How to Fill a Vakalatnama (Power of Attorney for Advocate)
What you need to know
A Vakalatnama (also spelled Vakilatnama) is a legal document by which a person authorizes an advocate to appear and act on their behalf in a court of law in India. It is mandatory under Order III of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, and must be signed by the client (called the 'executant') before the advocate can file any pleading or represent them. Without a properly executed Vakalatnama, an advocate has no authority to act for you in court proceedings. Once signed, it grants the advocate wide powers including filing documents, making statements, and accepting notices on your behalf.
Your rights
You have the right to appoint any enrolled advocate of your choice to represent you in court
You can revoke a Vakalatnama at any time by filing a notice of revocation and appointing a new advocate
You are entitled to receive copies of all court documents filed on your behalf by your advocate
You can restrict the scope of the Vakalatnama to specific proceedings or a specific court
What you should do now
Action firstObtain the correct Vakalatnama form
- Get the standard Vakalatnama form from your advocate, the court's filing counter, or download a template from your High Court's official website
- Ensure the form mentions the correct court name, case type, and party names exactly as they will appear in the case
Fill in the required details
- Enter your full name, address, and your role in the case (plaintiff/defendant/petitioner/respondent)
- Enter the advocate's full name, enrollment number, and the court in which they are authorized to act
- Specify whether the authority covers all courts or is limited to a specific court/case
Sign and execute the Vakalatnama
- Sign on the designated space in the presence of a witness; your advocate usually acts as witness
- Affix a court-fee stamp if required by the relevant High Court rules (amount varies by state, typically Rs. 2–10)
- If you are a company or firm, use the authorized signatory with a board resolution or authority letter attached
File with the court
- Your advocate files the Vakalatnama along with the first pleading (plaint, petition, or written statement) at the court registry
- Keep a signed copy for your own records in case of future disputes with the advocate
Acts applicable
Code of Civil Procedure, 1908
centralOrder III Rules 4 & 5 — appointment and duties of pleaders
Advocates Act, 1961
centralSection 30 — right of advocates to practise
Notaries Act, 1952
centralApplicable if Vakalatnama requires notarisation in certain proceedings