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Law Dissertation Topics: How to Choose, With 20 Samples

Last updated: 18 October 2026

Short answer: A good law dissertation topic is current, narrow, researchable in the time you have, and fills a gap. Start from an area you enjoy, pick a recent development (a new statute, rule or judgment), narrow it to one question that can be answered in 15,000 to 25,000 words, check that sources or data are available, and test it with your supervisor before you commit. Below are a five step method, a one page synopsis skeleton and 20 sample topics built around developments up to October 2026.

The five tests for a good topic

Test	Ask yourself	Warning sign
Relevance	Is there a recent Act, rule, judgment or policy debate behind it?	Your sources stop in 2015
Narrowness	Can I state the research question in one sentence?	The title starts with “A study of” and names a whole Act
Gap	What will my work add that existing books and articles do not?	Three recent articles already answer your question
Feasibility	Can I get the material (judgments, data, interviews) within my deadline?	You depend on records you have no access to
Fit	Does my supervisor know the area, and will it help my career plans?	Nobody in the department works in the field

Step by step: from interest to a researchable question

Pick a broad area you like: criminal law, technology law, labour law, consumer law, constitutional law.
Find a recent trigger. For example: the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 in force from 1 July 2024; the four Labour Codes from 21 November 2025; the DPDP Rules, 2025 notified on 13 November 2025; the Allahabad High Court’s August 2026 ruling on the Uttar Pradesh tenancy law.
Narrow it by provision, group, place or period. “Data protection” becomes “verifiable parental consent under rule 10 of the DPDP Rules” becomes “verifiable parental consent for edtech platforms in India”.
Write the research question. Prefer “how”, “to what extent” and “whether” questions over “what is”. For example: “To what extent does rule 10 of the DPDP Rules, 2025 provide a workable method of verifying parental consent for edtech platforms?”
Check the gap and the sources. Search Google Scholar, SCC Online or Manupatra, the court websites and the Law Commission reports. Note what has been written and what has not.

Choosing a method

Method	What it involves	Suits
Doctrinal	Close study of statutes, rules and judgments	New laws, constitutional questions, interpretation problems
Empirical	Data from case records, surveys, interviews or RTI replies	Implementation questions: is the law working on the ground?
Comparative	Comparing India with one or two other jurisdictions	Design questions: how should India regulate this?
Mixed	Doctrinal analysis with a small empirical component	Most LL.M. dissertations with an implementation angle

Empirical work with people (interviews, surveys) usually needs your institution’s ethics approval and informed consent forms. Plan this early. An RTI application can be a useful, low cost way to get official data; our guide on how to file an RTI application explains the process.

Free one page synopsis skeleton

1. Title: specific, with the provision or setting named.

2. Introduction and background: half a page on the law and why it matters now.

3. Statement of the problem: the gap or conflict you will address.

4. Research questions: two to four, numbered.

5. Objectives: what you will do to answer each question.

6. Hypothesis (if any): a testable statement, mainly for empirical work.

7. Literature review (short): five to ten key sources and what they leave open.

8. Research method: doctrinal, empirical, comparative or mixed, with sources and any data plan.

9. Scope and limitations: period, jurisdiction and what you will not cover.

10. Tentative chapter plan: four to six chapters.

11. References: in the citation style your institution prescribes.

Need the complete, editable set? The Lexfolio 100 Law Dissertation Topics guide gives you 100 current topics across 12 fields, each with research questions, a suggested method and the key Acts, sections and cases to start with, plus worked examples of research questions, objectives and hypotheses.

20 sample dissertation topics for 2026 to 27

Technology, data and information law

Transparency after the DPDP amendment: has the new section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act, substituted by section 44(3) of the DPDP Act, 2023, upset the balance between privacy and the right to information? (The Supreme Court referred challenges to a larger Bench in February 2026.)
Verifiable parental consent under rule 10 of the DPDP Rules, 2025: is it workable for edtech and gaming platforms in India?
Breach intimation within 72 hours under the DPDP Rules: a comparative study with the European Union’s GDPR.
Neutral citations and open access to judgments: how far has the Supreme Court’s INSC system reduced dependence on paid law reports?

Criminal law under the BNS, BNSS and BSA

Community service as a punishment under section 4(f) BNS: the missing implementation framework.
The omission of IPC section 377: is there a gap in protection for adult male victims of non-consensual sexual acts under the BNS?
Hit and run under section 106(2) BNS: what does keeping an enacted offence out of force say about legislative and executive roles?
Zero FIR and e-FIR under section 173 BNSS: an empirical study of implementation in one district.
Electronic evidence under section 63 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023: continuity and change from the section 65B certificate regime.

