Attaching your passport size photograph to Photographs and Fingerprints as per Section 32A of Registration Act 1908
If you've signed documents for India, like the power of attorney, you'll be familiar with this form. It requires you to provide your fingerprint (left thumb), your name and permanent postal address, and a passport-sized photograph of yourself.
Here's an interesting case. Recently, one of our clients was asked to re-sign their Photographs and Fingerprints form because it was rejected. Our client's form was rejected because our client had provided a black and white photograph of themselves according to the instructions in the form that specifically state that a "black & white" photograph was required. Their lawyer directed them to re-sign their form with a colour photograph!
Should you use a colour photograph or black and white photograph?
So what does this mean for clients who must sign and submit this form with their fingerprint and photograph? Honestly, it's unclear to us whether a colour photograph or a black and white photograph is required. The form states black and white, but in practice the majority of our clients use colour photographs (as this is generally the only readily available format) and for the few clients who have used a black and white photograph, it was only in this one case where their form was rejected.
If you're not sure whether you should be using a colour photograph or a black and white photograph, it's best to ask your lawyer in India for advice and direction.
What next?
To obtain a quote on our notary public services for India, please visit https://www.notary-parramatta.com.au/notary-fees/.
Acknowledgements
This blog is supported and maintained by Phang Legal. Phang Legal is a leading provider of notary public services in Sydney. With offices conveniently located in Parramatta, Phang Legal supports and services the Indian community across Sydney with readily available and easily accessible notary public services at highly competitive rates.
Frequently asked questions regarding our notary public services can also be found at https://www.notary-parramatta.com.au/faqs/.
Ern Phang
Notary Public
Ern Phang is the solicitor director of Phang Legal and a notary public. Ern regularly writes about his experiences as a notary public, including the kinds of problems and solutions that his clients face when sending documents to India.
IMPORTANT: the information in this article is correct at the time of publication, however, the law constantly changes. This means you should always refer to the most recent articles because we try to update this blog on a regular basis with the most current information.
