Vakalatnama Format

वकालतनामा प्रारूप

Court Filings Updated: 2025-02-28

Overview

A Vakalatnama is a legal document that authorizes an advocate to appear and act on behalf of a party in court proceedings. It is the foundational document required before an advocate can represent a client in any Indian court.
Hindi वकालतनामा एक कानूनी दस्तावेज है जो एक अधिवक्ता को अदालती कार्यवाही में किसी पक्ष की ओर से पेश होने और कार्य करने का अधिकार देता है।

When to Use This Format

  • When appointing an advocate to represent you in court
  • For filing any case, petition, or appeal in court
  • When changing your advocate during ongoing proceedings
  • For appointing additional advocates in a case
  • When authorizing an advocate to act before tribunals

Key Components

  1. 1 Court Name

    Name and location of the court where the case is pending.

  2. 2 Case Details

    Case number, type, and year of the proceeding.

  3. 3 Client Details

    Full name, address, and party status (petitioner/respondent) of the client.

  4. 4 Advocate Details

    Name, enrollment number, and address of the advocate being appointed.

  5. 5 Authorization

    Scope of authority granted to the advocate including appearing, filing, and arguing.

  6. 6 Signatures

    Signatures of both the client and the advocate with date.

Sample Format

Download Word Document
VAKALATNAMA IN THE COURT OF _______________ AT _______________ Case No.: _______________ [Party Name] ... Petitioner/Plaintiff Versus [Opposite Party Name] ... Respondent/Defendant I, [Client Name], S/o [Father's Name], aged ___ years, residing at [Address], the above-named Petitioner/Respondent, do hereby appoint and authorize: Advocate [Name], Enrollment No. _____, Office at [Address] to act, appear, and plead on my behalf in the above matter and in all proceedings connected therewith, including: (a) Filing, signing, and verifying pleadings and applications; (b) Appearing before the Court and making submissions; (c) Examining and cross-examining witnesses; (d) Filing and receiving documents; (e) Making and receiving payments; (f) Filing appeals, revisions, or reviews; (g) Applying for certified copies of orders and judgments; (h) All acts necessary for the conduct of the case. I agree to ratify all acts done by the said advocate in pursuance of this authority. Date: _______________ Place: _______________ CLIENT: _______________ ADVOCATE: _______________ (Signature) (Signature & Enrollment No.)

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Choose Your Advocate

Select a qualified advocate enrolled with the Bar Council. Verify their enrollment status.

2

Discuss the Case

Brief the advocate about your case and agree on fees and terms of engagement.

3

Fill the Vakalatnama Form

Fill in the court name, case details, client details, and advocate details in the prescribed form.

4

Sign the Document

Both the client and advocate must sign the vakalatnama.

5

File in Court

Submit the vakalatnama along with the case filing or as a separate document in pending cases.

6

Retain a Copy

Keep a copy of the signed vakalatnama for your records.

Important Notes

  • A vakalatnama is mandatory before an advocate can appear in court on your behalf.
  • Different courts may have their own prescribed vakalatnama forms.
  • You can revoke a vakalatnama at any time by filing a revocation memo in court.
  • For Supreme Court matters, a separate vakalatnama may be required for the AOR (Advocate on Record).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is stamp paper required for a Vakalatnama?

Requirements vary by court and state. In most District Courts and High Courts, the vakalatnama is filed on the court's prescribed form and does not require separate stamp paper. However, some courts may require it on court fee stamps.

Can I appoint multiple advocates through one Vakalatnama?

You can appoint a lead advocate and authorize them to appoint additional advocates. Alternatively, you can file separate vakalatnamas for each advocate you wish to authorize.

What happens if I want to change my advocate?

You can change your advocate by filing a new vakalatnama in favor of the new advocate and simultaneously filing a memo of revocation of the old vakalatnama. The court must be informed of the change.

Legal Disclaimer

This format is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. The format may need to be adapted based on specific circumstances, applicable laws, and jurisdictional requirements. Always consult a qualified advocate or legal professional before filing any legal document. For more details, see our Disclaimer.

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