Commercial, consumer and civil law

Graded compounding costs in cheque bounce cases after the Supreme Court’s 2025 directions in Sanjabij Tari v. Kishore S. Borcar: will they speed up settlement?
Strict construction of statutory notices: the section 138 demand notice after Kaveri Plastics (2025).
Pre-institution mediation under section 12A of the Commercial Courts Act: effectiveness after Patil Automation (2022).
e-Jagriti and access to consumer justice: a study of party-in-person filings in a District Commission.
Advocates outside consumer law after Bar of Indian Lawyers v. D.K. Gandhi (2024): what other routes to accountability exist?

Labour, employment and workplace law

Fixed-term employment under the Labour Codes: equal treatment and pro rata gratuity in practice.
The statutory appointment letter under section 6(1)(f) of the OSH Code: can it formalise employment in small establishments?
The 50 per cent wages rule under the Code on Wages, 2019 and its effect on social security contributions.
POSH disclosures in Board’s reports under the 2025 amendment to the Companies (Accounts) Rules: do they improve accountability?

Constitutional and property law

Repugnancy and Presidential assent: the Allahabad High Court’s August 2026 ruling on the Uttar Pradesh Regulation of Urban Premises Tenancy Act, 2021 and its implications for other State rent laws based on the Model Tenancy Act.
The Model Tenancy Act, 2021 and cooperative federalism: why has adoption by States been slow?

Each of these can be made narrower still, by limiting it to one State, one sector or one period. That is usually a good idea.

Academic integrity: stay safe on similarity checks

The UGC (Promotion of Academic Integrity and Prevention of Plagiarism in Higher Educational Institutions) Regulations, 2018 grade similarity in theses and dissertations into levels: up to 10 per cent is treated as minor, and higher bands attract increasing consequences. Your university may set its own limits. To stay safe:

Put statutory and judicial wording in quotation marks with a precise citation and pinpoint, instead of closely paraphrasing it.
Write your analysis from your own notes, not by rewording a source sentence by sentence.
Cite every idea you take, including from websites and blogs.
Keep a source log from day one.

See our guide on how to cite Indian cases, SCC, AIR and neutral citations for footnote forms.

Common mistakes at the topic stage

A title that covers a whole Act (“A study of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019”).
Choosing a topic only because it is fashionable, with no access to sources.
Planning interviews without ethics approval or time to conduct them.
Ignoring the new criminal laws and writing as if the IPC and CrPC still governed new cases.
Not reading the three or four most recent articles on the topic before writing the synopsis.

Short on time before synopsis submission? The 100 Law Dissertation Topics guide gives you ready research questions, methods and starting sources for every topic, so you can shortlist, discuss with your supervisor and draft a synopsis in a day.

Frequently asked questions

How do I choose a law dissertation topic quickly?

Pick an area you enjoy, find one recent Act, rule or judgment in it, and narrow it to a single question you can answer with available sources. Test it with your supervisor.

What is a good length for a law dissertation?

It depends on your university. LL.B. dissertations are often around 10,000 to 15,000 words and LL.M. dissertations 20,000 to 40,000 words. Follow your regulations.

Should I choose a doctrinal or empirical topic?

Doctrinal topics are easier to finish on time. Choose empirical work only if you have access to data and time for ethics approval and fieldwork.

How many research questions should a dissertation have?

Usually two to four. Each should be answerable within your chapters.

Can I change my topic after the synopsis is approved?

Small changes in scope are common. A complete change usually needs your supervisor’s and department’s approval, so decide carefully at the start.

Where can I find recent judgments for my topic?

The Supreme Court and High Court websites, which now carry neutral citations, along with databases such as SCC Online and Manupatra if your library subscribes.

*This article is general information, not legal advice.*

18 October 2026

How to Cite Indian Cases: SCC, AIR and Neutral Citations

Last updated: 18 October 2026

Short answer: An Indian case citation has the case name followed by the report details: for example, Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India, (1978) 1 SCC 248 means volume 1 of Supreme Court Cases for 1978, starting at page 248. The same judgment is also reported as AIR 1978 SC 597 (All India Reporter, 1978, Supreme Court section, page 597). Since 2023 the Supreme Court also gives its own neutral citation in the form year INSC number, for example Association for Democratic Reforms v. Union of India, 2024 INSC 113 (the electoral bonds case). Where a neutral citation exists, give it first, add a report citation if your style needs it, and always add a pinpoint (page or paragraph) when you rely on a specific passage.

Reading a case citation, part by part

Take the basic structure case: Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala, (1973) 4 SCC 225.

