Writing applications to be submitted in a court of law and drafting legally binding agreements are difficult, even for the literate. Not many people know how to go about.
But there is no need to worry. There are now private legal consultancy services. For a fee, the consultancy services will draft whatever it is that you want to have drafted.
There are three such consultancy services in the capital. All of them are run by retired judges or people who are familiar with legal affairs.
Drangpoen Kuenzang Tobgyel runs one of them, opening it last year soon after he retired as a judge from the High Court.
“People come here for various purposes. Most of them come to draft official papers because in today’s world, everything has to be done legally.”
There is no dearth of customers and he is a busy man, working seven days a week. On an average, he receives around 15 customers in a day.
Most of the customers are illiterate villagers but it is not unusual for businessmen, corporate employees or civil servants to visit his office.
“For people like us, it is not easy to write official letters. It is difficult to write down what is in our mind. So when we have someone who is trained and experienced in legal matters, it is very helpful,” said Dorji Khandu who had come to draft an application.
“It is also useful for those who may know how to write well but do not have any legal knowledge,” said Karma Thinley, another customer.
The consultancy firms also provide advice and represent customers in a court of law. The fees may be hefty, depending on how one may look at but it is reassuring to have a helping hand to guide you through the legal maze.
