Vakalatnama Format: What It Says and How It Is Filed
A vakalatnama is the document by which you appoint an advocate to appear and act for you in a case. Advocates usually supply the court’s printed form; this page explains what it says.
Vakalatnama format
Advocate welfare stamp / court fee: affix as required by the court ______________
VAKALATNAMA
In the Court of the Civil Judge (Senior Division), Ernakulam
O.S. No. ____ of 2026, Pooja Nair versus Joseph Mathew
I / We, Pooja Nair, Plaintiff, residing at Flat 11, Palm Grove Apartments, Kakkanad, Kochi, Kerala 682030, hereby appoint and retain Adv. Suresh Kumar K., Enrolment No. K/____/2010, of Chamber No. 14, Advocates’ Chambers, High Court Road, Ernakulam 682031, to appear, plead and act for me / us in the above case and in all proceedings arising from it, including applications, execution, review and appeal where permitted.
- To file and receive documents, plaints, written statements, affidavits, applications and other papers.
- To deposit and withdraw amounts and documents in court and to give receipts for them.
- To engage another advocate to act in the matter if needed.
- To compromise or withdraw the case only with my / our specific written instructions.
I / We agree to ratify all acts done by the advocate under this vakalatnama and to pay the agreed fees. I / We shall attend court personally when required.
Signed at Kochi on 14 October 2026.
Drafting note: Each court and High Court has its own printed vakalatnama form and welfare stamp rules. Your advocate will normally provide the right form; this text helps you understand what you are signing.
Notarised / attested on ______________ by ______________ Registration No. of notary ______________
Registration, if required: Sub-Registrar office ______________ Document No. ______________
Points to know
- Order III Rule 4 of the Code of Civil Procedure requires a pleader’s appointment to be by a document in writing signed by the party or an authorised person.
- An advocates’ welfare stamp is affixed under the Advocates’ Welfare Fund Act, 2001 or the State’s own welfare fund law; values differ by court and State.
- Each High Court and many district courts prescribe their own printed form.
- Read the clauses about compromise and withdrawal of the case before you sign.
Frequently asked questions
Can I change my advocate?
Yes. The new advocate files a fresh vakalatnama, usually with the earlier advocate’s no objection or the court’s leave.
Does a vakalatnama expire?
It generally continues until the case ends or it is withdrawn, subject to court rules.
Please note: these templates are for general information and are not legal advice. Laws, stamp duty, notarisation and registration rules vary by State. Consult an advocate for your case. This is an independent website, not a law firm and not a government office.