Part	Example	Meaning
Case name	Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala	The parties in short form, usually in italics
Year	(1973)	In round brackets for SCC because volume numbers restart each year
Volume	4	The fourth SCC volume of 1973
Reporter	SCC	Supreme Court Cases
First page	225	Page on which the report begins
Pinpoint	, 300 or , para 1534	The exact page or paragraph you rely on (take it from the report you actually read)

The same judgment is reported as AIR 1973 SC 1461. Giving two reporters together, “(1973) 4 SCC 225 : AIR 1973 SC 1461”, is a parallel citation. Courts and practitioners often use parallel citations; academic styles usually want one.

The main Indian reporters and database citations

Abbreviation	What it is	Typical form
SCR	Supreme Court Reports, the official report of the Supreme Court	[1978] 2 SCR 621
SCC	Supreme Court Cases	(1978) 1 SCC 248
AIR	All India Reporter, with Supreme Court and High Court sections	AIR 1978 SC 597; AIR [year] [High Court code] [page]
SCC OnLine	Database citation for judgments not printed in SCC	[year] SCC OnLine SC [number]; [year] SCC OnLine Del [number]
INSC	Supreme Court neutral citation	2024 INSC 113
Cri LJ	Criminal Law Journal	[year] Cri LJ [page]
ILR	Indian Law Reports (official High Court series by State)	ILR [year] [series] [page]
MANU	Manupatra database citation	MANU/SC/[number]/[year]

Neutral citations explained

A neutral citation is assigned by the court itself, independent of any private publisher, so anyone can find the judgment on the court’s website without a subscription.

Supreme Court

The Supreme Court announced its neutral citation system in February 2023 for judgments and orders from 1 January 2023, in the form year INSC number. It said older judgments would be given neutral citations in tranches going back to 1950, so earlier cases may also carry an INSC number on the Court’s website. Example: Association for Democratic Reforms v. Union of India, 2024 INSC 113, decided on 15 February 2024.

High Courts

Many High Courts now print their own neutral citations at the top of judgments, usually built from the year, a court code and a serial number. Formats differ. For example, the Allahabad High Court uses a form such as 2026:AHC:177234-DB (the “DB” marks a Division Bench decision). Copy the neutral citation exactly as printed on the judgment, including colons and suffixes.

How to use neutral and report citations together

Neutral citation available: Case name, 2024 INSC 113, then a report citation if your style or court requires it.
No neutral citation (most older cases): cite the report, preferably SCC or SCR for Supreme Court judgments.
Unreported judgment: give the case number, court and date: [Case name], W.P. (C) No. [ ] of [year], decided on [date] (Supreme Court of India).

Free cheat sheet: common forms

Material	Indian house style	OSCOLA	Bluebook (Bluepages)
Supreme Court case	Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India, (1978) 1 SCC 248	Maneka Gandhi v Union of India (1978) 1 SCC 248	Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India, (1978) 1 SCC 248 (India).
With pinpoint	…, (1978) 1 SCC 248, 280	… (1978) 1 SCC 248, 280	…, (1978) 1 SCC 248, 280 (India).
Neutral citation	Association for Democratic Reforms v. Union of India, 2024 INSC 113	Association for Democratic Reforms v Union of India 2024 INSC 113	Ass’n for Democratic Reforms v. Union of India, 2024 INSC 113 (India).
Constitution	Constitution of India, art. 21	Constitution of India, art 21	India Const. art. 21.
Act	The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, s. 103	Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, s 103	The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, § 103, No. 45, Acts of Parliament, 2023 (India).
Subsequent reference	Maneka Gandhi, supra note 4, at 284 (or ibid. if immediately preceding)	Maneka Gandhi (n 4) 284	Maneka Gandhi, (1978) 1 SCC at 284; or Id. at 284

Note the key style differences: OSCOLA uses “v” without a full stop and no comma between the case name and the citation; the Indian house style and the Bluebook use “v.” and a comma. The OSCOLA 5th edition (2026) has dropped “ibid” and uses short forms with a cross reference such as “(n 4)”; if your institution still prescribes the 4th edition, ibid remains acceptable there. The Bluebook does not use ibid at all; it uses “Id.”

Need the complete, editable set? The Lexfolio Legal Citation Guide covers Indian case and statute citation, neutral citations, Gazette notifications, Law Commission reports and parliamentary material, with quick guides to the Bluebook (22nd edition) and OSCOLA (5th edition), worked Indian examples and a footnote checklist.

Citing statutes, including the new criminal laws

Use the short title exactly as enacted, with the comma before the year: The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
Section is “s.” (plural “ss.”), with sub-sections in brackets: s. 318(4). Articles of the Constitution are “art.”, rules “r.”, and Orders under the CPC “O. VII r. 11”.
Define a short form at first use: the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (“BNS”).
Where old and new criminal laws both matter, give both: BNS, s. 103 (corresponding to IPC, s. 302). Our IPC to BNS section converter gives the main correspondences.
For rules and notifications, add the Gazette details: Ministry, notification number (G.S.R. for rules, S.O. for orders), date and Gazette part.

