The most common outcome is that the family member’s application (for a passport, job, or college) is simply rejected, causing delays and unnecessary stress. The "Rule of Thumb"
A Gazetted Officer is a high-ranking government official authorized to certify that a photocopy is a true representation of an original document. Capacity of Power: The most common outcome is that the family
While acting as an attesting authority, a Gazetted Officer is exercising state powers conferred upon them by the government. Legally, their duty is to verify that a photocopy matches its original. Because the law does not strictly forbid them from performing this task for relatives, an officer can do so at their own professional risk. Despite this, administrative bodies often reject such documents to maintain neutrality and prevent fraudulent bias. ⚖️ Legal vs. Practical Reality 1. The Legal Framework Legally, their duty is to verify that a
In many specific departments—especially in banking and the Ministry of External Affairs—internal guidelines explicitly state that The Risks Involved ⚖️ Legal vs
It is considered unprofessional to "witness" or certify facts for one's own dependents, as the officer is not a neutral third party in that context. Modern Alternative: Self-Attestation
: Name, designation, and contact number must be clearly mentioned for traceability. For highly sensitive documents, such as passport verifications citizenship certifications