Jamshedpur: For over two months, the steel city has been facing an acute shortage of non-judicial stamp papers, making it difficult for people to obtain legal authorisation of documents and affidavits.

Since the crisis pertains to stamp papers of Rs 10, Rs 20, Rs 50 and Rs 100, people have been left with no other option but to buy it from the black market or buy stamp paper of higher denomination, like Rs 500, to meet legal emergencies.

Non-judicial stamp paper is required for land registration, transfer of property, power of attorney and to execute various types of bonds, agreements, affidavits, besides other non-judicial work.

Concerned over the crisis, Singhbhum Chamber of Commerce and Industry ( SCCI) wrote to principal secretary, revenue and land reforms department K.K. Soan on Thursday, requesting him to ensure availability of lower denomination non-judicial stamp papers at post offices and common service centres.

"We receive complaints from traders every day , saying they are finding it difficult to draw up agreements, bonds and issue declarations due to the crisis of non-judicial stamp papers of lower denomination," said SCCI general secretary Vijay Anand Moonka.

He said last month, during a meeting with chief minister Raghubar Das in Ranchi, an SCCI delegation had requested him to make available non-judicial stamp papers up to Rs 100 without legal formalities. Currently, those in need of lower denomination non-judicial stamp papers are required to apply online at the local court by submitting an ID proof. "People find it difficult as they have to wait for three to four hours after applying to get the required number of stamp papers," Moonka pointed out.

Jamshedpur civil court lawyer A.K. Mishra said black marketing of stamp papers was on the rise. "Stamp papers of Rs 10 and Rs 50 denomination is being sold at Rs 100 and Rs 200. Those who can delay their work are able to wait. But others can't."

He said vendors get non-judicial stamps from Seraikela and elsewhere.