Seven rules that save marks

Read your style sheet first. The journal’s, university’s or competition’s rules always prevail over any general guide.
One style throughout. Do not mix OSCOLA and Bluebook forms in one paper.
Pinpoint every quotation and every specific proposition.
Quote, do not paraphrase closely. Put judicial and statutory wording in quotation marks with a pinpoint. Similarity checkers flag near-paraphrase.
Check that the case is still good law before relying on it.
Do not cite what you have not read. Take citations from the report or the court website, not from another author’s footnote, and verify every digit.
Build the table of cases last, from your final footnotes.

Common mistakes

Square brackets for SCC years, or round brackets for SCR years. SCC uses (year); SCR uses [year].
Dropping the volume number, or giving the wrong reporter.
Writing “Vs”, “vs.” or “V/s” in academic writing instead of “v.” (or “v” in OSCOLA).
Using “ibid.” in a Bluebook paper, or in an OSCOLA 5th edition paper.
Citing a High Court neutral citation with the punctuation changed.
Giving a parallel citation in one footnote and a single citation in the next for the same case.

Writing a dissertation, moot memorial or journal article? The Legal Citation Guide gives you ready forms for every common Indian source, so your footnotes and bibliography are consistent from the first draft.

Choosing a research topic first? Read our guide on how to choose a law dissertation topic.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between SCC and AIR citations?

Both are private law reports of Supreme Court judgments. SCC is cited as (year) volume SCC page; AIR as AIR year SC page. Many Indian writers prefer SCC; the official report is SCR.

What does INSC mean in a citation?

It is the Supreme Court’s neutral citation code. In “2024 INSC 113”, 2024 is the year and 113 is the serial number the Court assigned to that judgment.

Should I cite the neutral citation or the SCC citation?

Give the neutral citation where one exists, and add the SCC or other report citation if your style sheet or court requires it.

How do I cite a High Court judgment?

Use the High Court’s neutral citation exactly as printed, or the report citation (AIR, ILR or SCC OnLine), and name the court if it is not clear from the citation.

How do I cite a judgment that is not reported?

Give the case name, case number, court and date of decision.

Which citation style do Indian law schools use?

It varies. Many use OSCOLA or the Bluebook, and many journals have their own house style. Always follow the style sheet you have been given.

*This article is general information, not legal advice.*

18 October 2026

IPC to BNS Section Converter: 50 Most Searched Sections

Last updated: 18 October 2026

Short answer: The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS) replaced the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (IPC) from 1 July 2024. Most offences were carried over with new numbers: IPC 302 (murder) is now BNS 103(1), IPC 420 (cheating) is BNS 318(4), IPC 498A (cruelty) is BNS 85, IPC 376 (rape) is BNS 64, and IPC 506 (criminal intimidation) is BNS 351(2) and (3). The table below gives 50 of the most searched IPC sections with their BNS equivalents. Offences committed before 1 July 2024 are still charged and tried under the IPC.

How to use this converter

The table lists the IPC section, the BNS section, and the subject. Where one IPC section was split, the sub-section is given.
“Equivalent” means the BNS provision covers the same offence. In some cases the wording, punishment or scope changed; those are flagged.
Every row has been cross-checked against the published comparative tables of the old and new criminal laws, including the BNS to IPC comparison used for police training, and against the bare text of the BNS.
For an offence, the date of the act decides the law. Acts done on or after 1 July 2024 fall under the BNS; earlier acts fall under the IPC, even if the FIR is registered later.

