🔖 Can a Notary Public Use "Government of Gujarat" Car Sticker After Receiving Licence? 🚗⚖️

It has come to notice that some Notary Public license holders in Gujarat are seen using stickers or signage on their personal vehicles bearing the words "Government of Gujarat", ostensibly to denote their official status.

📌 Legal Position – Clarified:

🔹 A Notary is appointed under the Notaries Act, 1952, by the Central or State Government. However, a Notary is not a government servant, nor is he deemed to be in regular employment of the Government. He is an independent statutory functionary, authorised to perform certain public functions such as attestation, verification, etc.

🔹 As per Section 8 of the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950, the use of any name or emblem that suggests connection with the Central or State Government is prohibited, unless specifically authorised.

🔹 Rule 3 of the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Rules, 1982, specifically restricts such use by private individuals or institutions.

🔹 The Gujarat Notaries Rules, 2002, notified under the Notaries Act, do not provide any privilege for a notary to use State Government identification on personal or professional property, including vehicles.

🔹 Under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, affixing unauthorised designations, emblems, or names on private vehicles may attract penalties under Rule 50 and Rule 51. Misrepresentation can also invoke action under Sections 177A and 182 of the MV Act.

📍 Government Circular: The Gujarat Law Department, vide Circular No. Notary/102011/635/D dated 29.03.2012, has specifically clarified that:

> "A notary is not entitled to use the title or nameplate suggesting any official status akin to that of a government officer. Use of stickers or boards implying representation of 'Government of Gujarat' is not permissible and amounts to misuse."

🔴 Conclusion: No Notary, merely by holding a valid licence, is authorised to display a car sticker or signage stating “Government of Gujarat”. Doing so may constitute misrepresentation, breach of ethical conduct, and even invites penal and disciplinary action under the applicable legal framework.

#LegalEthics #NotaryLaw #LawDepartmentGujarat #MotorVehicleAct #NotariesAct1952 #EmblemsAct1950 #AdvocatesOfIndia  #ProfessionalIntegrity #LawyersOfGujarat