(1.) The petitioner has filed two writ applications which have been heard together as similar question is involved in both of them, and they are being disposed of herewith.
(2.) The matter relates to the authority of the Executive Magistrates to administer oath to certain categories of persons, who have been authorised to discharge this function under different Government instructions to be referred to hereinafter.
(3.) The petitioner has been duly appointed as a Notary under the Notaries Act, 1952 (Act 53 of 1952) by the State of Bihar under the notification dated 15th Dec. 1978, at Jehanabad. By virtue of his appointment he has been authorised to do all or any of the acts and things mentioned in S.8 of the Notaries Act in relation to verification, authentication, attestation of any document etc. and administer oath to or take affidavit from any person.