What this format is for
A vakalatnama records a litigant's authorization for an advocate to act and plead in a proceeding. Courts commonly prescribe their own form, endorsements, welfare stamps, identification requirements and filing conventions, so a generic document must be checked against the forum's current rules.
The names and case description should match the pleading exactly. Every required client and advocate signature should be completed before filing, including acceptance and identification where prescribed.
Primary legal basis
Order III Rule 4 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, the Advocates Act, 1961, and the applicable court, tribunal and state welfare-fund rules.
When to use it
- An advocate is being appointed to act or appear for a party in a case.
- A new matter is filed, representation changes, or an additional advocate is engaged.
- The chosen forum accepts a vakalatnama rather than a different prescribed authorization form.
Information and documents to collect
- Full names and descriptions of every executing client.
- Court, case title, case number and proceeding type, if already assigned.
- Advocate name, enrolment details, address and contact particulars required by the forum.
- Scope of authority and any expressly limited instruction.
- Witness or identifier details where local rules require them.
- Applicable advocate welfare stamp, court fee or filing endorsement.
Free format preview
Use this as an organization checklist. Replace every bracketed field, delete inapplicable language and adapt the sequence to the prescribed form of the court or tribunal.
- 01Court and case-title heading
- 02Names of persons appointing the advocate
- 03Appointment and authority clause
- 04Address for service and contact particulars
- 05Client signatures and identification
- 06Advocate acceptance, signature and enrolment details
- 07Welfare stamp/fee and filing endorsement
How to prepare and file it
- 1Download or compare the prescribed form published by the specific court or tribunal.
- 2Match party names, descriptions and case particulars with the main pleading.
- 3Explain the authorization to the client and obtain signatures at all marked locations.
- 4Complete advocate acceptance, enrolment and identification details.
- 5Affix the correct welfare stamp or fee and scan both sides if e-filing rules require it.
- 6File with the pleading and retain the original when the e-filing procedure requires later production.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using a generic form where the court publishes a mandatory format.
- Party names or case descriptions that do not match the pleading.
- Missing client signatures, advocate acceptance or identification.
- Incorrect welfare stamp, court fee or enrolment details.
- Scanning an illegible document or omitting a reverse-side endorsement during e-filing.
Frequently asked questions
Is the same vakalatnama accepted by every court?
No. Many courts and tribunals prescribe a local form or additional declarations, stamps and identification requirements.
Does every client need to sign?
Every person granting authority should execute the document unless a legally authorized representative signs under valid authority that is also placed on record.
Can a scanned vakalatnama be filed?
Many e-filing systems accept a scan initially, but the original may need to be retained or produced. Follow the current rules and directions of the particular forum.
Official sources to verify
Check the current statutory text and the website or filing portal of the specific court before relying on any downloaded format.