Legal Format | India

Vakalatnama Format for Civil, Criminal, Family Courts, Tribunals and High Courts

A Vakalatnama is the written authority by which a party appoints an advocate to act, appear and plead on the party's behalf in a case. The exact form, court-fee or welfare-stamp requirement, identification, acceptance and filing procedure may vary according to the rules of the concerned court, tribunal, State or Bar Council.

Updated: August 2026

Legal basis: In civil proceedings, appointment of a pleader is governed principally by Order III Rule 4 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, subject to the rules and practice of the concerned court. The Advocates Act, 1961 regulates the right of advocates to practise. For criminal proceedings commenced under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, which came into force on 1 July 2024, the applicable criminal procedure and local court rules should also be checked.

Supreme Court of India: Do not use a generic trial-court or High Court Vakalatnama without checking the Supreme Court's prescribed filing requirements. Supreme Court Registry scrutiny requires the Vakalatnama to be duly executed by the party and accepted by the Advocate-on-Record (AOR), unless the party is proceeding in person in accordance with the applicable rules.

Download Vakalatnama in MS Word

Sample Vakalatnama Format

This is a general drafting sample. Modify the court title, case type, party descriptions and authorization clauses to match the rules and filing practice of the concerned forum.

VAKALATNAMA

IN THE COURT OF ______________________________
AT ______________________________

CASE / SUIT / APPEAL / COMPLAINT / PETITION NO. ______ OF 20____

In the matter of:

________________________________________
Plaintiff / Appellant / Petitioner / Complainant / Applicant

VERSUS

________________________________________
Defendant / Respondent / Accused / Opposite Party

I/We, ________________________________________, the above-named party/parties, hereby appoint and authorize ________________________________________, Advocate(s), to act, appear and plead for me/us in the above matter, subject to the rules of the Court and the terms of professional engagement.

The Advocate(s) is/are authorized, as permitted by law and the rules of the concerned Court:

To act, appear and plead in the above matter and in connected proceedings before the competent court or forum.
To sign, file, verify and present pleadings, applications, replies, written statements, appeals, revisions, reviews, cross-objections, execution applications, affidavits and other documents as may lawfully be required.
To file, produce, inspect, receive and take back documents and to admit or deny documents in accordance with law.
To make statements, seek adjournments, receive notices and take procedural steps necessary for proper conduct of the case.
Where specifically permitted and authorized, to withdraw, settle or compromise the matter, or take steps relating to mediation, conciliation or arbitration.
To take appropriate execution or enforcement proceedings and to receive monies, instruments or documents only to the extent lawfully authorized.
To engage, instruct or appear with another advocate where permissible under the applicable professional and court rules.
To do all other lawful acts necessary for the proper conduct and prosecution or defence of the matter.

I/We undertake to remain bound by lawful acts performed by the Advocate(s) within the authority granted by this Vakalatnama and subject to applicable law and professional rules.

Executed on this ______ day of __________________, 20____ at __________________________.

Client / Authorized Signatory
Name: __________________________
Mobile: _______________________
Email: ________________________

Accepted by Advocate
Name: __________________________
Enrollment No.: _______________
Mobile / Email: _______________

Identified by: ______________________________
Address: ___________________________________
Additional details / stamp, if required by Court rules: ______________________________

Points to Check Before Signing or Filing a Vakalatnama

Use the form prescribed by the concerned High Court, District Court, tribunal or special forum whenever a prescribed format exists.
Ensure the names and descriptions of the parties match the case title and filing records.
Enter the advocate's name, enrollment number and contact details wherever required.
Check whether advocate welfare stamps, court-fee stamps or any other local endorsement is mandatory.
The client should sign in the required place and the advocate should accept the Vakalatnama as prescribed by the relevant rules.
If the client signs through a power-of-attorney holder or authorized representative, verify that the supporting authority is valid and accepted by the concerned court.
For a change of advocate, follow the procedure of the concerned court. Requirements can differ, and a no-objection/consent or an application for discharge/change may be required in some courts.
For Supreme Court matters, use the current Supreme Court form and filing procedure applicable to an Advocate-on-Record or party-in-person.

Official Legal References

India Code - Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 India Code - Advocates Act, 1961 India Code - Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 Supreme Court of India - Filing Scrutiny / Default Checklist Supreme Court of India - Interlocutory Application Categories

Important Disclaimer

This page provides a general legal format for reference and drafting assistance. Court forms and filing requirements are jurisdiction-specific and may be amended by rules, practice directions, notifications or registry instructions. Before filing, verify the current requirements of the concerned court or tribunal and obtain professional legal advice where appropriate.