The Maharashtra Stamp Department has issued a clarification stating that affidavits and declarations on Rs. 100 stamp paper will still be accepted by government authorities, despite the recent increase in the minimum stamp paper value from Rs. 100 to Rs. 500. This change, mandated by the Maharashtra Stamp Act, 2024, came into effect on October 14, 2024, causing confusion and additional requirements from various departments.
In response, the Stamp and Registration Department issued a circular on October 30, 2024, instructing government bodies not to mandate Rs. 500 stamp paper for these documents. The circular references a previous exemption (Circular dated November 16, 2021, and PIL 58-2021), which permits affidavits and declarations to be submitted on plain paper without the need for stamp duty.
