stamp papers worth Rs 500.