Can A Gazetted Officer Attest Documents Of His Family Members -

For failing to maintain professional distance.

Even if an officer signs the document, the receiving organization (like the Passport Office or a University) has the right to reject it if they notice the surnames match or if they suspect a lack of objectivity. What Do the Rules Say? For failing to maintain professional distance

Check if the department accepts "Self-Attestation." Many modern government initiatives (like Digital India ) now allow individuals to sign their own copies, provided they carry the originals for physical verification later. Check if the department accepts "Self-Attestation

In many specific departments—especially in banking and the Ministry of External Affairs—internal guidelines explicitly state that The Risks Involved The Problem of "Conflict of Interest"

A Gazetted Officer (Group A or B) is a public servant whose appointment is listed in the Official Gazette of the Government. Because they represent the authority of the State, their attestation serves as a guarantee that the photocopy of a document is a true representation of the original. The Problem of "Conflict of Interest"