LEGAL VALIDITY OF THUMB IMPRESSION

In this article we will provide the information related to the Legal Validity of Thumb Impression. And we will explain the law and practice behind these thumb impressions, making it easy to understand.

Table of Contents

RECORDING CONSENT THROUGH THUMB IMPRESSIONS

Have you ever wondered why some people use a left thumb impression (LTI) for men and a right thumb impression (RTI) for women to show consent on documents? When it comes to signing documents, the goal is to have a record of someone’s agreement with the content of the document.

Whether you can read and write or not, the process is pretty much the same. So, the rules for signing a document apply to everyone. But what if you can’t write your name or sign your name? In that case, people use their thumb impressions to show they agree with what’s written on the document.

It is a common way for illiterate, blind, or disabled people to agree to things like loan documents, declarations, making wills, opening bank accounts, or taking out money from their bank accounts.

LTI OR RTI: WHICH ONE’S RIGHT?

You might have heard that officials ask for a left thumb impression (LTI) from men and a right thumb impression (RTI) from women. But here’s the thing: there’s no specific law that says you have to use LTI for men and RTI for women.

It’s more of a tradition or custom. These customs have become part of the system and are considered the right way to do things, even though there aren’t strict rules about it.

USING “MARK” IN LEGAL DOCUMENTS

In legal language, the word “sign” can also mean “mark” when it comes to someone who can’t write their name. This is important because it allows people who can’t sign their name to use a thumb impression or some kind of mark instead. The law recognizes this, so it’s totally okay.

WHAT IF PERSON HAVE LOST BOTH HANDS?

Now, let’s say someone has lost both their hands. How can they provide a signature or mark on a document? According to a decision by the Supreme Court, there has to be physical contact between the person and the document when they put their mark or signature.

So, for someone who’s lost both hands, they can make their mark in any way they can. It could be a toe impression, for example. Or someone else can help them put their mark, using a tool that touches their body.

HOW BANKS HANDLE THUMB IMPRESSIONS

Banks often deal with customers who can’t sign their names because they’re illiterate, blind, sick, elderly, or have disabilities. In these cases, there’s a specific way that banks follow to make sure that the thumb impression is genuine and that the person agrees to what’s written in the document. Here’s what they do:

Identification by Witnesses

When someone needs to put their thumb or toe impression on a document, two witnesses are needed. Both of these witnesses should be known to the bank. One of them must be a responsible bank official, and the other should be someone the bank knows.

Certificate of Explanation

It’s important to have a certificate from the person who identifies the thumb impression. This certificate should say that the person who’s putting the thumb impression understood what was written in the document. It’s essential to make sure that the person knows what they’re agreeing to. This way, there won’t be any arguments later on.

Special Situations

Sometimes, the person who needs to put their thumb impression is in the hospital and can’t sign. In such cases, a medical attendant, along with one witness, can help the person make their mark. The medical attendant should also confirm that the person was fully conscious when they made their mark on the document. These steps that banks follow are meant to protect everyone involved and to make sure that people with different abilities can give their agreement in line with the law.

Video Credit : Chak De Knowledge

It’s all about making sure that people are treated fairly and that they can show their agreement, even if they can’t sign their names in the usual way.