why legalization now?

While doing some research I came across an interesting article about the Hague convention. This was implemented to ensure that all the countries who signed or joined will not need to go through a legalization process. So all I need to get is an Apostille, however the Netherlands consulate does not currently know that India is now a part of the Hague Convention.

As per the MEA to get an Apostille you need to do the following steps:

Procedure: All documents should be first authenticated by the designated agencies in the State from where thedocument has been issued. In case of personal documents, Home Department/General Administration Department arethe designated authorities. In case of educational documents, State Governments have now opened Regional Authentication Centers (RACs) (see list) at various States from where the document should first be attested. Documents attested by these authorities then need to be presented to MEA for issue of Apostilles.

Fee: A fee of Rs. 50/- in form of Postal/Pay Order drawn in favour of PAO, MEA, New Delhi is payable for each Apostille sticker.

You can find more information at the following link
http://meaindia.nic.in/apostille.htm

To know which all countries have acceded to the Hague Convention you need to check this link:
http://www.hcch.net/

The irony is Hague is in Netherlands and they themselves are not updated on which country needs legalization and which does not. FYI Indians should not go through legalization yet they still have to. This is in effect since August 29, 2007 and Netherland counsulates have still not updated their procedure did I mention Hague is in Netherlands and is considered the seat of Goverment very similar to our New Delhi in India.