Legal Notices

Legal Notice Drafting & Sending

By G R Hari3 min read

Quick Answer

Legal Notice Drafting & Sending India is a formal communication sent by an advocate on behalf of a client to an opposing party, stating the grievance, demand, or intention to sue. It is often a prerequisite before filing a civil suit, as required under Section 80 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 for suits against the government.

Legal Notice Drafting & Sending — detailed explanation below

Governing Act — Legal Notice Drafting & Sending India

Legal notices are governed by general principles of contract law and procedural laws. For suits against the government or public officers, Section 80 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 mandates a two-month notice period. For other disputes, the notice is based on the terms of the contract or the nature of the claim. No specific statute exclusively governs legal notice drafting, but it must comply with the relevant substantive law (e.g., Indian Contract Act, 1872, Transfer of Property Act, 1882).


Government Department & Website for Legal Notice Drafting & Sending India

Legal notices are not filed with any government department; they are served directly to the opposing party. However, for suits against the government, the notice must be addressed to the concerned department (e.g., Ministry, State Government, or Public Officer). The official eCourts portal (https://ecourts.gov.in) provides information on filing suits after notice. No specific website exists for legal notice drafting.


Legal Notice Drafting & Sending India Application Process

The process involves: (1) Client consultation to understand the dispute and gather documents. (2) Drafting the notice with clear facts, legal grounds, and specific demands. (3) Review by the advocate for accuracy and legal compliance. (4) Sending the notice via registered post, speed post, or courier with acknowledgment due. (5) Preserving the proof of delivery and acknowledgment for future legal proceedings.


Key Forms Required for Legal Notice Drafting & Sending India

No prescribed government forms exist for legal notices. The notice itself is a formal letter on the advocate's letterhead. Required documents include: (1) Copy of the contract or agreement (if any). (2) Correspondence between parties. (3) Proof of payment or breach. (4) Identity and address proof of the client. (5) Any other relevant evidence.


Eligibility Criteria for Legal Notice Drafting & Sending India

Any person or entity with a legal grievance or demand can send a legal notice. There is no age or citizenship restriction. However, the notice must be sent by an advocate enrolled with the Bar Council of India to be legally effective. The client must have a valid cause of action and must not be barred by limitation (as per the Limitation Act, 1963).


Timeline for Legal Notice Drafting & Sending India

No specific timeline is prescribed by law for drafting and sending a legal notice. The Limitation Act, 1963 provides time limits for filing suits, and the notice must be sent within the limitation period. For suits against the government, Section 80 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 requires a two-month notice period before filing the suit. The actual time for drafting and sending depends on the complexity of the case and availability of documents.


Fees for Legal Notice Drafting & Sending India

The fees for legal notice drafting and sending are not prescribed by any statute. Advocates charge based on the complexity of the matter and the time involved. Below is an indicative fee structure commonly observed:

ServiceFee Range (INR)
Drafting of legal notice1,000 - 5,000
Sending via registered post500 - 1,000
Courier charges200 - 500
Total (approximate)1,700 - 6,500

Note: These are indicative figures and may vary. No government fee is applicable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Legal Notice Drafting & Sending India?

Legal Notice Drafting & Sending India is a formal written communication sent by an advocate on behalf of a client to an opposing party, stating the grievance, demand, or intention to sue. It is often a prerequisite before filing a civil suit, especially against the government under Section 80 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908.

Why is Legal Notice Drafting & Sending India important?

A legal notice serves as a final opportunity for the opposing party to resolve the dispute without litigation. It also establishes a record of the demand and can be used as evidence in court. For suits against the government, it is mandatory to serve a notice under Section 80 CPC.

Who can send a Legal Notice Drafting & Sending India?

Any individual, company, or entity with a legal grievance can send a legal notice through an advocate enrolled with the Bar Council of India. The notice must be based on a valid cause of action and within the limitation period.

What documents are needed for Legal Notice Drafting & Sending India?

Documents typically required include the contract or agreement, correspondence between parties, proof of payment or breach, identity and address proof of the client, and any other relevant evidence supporting the claim.

Is Legal Notice Drafting & Sending India mandatory before filing a suit?

For suits against the government or public officers, a legal notice is mandatory under Section 80 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908. For other civil suits, it is not legally required but is highly recommended as it can lead to settlement and strengthens the case.

How is Legal Notice Drafting & Sending India served?

The notice is sent via registered post, speed post, or courier with acknowledgment due. The advocate retains the proof of delivery and acknowledgment for future legal proceedings. In some cases, it may be served through a process server.

What happens after Legal Notice Drafting & Sending India?

After receiving the notice, the opposing party may respond, negotiate, or ignore it. If no response or settlement occurs within the stipulated time (e.g., 30 days), the client may proceed to file a suit in the appropriate court.