The notarisation process in India is transforming electronic notarisation, or e-notarisation, is receiving recognition from the courts. The Delhi High Court has twice accepted digitally notarised documents, paving the way for platforms like NotarEase to grow quickly and provide a modern alternative to traditional methods.
In the past, notarisation required meeting a notary in person to confirm the identities of signatories and authenticate documents. This process was often slow and sometimes unreliable because physical registers or papers could be misplaced. Karmanya Singh Sareen, a young advocate, noticed these problems when one of his clients in Dubai needed to file a trademark in India during the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of struggling with delays, he suggested completing the process online using a video call. That simple idea became the foundation of NotarEase.
The platform offers a clear and efficient workflow. Users upload their documents, enter the required details, and book an appointment. At the chosen time, they meet a notary online through Google Meet. The notary verifies their identity and then sends a secure link for digital signatures. Once everyone signs, the notary adds their own signature to finalise the process. The document becomes legally notarised in a matter of minutes rather than days.
This digital approach gained credibility in February 2024, when the Delhi High Court accepted e-notarised documents in a trademark infringement case. In May, the court reaffirmed its stance by approving documents notarised online for another matter. These rulings gave strong legal support to the service. NotarEase now displays these orders on its website as evidence of being the first Indian platform to receive such recognition.
Even with its advantages, the new system has raised questions. Senior notary Ramni Taneja has expressed support but pointed out that proper record-keeping remains a concern. Notaries must maintain registers by law, and many wonder how this requirement will adapt to a digital setting. Sareen, however, insists that NotarEase has implemented safeguards to ensure compliance. Each action is recorded in a secure log, making the process both transparent and traceable. Unlike paper registers, which can be lost, damaged, or even destroyed, digital records remain accessible and intact.
The benefits are clear. E-notarisation speeds up transactions, reduces the risk of losing important papers, and builds trust with its transparent process. Sareen has explained how traditional registers sometimes go missing or are destroyed, whereas the digital system prevents such problems. Courts and clients can view a full record of every step, which strengthens confidence in the process.
NotarEase, though run by a small team of five, has already made an impact. Its presence is visible through advertisements in the Delhi High Court. At the same time, new competitors are entering the market. Another start-up, eNotary, created by lawyers Prateek Lakra and Avi Kalra, is also gaining traction. They report that more courts across India are beginning to accept digitally notarised documents.
The rise of these platforms shows that e-notarisation is no longer a distant concept but a growing reality. As courts continue to accept electronic documents, this system will likely become the norm. The shift promises to save time, prevent document loss, and modernise India’s legal processes. NotarEase, with its pioneering role, is helping shape the future of notarisation in the country.