IPC to BNS: 50 most searched sections

IPC section	BNS section	Subject
34	3(5)	Acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention
120B	61(2)	Punishment of criminal conspiracy
124A	152	Sedition omitted; section 152 punishes acts endangering the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India (not a word for word equivalent)
147	191(2)	Punishment for rioting
148	191(3)	Rioting armed with a deadly weapon
149	190	Every member of an unlawful assembly guilty of an offence committed in prosecution of the common object
153A	196	Promoting enmity between different groups
186	221	Obstructing a public servant in discharge of public functions
188	223	Disobedience to an order duly promulgated by a public servant
201	238	Causing disappearance of evidence or giving false information to screen an offender
279	281	Rash driving or riding on a public way
294	296	Obscene acts and songs
295A	299	Deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings
302	103(1)	Punishment for murder
304	105	Culpable homicide not amounting to murder
304A	106(1)	Causing death by negligence (higher maximum of 5 years; separate lower punishment for registered medical practitioners)
304B	80	Dowry death
306	108	Abetment of suicide
307	109	Attempt to murder
323	115(2)	Punishment for voluntarily causing hurt
324	118(1)	Voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means
325	117(2)	Punishment for voluntarily causing grievous hurt
326A	124(1)	Voluntarily causing grievous hurt by use of acid
341	126(2)	Punishment for wrongful restraint
342	127(2)	Punishment for wrongful confinement
354	74	Assault or criminal force to a woman with intent to outrage her modesty
354A	75	Sexual harassment
354D	78	Stalking
363	137(2)	Punishment for kidnapping
366	87	Kidnapping, abducting or inducing a woman to compel her marriage
376 (1) and (2)	64	Punishment for rape (aggravated forms and victims under 16 or 12 are in sections 65 to 71)
376D	70(1)	Gang rape
379	303(2)	Punishment for theft (community service possible for a first offender where property under Rs 5,000 is returned)
380	305	Theft in a dwelling house, means of transportation or place of worship
384	308(2)	Punishment for extortion
392	309(4)	Punishment for robbery
395	310(2)	Punishment for dacoity
406	316(2)	Punishment for criminal breach of trust
409	316(5)	Criminal breach of trust by a public servant, banker, merchant or agent
411	317(2)	Dishonestly receiving stolen property
420	318(4)	Cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property
447	329(3)	Punishment for criminal trespass
467	338	Forgery of a valuable security, will and similar documents
468	336(3)	Forgery for the purpose of cheating
471	340(2)	Using as genuine a forged document or electronic record
498A	85 (cruelty defined in 86)	Cruelty by husband or his relatives
500	356(2)	Punishment for defamation (community service added as an option)
504	352	Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace
506	351(2) and (3)	Punishment for criminal intimidation (aggravated form in sub-section (3))
509	79	Word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman

Need the complete correspondence and the changes explained? The Lexfolio New Criminal Laws Guide maps IPC to BNS, CrPC to BNSS and Evidence Act to BSA section by section, explains every new offence and procedural change, and flags provisions still not in force.

IPC sections with no BNS equivalent

IPC section	What happened
124A (sedition)	Omitted. Section 152 BNS is a differently framed offence aimed at acts against the nation, not disaffection towards the Government.
309 (attempt to suicide)	Not carried over as a general offence. Section 226 BNS punishes only an attempt to commit suicide to compel or restrain a public servant.
377 (unnatural offences)	Not carried over. Non-consensual acts against women and children are covered by the rape and POCSO provisions, but there is no general BNS equivalent for non-consensual acts against adult men.
497 (adultery)	Omitted. It had already been struck down by the Supreme Court in Joseph Shine v. Union of India (2018).

New offences in the BNS with no IPC equivalent

BNS section	Offence
69	Sexual intercourse by deceitful means, including a false promise to marry
95	Hiring, employing or engaging a child to commit an offence
103(2)	Murder by a group of five or more on grounds such as race, caste, community or language (mob lynching)
111	Organised crime
112	Petty organised crime
113	Terrorist act
304	Snatching
106(2)	Hit and run (death by rash driving followed by escape without reporting). Not yet brought into force; such deaths are prosecuted under section 106(1).

Quick reference: CrPC to BNSS and Evidence Act to BSA

People who search for IPC sections usually also need the procedure. These are the most used provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS) and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 (BSA).

Old provision	New provision	Subject
CrPC 41	BNSS 35	Arrest without warrant
CrPC 41A	BNSS 35(3) to (6)	Notice of appearance before police
CrPC 125	BNSS 144	Maintenance of wives, children and parents
CrPC 144	BNSS 163	Orders in urgent cases of nuisance or apprehended danger
CrPC 154	BNSS 173	FIR, including zero FIR and e-FIR
CrPC 164	BNSS 183	Recording of confessions and statements by a Magistrate
CrPC 167	BNSS 187	Remand when investigation is not complete in 24 hours
CrPC 438	BNSS 482	Anticipatory bail
CrPC 439	BNSS 483	Bail powers of the High Court and Sessions Court
CrPC 482	BNSS 528	Inherent powers of the High Court
Evidence Act 65B	BSA 63	Admissibility of electronic records (certificate in the Schedule)
Evidence Act 32	BSA 26	Dying declarations and statements of persons who cannot be called as witnesses

Points that trip people up

Old FIRs and pending trials: offences committed before 1 July 2024 stay under the IPC. Pending investigations, inquiries and trials begun under the CrPC continue under it, as the BNSS savings clause provides.
Section numbers in notices and complaints: for acts on or after 1 July 2024, cite the BNS. Citing IPC sections for a new act can lead to objections. For example, a cheque dispute where cheating is alleged would now cite section 318 BNS, alongside section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, which is unchanged. See our cheque bounce notice guide.
Sub-sections matter: many IPC sections became sub-sections of one BNS section. Writing “BNS 318” when you mean the aggravated cheating in IPC 420 is imprecise; write 318(4).
Not every change is a renumbering. Punishments were raised in several places, community service was added for petty offences, and some definitions now expressly include electronic records and transgender persons.

