The main object of the Bill is to update the law relating to the notarial profession by providing as many safeguards as possible for the public who use the services of a notary. The Notarial Council is being given, together with the Court of Revision of Notarial Acts, a pivotal role in the collection of notarial acts, their review, inspection and deposit in the Notarial Archives. The Council will have various self-regulatory powers over members of the profession. The Bill introduces precautionary measures to ensure that a notary who does not preserve notarial acts in terms of law, and fails to comply within a reasonable time, be partially incapacitated from the exercise of his functions and, should he persist, be deprived of his office. The Bill further protects the public interest by minimizing the possibility of notarial acts being null or annulable solely on formal grounds, and by introducing compulsory professional indemnity cover for notaries. Following some recent judgements, the Bill clarifies and regulates certain powers of notaries which are not specifically mentioned in the Act.