The Indian Stamp Act, 1899 — India law | Esheria

The Indian Stamp Act, 1899

This provision gives the Act its short title, says it applies across India with a stated exception, sets its commencement date, and defines key terms like “instrument” and “stamp.”

Jurisdiction
India
Instrument
Act or statute
Version
Undated source snapshot
Language
en
Official source
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adjudication of stamp duty admissibility of unstamped instruments deficit stamp duty document duty duty collection financial assets transfer government company transfers impounding instruments market value determination property registration receipts regulatory instructions rulemaking securities transactions stamp administration stamp duty administration statutory definitions territorial extent

Statute overview

About this statute

This provision gives the Act its short title, says it applies across India with a stated exception, sets its commencement date, and defines key terms like “instrument” and “stamp.” Some specified transfers and securities transactions are exempt from stamp duty, and the Government may reduce, remit, or consolidate duties by rule or order. This part requires stamped receipts in certain payment cases, lets the Collector decide stamp duty questions, and gives officials powers to impound and endorse unstamped instruments. If an instrument seems undervalued for stamp duty, the registering officer must refer it to the Collector, and the Collector can determine market value, demand deficit duty, interest, and penalties. The Central Government and State Governments are given rule-making and delegation powers here, and rules must be published in the Official Gazette.

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