Studying for judiciary, APO or law exams? The New Criminal Laws Guide gives you complete correspondence tables, the new offences with punishments, the procedural timelines under the BNSS and an exam-oriented summary of what changed, in an easy to search PDF.

Writing a research paper on the new laws? Our guide on how to cite Indian cases and statutes shows how to cite the BNS with the corresponding IPC section.

Frequently asked questions

What is IPC 420 in BNS?

Cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property is section 318(4) BNS. Simple cheating is section 318(2), and the definition is in section 318(1).

What is IPC 302 in BNS?

Punishment for murder is section 103(1) BNS. Murder itself is defined in section 101.

What is IPC 498A in BNS?

Cruelty by a husband or his relatives is section 85 BNS, and “cruelty” is defined in section 86.

What is IPC 376 in BNS?

Rape is defined in section 63 and punished under section 64 BNS. Aggravated forms and offences against girls under 16 and 12 are in sections 65 to 71.

Is IPC still applicable after 1 July 2024?

Yes, for offences committed before that date. New offences are charged under the BNS.

Which section of BNS replaced sedition?

None directly. Sedition (IPC 124A) was dropped. Section 152 BNS creates a new offence of endangering the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India.

*This article is general information, not legal advice.*

18 October 2026

Privacy Policy Under DPDP Act and Rules 2025: Guide

Last updated: 18 October 2026

Short answer: An Indian website or app that collects personal data needs a privacy policy today, and will need a fuller, DPDP-style notice by 13 May 2027, when the main duties under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 and the DPDP Rules, 2025 begin. Until then, section 43A of the IT Act and the SPDI Rules, 2011 still require a published privacy policy and a grievance officer. A DPDP-ready policy must give an itemised list of the personal data you collect with the specific purpose for each, explain how users can withdraw consent as easily as they gave it, exercise their rights and complain to the Data Protection Board, and publish a contact person. Write it in clear language, available in English or any Eighth Schedule language the user chooses.

The timeline: what applies now and what applies later

The DPDP Rules, 2025 were notified on 13 November 2025 and come into force in three stages.

From	What comes into force	What it means for your website
13 November 2025	Definitions and the Data Protection Board	Start mapping what personal data you hold
13 November 2026	Registration and duties of Consent Managers	Relevant only if you will accept consent through a Consent Manager
13 May 2027	Notice, consent, security safeguards, breach intimation, erasure, children’s data, rights and grievances, cross-border transfer; section 43A of the IT Act is omitted	Your DPDP notice, consent flows, vendor contracts and breach plan must be live

In early 2026 the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology consulted industry on shortening some of these periods. As on 18 October 2026 no change to the commencement dates has been notified. Do not wait: data mapping, consent screens and vendor contracts take months.

Until 13 May 2027: a body corporate handling “sensitive personal data or information” (passwords, financial details, health data, biometrics and similar) must publish a privacy policy, take written consent for sensitive data, use reasonable security practices, and appoint a grievance officer who redresses grievances within one month (SPDI Rules, 2011). A policy written for the DPDP Act can satisfy both regimes if you add a short transitional paragraph.

Who the DPDP Act covers

The Act applies to digital personal data of individuals processed in India, and to processing outside India in connection with offering goods or services to people in India. It covers data collected online, and data collected on paper and later digitised. It does not apply to an individual processing data for personal or domestic purposes, or to data that a person has made public herself.

Term	Meaning
Data Principal	The individual the data is about: your user or customer. For a child (under 18), it includes the parent or lawful guardian.
Data Fiduciary	You: the business deciding why and how data is processed.
Data Processor	A vendor processing data for you: hosting, e-mail, CRM, payment gateway, courier, call centre.
Consent Manager	A registered entity through which a person can give, manage and withdraw consent.

What a DPDP-compliant privacy notice must contain

Section 5 and rule 3 require the notice that accompanies or precedes a request for consent to:

Be understandable on its own, independently of your other terms.
Give, in clear and plain language, an itemised description of the personal data and the specified purpose of processing, with a description of the goods, services or uses enabled.
Give the specific link on your website or app, and any other means, by which the person can withdraw consent, exercise her rights and complain to the Board.

Add these items as well, because other provisions require them or users will look for them:

Contact details of a Data Protection Officer or of a person who can answer questions about processing (section 8(9), rule 9).
Grievance process and timeline: respond within a reasonable period not exceeding 90 days (rule 14).
Rights: access to a summary of data and the identities of those it was shared with, correction, completion, updating, erasure, grievance redressal and nomination (sections 11 to 14).
Sharing: categories of processors and other fiduciaries you share data with.
Retention: how long you keep each category, and that you will erase it when the purpose is served or consent is withdrawn (section 8(7)). Rule 8 also requires keeping certain logs and associated data for at least one year.
Security: a short description of safeguards such as encryption, access control and logging (rule 6).
Children: whether you serve users under 18 and how you obtain verifiable parental consent (section 9, rule 10).
Cookies: what you use and how to change choices.
Language: the notice must be available in English or any Eighth Schedule language, at the user’s option.

