Do Affidavits Still Serve Citizens, or Add Costly Journeys?

Preeti Kumari says people are often asked to get affidavits for government services.

An affidavit is a statement someone swears is true.

She argues that the person who witnesses the oath may not check whether the details are actually true.

Getting the paper can cost money and take a whole day, especially for people who live far from an office.

She says officials can still check important facts and punish people who deliberately lie without requiring an oath every time.

In court, people could still be questioned and their statements challenged.

Kumari suggests using identity-checked declarations that carry legal responsibility instead.

She points to examples from the United States and Ireland.

Her main question is whether the oath adds enough value to justify the burden.