Procedure · what happens after you engage

A matter moves in a fixed order.

Litigation in India is slow, but it is not unpredictable. Knowing which stage you are at is most of the anxiety solved.

STAGE 01

Consultation

You bring the papers. Scope, the correct forum and — critically — limitation are assessed before anything is promised.

STAGE 02

Engagement

Scope and fee are confirmed in writing. You sign a vakalatnama, which is the authority to appear on your behalf.

STAGE 03

Institution or appearance

The plaint, complaint or petition is drafted and filed — or, if you have been summoned, appearance is entered and a reply drafted.

STAGE 04

Issues & evidence

Issues or charges are framed, affidavits and documents go on record, and witnesses are examined and cross-examined.

STAGE 05

Final arguments

Written submissions are filed and the matter is argued. Judgment is reserved and then pronounced.

STAGE 06

Execution or appeal

A decree in your favour is executed. An adverse order is appealed or taken in revision — always within the limitation period.

What the chamber needs from you.

A case is built out of documents and dates. The single biggest cause of delay is a client producing papers late, and the single biggest saving is a clean chronology written out before the first meeting.

Limitation is unforgiving. If you have received a notice, summons or order, bring it in immediately rather than after deciding what to do — the period for filing runs whether or not you have engaged an advocate.

BEFORE YOU COME IN

Bring every paper you have, even the ones that look unimportant — the FIR or summons, the notice, agreements and receipts, prior orders, and identity proof.

Write down the dates in order. A clean list of dates saves an hour of the consultation and is the single most useful thing a client brings.

If a matter is already listed, carry the case number and the next date of hearing.

FOR A BAIL OR ARREST MATTER, Tel:+919990444672 PHONE THE CHAMBER. DO NOT WAIT ON EMAIL.