Karnataka Stamp Act, 1957: s. 33(2) Proviso (b) - Scope of - In petition u/s. 11 of Arbitration and Conciliation Act,1996, the Judge of High Court referred the matter to the Registrar - To examine the nature and character of the instrument and then to determine whether the instrument was duly stamped - Propriety of - Held: Proviso (b) to Sub-section (2) of s. 33 empowers the Judge of High Court only to examine the instrument for the purpose of determining as to whether the instrument is duly stamped or not and for impounding the same - The provision does not contemplate any adjudication as regards the nature and character of the instrument - Such determination is part of judicial function, and the same cannot be delegated. Words and Phrases: 'Duly stamped' - Meaning of, in the context of s. 2(l)(e) of Karnataka Stamp Act, 1957.