Free sample: itemised notice table

This table is the heart of a DPDP notice. Adapt the rows to what your site actually collects.

Personal data	Purpose	Legal basis	Kept for
Name, e-mail, mobile number	Creating and managing your account; sending order and service messages	Consent	Until you delete your account, plus [ ] months
Delivery address	Delivering your order	Voluntarily provided for this purpose (section 7(a))	[ ] years for tax and accounting records
Payment status and transaction ID (card details are handled by our payment gateway)	Confirming payment, refunds and accounting	Consent and compliance with law	As required by tax law
IP address, device and log data	Security, fraud prevention and keeping logs	Compliance with law and security obligations	At least one year (rule 8)
Analytics cookies	Understanding how the site is used	Consent through the cookie banner	[ ] months
Marketing preferences	Sending offers and newsletters	Separate, optional consent	Until you withdraw consent

How to withdraw consent or exercise your rights: Visit [link to your rights page] or write to [privacy e-mail]. Withdrawing consent is as easy as giving it. We will respond within [ ] days and in any case within 90 days. If you are not satisfied with our response, you may complain to the Data Protection Board of India after using our grievance process.

Contact person for personal data questions: [Name or designation], [e-mail], [address].

Need the complete, editable set? The Lexfolio Website Legal Pack includes a DPDP-ready Privacy Policy and Notice, consent and checkbox wording, a cookie policy and banner text, terms of use, refund and shipping policies, a contact and grievance officer page, a rights request form, breach intimation formats and a short data processing agreement.

Consent done right

Consent must be “free, specific, informed, unconditional and unambiguous with a clear affirmative action” (section 6(1)). Pre-ticked boxes, silence or continued browsing are not consent.
Ask for separate consent for optional purposes such as marketing. Do not bundle it with the terms of use.
Users must be able to withdraw consent as easily as they gave it (section 6(4)), and you must then stop processing within a reasonable time.
For some uses, consent is not needed: section 7 lists “certain legitimate uses”, such as where a person voluntarily gives data for a specified purpose (a phone number for delivery) and does not object.

Security, breaches and penalties

Security safeguards: reasonable measures including encryption or masking, access control, monitoring and logs, backups, and security clauses in processor contracts (section 8(5), rule 6).
Breach intimation: inform affected users and the Board of every personal data breach; a detailed report to the Board is due within 72 hours of becoming aware (rule 7).
Penalties (Schedule to the Act): up to Rs 250 crore for failing to take reasonable security safeguards; up to Rs 200 crore each for failing to report a breach or breaching children’s data duties; up to Rs 50 crore for other breaches.

Common mistakes

Copying a foreign (GDPR or US) policy that does not mention the DPDP Act, the Board or Indian grievance timelines.
A vague list such as “we may collect information” instead of an itemised table with purposes.
No working link for withdrawal of consent and rights requests.
Cookie banners with “Accept” but no equally visible “Reject”.
Forgetting vendors: you remain responsible for processing by your processors (section 8(1)), so sign data processing agreements.
Allowing under 18 users without a parental consent step, or running targeted advertising at children.

Get ready before May 2027. The Website Legal Pack is written for both the current IT Act regime and the DPDP Rules, with a launch checklist and shaded notes telling you what to delete after 13 May 2027.

Handling employee data too? See our guide to the appointment letter under the new Labour Codes and the POSH compliance checklist.

Frequently asked questions

Is a privacy policy mandatory for a website in India?

Yes, if you handle personal data. Under the SPDI Rules a body corporate handling sensitive personal data must publish one now, and from 13 May 2027 the DPDP Act requires a detailed notice before seeking consent.

When does the DPDP Act fully apply?

The main duties of Data Fiduciaries apply from 13 May 2027 under the DPDP Rules, 2025. Consent Manager provisions apply from 13 November 2026.

Can I use a privacy policy generator?

You can start with one, but make sure it has an itemised data and purpose table, Indian grievance timelines, a withdrawal link and the Board complaint route. Generic templates often miss these.

Do small businesses and blogs need to comply?

Yes. The DPDP Act has no general small business exemption, though the Government may notify exemptions for certain classes. A blog with a contact form or newsletter collects personal data.

What age counts as a child under the DPDP Act?

Anyone below 18. You need verifiable consent of a parent or lawful guardian, and you must not track, behaviourally monitor or target ads at children.

