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Web Desk | B42 News
The Punjab government has announced a significant increase in stamp paper and e-stamp paper fees, effective from January 2026, triggering widespread concern among citizens already grappling with high inflation and rising living costs.
According to an official notification, the minimum fee for e-stamp papers has been increased from Rs100 to Rs300, tripling the cost for basic legal documentation. Stamp papers commonly used for affidavits and routine legal matters will now cost substantially more.
One of the sharpest hikes has been imposed on divorce-related stamp papers, where the fee has surged from Rs100 to Rs1,000, raising concerns among legal experts and affected families.
Similarly, stamp papers required for domicile certificates, widely used for school admissions, scholarships, and employment applications, have been increased from Rs100 to Rs500.
The cost of stamp papers needed for new electricity, gas, and water connections has also risen dramatically, jumping from Rs100 to Rs1,000.
Property & Agreement Fees See Major Hike
Property-related documentation has been heavily impacted by the revised rates. The e-stamp paper fee for property sale agreements has been increased from Rs1,200 to Rs3,000.
For agreements valued up to Rs500,000, the stamp duty has similarly been raised from Rs1,200 to Rs3,000.
Agreements valued between Rs500,000 and Rs1 million will now require stamp papers costing Rs6,000, reflecting an additional Rs3,000 increase.
For high-value agreements exceeding Rs15 million, the Punjab government has imposed an additional Rs20,000 stamp paper charge, significantly raising transaction costs.
Non-property agreements have not been spared either, with their e-stamp paper fee increased from Rs100 to Rs500.
Meanwhile, the fee for powers of attorney has also been revised upward from Rs1,500 to Rs1,800.
New SIM Requirement Introduced
In a separate move aimed at improving transparency and preventing misuse, the government has made it mandatory for applicants to use a SIM card registered in their own name when applying for e-stamp papers.
Public Reaction
The sudden increase has drawn strong criticism from the public, with many citizens expressing frustration over the added financial burden. Critics argue that the revised fees will further strain households already struggling with soaring prices, while legal, property, and utility-related transactions are expected to become more expensive across the province.
