Attestation of document

Querist : Anonymous (Querist) 11 May 2011 This query is : Resolved
I was working as Deputy Director in a Government Department and was authorised to attest documents/record available in the office for production of the same to the Hon'ble High Court. Of one such document, only photocopy was received and the same was marked for action by the HOD. Since only photocopy was available in the record and the same was referred to in one of the reply filed by the HOD (Respondent) in the High Court. As per duty, since the photocopy on which action was already taken, was available in the record, it was attached with the reply filed by the HOD duly attested as true copy.

Have I committed any wrong/offence by doing so in the discharge of my duty?

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Guest (Expert) 11 May 2011
NORMALLY ATTESTATION MEANS VERIFIED WITH THE ORIGINAL AND CERTIFIED AS TRUE COPY OF THE ORIGINAL. SO YOU HAVE NOT DONE OUR DUTY PROPERLY.

R.Ramachandran (Expert) 11 May 2011
Dear Anonymous,
You are asking the question. Before that, please indicate the immediate reason for asking that question.

PARTHA P BORBORA (Expert) 11 May 2011
Before attesting a document you must verify and compare the original document with the photocopy. You cannot attest a photocopy without verifying the original. If in future it appears that the photocopy was not the true copy of the original, you shall be held liable.

Advocate. Arunagiri (Expert) 11 May 2011
In case of dispute over the existence of original document, you can be called as the witness. If you say that you have not seen the original but had signed, you can be arrayed as an accused, for fabrication of documents.