When it is used
- Appearing for a party for the first time in any court or tribunal.
- Taking over a matter from another advocate, after a no-objection from the earlier advocate or leave of the court.
- Adding a second advocate or a firm to the case.
- Filing on behalf of a company, firm or society, signed by an authorised person with a board resolution or authority letter.
Vakalatnama format
Replace everything in [square brackets] and delete the options that don't apply.
IN THE COURT OF [THE CIVIL JUDGE (SENIOR DIVISION) / DISTRICT JUDGE / ____] AT [PLACE] [Case type] No. [____] of [year] IN THE MATTER OF: [Name of party] ... Petitioner / Plaintiff / Complainant Versus [Name of party] ... Respondent / Defendant / Accused VAKALATNAMA I / We, [name(s) of the party], the [Petitioner / Plaintiff / Respondent / Defendant / Accused] in the above case, do hereby appoint and retain [name(s) of Advocate(s)], Advocate(s), to appear, plead and act for me / us in the above case and to conduct and prosecute (or defend) it and all proceedings connected with it, including applications for execution, review, revision, appeal, withdrawal or compromise, in this Court and in any other Court to which the case may be transferred. I / We authorise the said Advocate(s): (a) to sign, verify and file plaints, written statements, petitions, applications, affidavits, appeals and all other documents; (b) to file and take back documents, and to apply for and receive certified copies; (c) to deposit and withdraw money, and to receive payments on my / our behalf [strike out if not given]; (d) to compromise, withdraw or refer the case to arbitration or mediation [only with my / our written consent]; (e) to engage any other Advocate to act in the case when necessary. I / We agree to ratify all acts done by the said Advocate(s) under this authority as if done by me / us. I / We will pay the fees agreed and will keep the Advocate(s) informed of every hearing. The Advocate(s) shall not be responsible if the case is heard in my / our absence because I / we failed to give instructions or the agreed fee. In witness whereof I / we have signed this Vakalatnama on this [day] day of [month], [year] at [place]. [Signature / thumb impression of the party] [Name and address of the party] Accepted: [Signature of Advocate] [Name of Advocate] Enrolment No. [____] [Chamber address] [Phone] | [Email] [Advocate Welfare Fund stamp / court fee, as applicable in the State]
Before you use it
Many courts and bar associations sell a printed vakalatnama with the welfare stamp attached, and higher courts often prescribe their own format. Use that form where it exists and treat this sample as a guide to what it should contain. This is a general format for information, not legal advice. Adapt it to your facts, your court and your State's rules, and have an advocate check it.
What to include
- Court name and place, case type, number and year exactly as on the court record.
- Full names of the parties and which side the client is on.
- Every advocate's name and enrolment number; the client's signature or thumb impression.
- The advocate's signature under 'Accepted', with address and contact details.
- Welfare stamp or court fee as your State and court require.
- For a company or firm: the signatory's designation and a board resolution or authority letter.
Common mistakes
- Using a generic form where the court or bar association prescribes its own printed form.
- Leaving out the welfare stamp; the registry may return the vakalatnama.
- Filing a new vakalatnama without the earlier advocate's no-objection or the court's leave.
- Giving the advocate powers the client did not intend, such as power to compromise or withdraw money, without striking them out.
Draft it with AI instead
In Xegality Drafting, describe the facts in English, Hindi or Hinglish and the AI drafts the vakalatnama for you. You can then check citations and risks, share it with your client for approval, and keep it with the case in your case diary.
