Vakalatnama Format: Free Template & How to Fill It
A vakalatnama is the document by which a client authorises an advocate to appear and act on their behalf in court. Below is the standard format used in Indian courts, a copy-ready template, and a step-by-step guide to filling and filing it.
What is a vakalatnama?
A vakalatnama (also spelled vakalath or vakalatnama) is a written authority executed by a party to a case — the plaintiff, defendant, petitioner, respondent, complainant, or accused — appointing an advocate to represent them. Once accepted and filed, it empowers the advocate to appear, plead, file applications, and receive documents on the client's behalf for that matter. It is filed alongside the plaint, petition, or written statement.
Standard vakalatnama format
The structure is largely uniform across District Courts, High Courts, and the Supreme Court, with minor variations in the cause title and court-fee stamp. A typical vakalatnama contains:
- The cause title — the name of the court, case number (if allotted), and the parties.
- The appointment clause — the client appointing the named advocate(s).
- The scope of authority — to appear, act, plead, compromise, withdraw, and receive money/documents as applicable.
- Client signature with date and place.
- The advocate's acceptance, enrolment number, and address for service.
- The court-fee stamp as required by the state.
Vakalatnama template (copy & adapt)
How to fill and file a vakalatnama
- Enter the correct cause title — court name, place, case number, and parties exactly as in the plaint/petition.
- Fill the party executing the vakalatnama and the advocate being appointed, with enrolment number.
- Have the client sign with date and place.
- The advocate signs the acceptance and adds the address for service.
- Affix the required court-fee stamp and file it with the main pleading.
Skip the manual work
AdvoDraftAI auto-generates a court-ready vakalatnama from your case details — correct cause title, party names, and court formatting for District Court, High Court, and Supreme Court.
Generate a vakalatnama free →Frequently asked questions
What is a vakalatnama?
A vakalatnama is a written authority a client gives to an advocate, authorising the advocate to appear, act, and plead on the client's behalf before a court. It is filed along with the plaint, petition, or written statement.
Is a vakalatnama the same as a power of attorney?
No. A vakalatnama authorises an advocate to represent a party specifically in court proceedings, while a power of attorney is a broader instrument that can authorise a person to act in a range of legal or financial matters.
Does a vakalatnama need a court-fee stamp?
Yes. A vakalatnama generally requires a court-fee stamp (the amount varies by state and court) and the advocate's acceptance and enrolment details.
Can I download a free vakalatnama format?
Yes — the template above can be copied and adapted. AdvoDraftAI can also auto-fill a court-ready vakalatnama from your case details.