Oath Commissioner

Make legal commitments to ensure integrity and authenticity of legal oaths

About

A person with the authority to witness the execution of significant legal documents such as affidavits and statutory declarations is known as a Commissioner for Oaths. They are usually, but not always, a solicitor and are chosen by the Chief Justice. A lawyer who is actively practising may also administer oaths. A Commissioner for Oaths charges a fee in contrast to a Peace Commissioner.

The proper administration of the necessary affirmation, declaration or oath is ensured in the presence of an oath commissioner. The commissioner's responsibility is to administer the oath to the declarant in accordance with the legal requirements. Before signing the documents, he or she must also confirm the legitimacy and identity of the deponents. A candidate for the position of oath commissioner must have the necessary training and expertise to succeed in the position.

Eligibility

For Bachelor’s

  • Candidates must have successfully completed their Intermediate/10+2 or equivalent examination with 50% from a recognised educational board.
  • A degree in L.LB is required to work as an Oath Commissioner. The eligible candidate must pass an entrance exam administered by the law departments of various universities in India or by independent law schools/Institutions in order to receive the L.LB degree. 
  • The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) is one of the most sought-after pathways into the legal profession.

For Masters

  • Candidates must achieve at least a 55% cumulative grade point average at the graduation level in order to meet the requirements shared by these colleges to be admitted into the LLM programme they offer.

Job Roles

An Oath Commissioner is an individual who is authorised by the government to administer oaths and affirmations for various legal and official purposes. Here are some of the common job roles of an Oath Commissioner:

  • Notary
  • Oath Commissioner
  • Advocate General
  • Legal Officers in Banks
  • Judicial Members of Income Tax
  • Judicial Members of Sales Tax
  • Judicial Members of Excise Department
  • Staff in Registrar of Company Office
  • Law Inspectors

Employment Sector Jobs

Oath Commissioners can be employed in the following sectors in order to sign the important and legal documents. Here are few employment sectors listed below:

  • Legal Sector
  • Banking Sector
  • Income Tax
  • Sales
  • Real estate offices
  • Educational Institutions

Top Recruiters

There are several top recruiters in India who hire Oath Commissioners based on a student's eligibility, training and practice sessions. The following are the top Oath Commissioner recruiters:

  • Supreme Court
  • High Court
  • District Court
  • Income Tax Department
  • Banks
  • Colleges
  • Universities

Salary

An Oath Commissioner's salary in India varies depending on factors such as the size, type of organisation for which they work, their level of experience and their location.

 

Entry-level Oath Commissioner lawyers

Approx Rs 2 lakhs to 3 lakhs per year

Senior Oath Commissioner lawyers

Approx Rs 4 lakhs - 5 lakhs per annum

Top-level Oath Commissioner lawyers

Approx Rs 6 lakhs - 8 lakhs per annum

 

Scope

The scope of an Oath Commissioner refers to the duties, responsibilities and authority that they have in administering oaths, affirmations and affidavits. The specific scope of an Oath Commissioner may vary depending on jurisdiction and local laws, but generally includes the following responsibilities:

  • Administering oaths and affirmations in connection with legal and government proceedings.
  • Witnessing the signing of legal documents such as affidavits and declarations.
  • Certifying the authenticity of signatures and copies of documents.
  • Maintaining records of the oaths and affirmations they administer.
  • An Oath Commissioner's role may be limited to specific types of oaths, affirmations, documents, but they may not have the authority to perform other notarial acts.

Benefits

The benefits of becoming an Oath Commissioner, also known as a Notary Public or a Justice of the Peace, include:

  • Oath Commissioners play an important role in ensuring the legality and authenticity of important documents, such as contracts and legal agreements.
  • Notarizing documents can be a source of additional income for individuals who work as an Oath Commissioner.
  • Becoming an Oath Commissioner can help individuals demonstrate their professional skills and can act as a step towards other careers in the legal or government sector.
  • They are often respected members of their communities and performing this role can provide a sense of pride and fulfilment.
  • The specific benefits of becoming an Oath Commissioner may vary depending on the jurisdiction and local laws.

Drawbacks

The drawbacks of being an Oath Commissioner also known as a Notary Public or a Justice of the Peace include:

  • In order to become an Oath Commissioner, individuals must meet specific requirements and it may be subject to certain restrictions such as the type of documents they are authorised to notarize.
  • Oath Commissioners can be held liable for any mistakes or inaccuracies in the documents they notarize and may be subject to legal action as a result.
  • Becoming an Oath Commissioner often requires a significant investment of time and money, including obtaining training and certification, purchasing necessary equipment and supplies and maintaining liability insurance.
  • Oath Commissioners may have limited career opportunities as the demand for their services is typically dependent on the local market and economy.
  • Competition for business can be intense, particularly in areas with a high number of Oath Commissioners.