Do I need a separate cookie policy?

India has no separate cookie law, but cookies that collect personal data fall under the DPDP Act. A short cookie policy with a consent banner is the practical approach.

*This article is general information, not legal advice.*

18 October 2026

POSH Compliance Checklist for Indian Companies (2026)

Last updated: 18 October 2026

Short answer: Every employer with ten or more employees must constitute an Internal Committee (IC) at each office under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (the POSH Act). The core checklist is: a written POSH policy; a properly composed IC (senior woman Presiding Officer, at least half women, one external member, tenure up to three years); display of the IC order and penal consequences; regular awareness programmes and IC training; inquiries within the statutory timelines; an annual report to the employer and the District Officer; and, for companies, POSH figures in the Board’s report. Failing to constitute an IC can attract a fine of up to Rs 50,000, doubled with possible licence cancellation for a repeat offence.

Who must comply

The Act protects any woman at a workplace, employed or not: employees, interns, trainees, contract workers, visitors, clients and job applicants. “Employee” is defined widely to include regular, temporary, ad hoc and daily wage staff, workers engaged through contractors, probationers, trainees and apprentices, paid or unpaid.

“Workplace” covers Government and private bodies of every kind, hospitals, sports facilities, a dwelling where a domestic worker is employed, and any place visited by the employee during employment, including employer-provided transport. Treat client sites, business travel, offsite events and work-related online spaces as part of the workplace.

Ten or more employees: constitute your own IC at each office or administrative unit (section 4).
Fewer than ten employees, or complaint against the employer: complaints go to the Local Committee constituted by the District Officer (section 6). You still have duties to prevent harassment and support the complainant.

The Internal Committee at a glance

Requirement	Rule	Source
Presiding Officer	A woman employed at a senior level at the workplace (or from another office of the same employer if none is available)	Section 4(2)(a)
Employee members	At least two, preferably committed to the cause of women or with social work or legal experience	Section 4(2)(b)
External member	One person from an NGO or association committed to the cause of women, or a person familiar with sexual harassment issues (for example, with legal or social work experience)	Section 4(2)(c), rule 4
Gender balance	At least half the members must be women	Proviso to section 4(2)
Tenure	Not more than three years	Section 4(3)
Quorum for inquiry	At least three members including the Presiding Officer	Rule 7

Complaint and inquiry timelines

Step	Time limit	Source
Complaint by the aggrieved woman	Within 3 months of the incident (or the last incident in a series); extendable by up to 3 more months for recorded reasons	Section 9
Copy of complaint to respondent	Within 7 working days	Rule 7(2)
Respondent’s reply	Within 10 working days of receiving the copy	Rule 7(3)
Inquiry completed	Within 90 days	Section 11(4)
Inquiry report to employer	Within 10 days of completing the inquiry	Section 13(1)
Employer acts on recommendations	Within 60 days of the report	Section 13(4)
Appeal	Within 90 days of the recommendations	Section 18

Conciliation is possible only at the request of the aggrieved woman, and no monetary settlement can be the basis of conciliation (section 10). Neither party may be represented by a lawyer before the IC (rule 7). During the inquiry, on the woman’s written request, the IC can recommend her transfer or the respondent’s, leave of up to three months for her, or other interim relief (section 12, rule 8).

The POSH compliance checklist

No.	Requirement	Done
1	Written POSH policy adopted, circulated to all staff and published on the website or intranet	[ ]
2	IC constituted by written order at each office or unit, with correct composition	[ ]
3	External member qualified and appointed by a nomination letter covering fees and confidentiality	[ ]
4	IC tenure end date diarised (maximum three years) and fresh order issued in time	[ ]
5	IC order, member contacts and penal consequences displayed at a conspicuous place in every unit	[ ]
6	Workplace and IC details registered or updated on the SHe-Box portal	[ ]
7	Every new joiner given the policy and asked to sign an acknowledgement	[ ]
8	Awareness programmes for employees, and orientation and capacity building for IC members, held and recorded	[ ]
9	Sexual harassment listed as misconduct in service rules or standing orders	[ ]
10	Confidential complaint register kept, with timelines tracked for every case	[ ]
11	Annual report under section 21 and rule 14 sent to the employer and the District Officer	[ ]
12	Companies: POSH and maternity benefit disclosures included in the Board’s report	[ ]

Need the complete, editable set? The Lexfolio POSH Compliance Kit gives you a POSH policy, the order constituting the IC, the external member’s nomination letter, complaint and notice formats, interim relief and conciliation records, an inquiry report, the annual report, a display notice and an employee acknowledgement, plus a one-page Hindi policy summary.

The annual report and Board’s report disclosures

IC annual report (section 21, rule 14). In each calendar year the IC prepares a report for the employer and the District Officer, stating: the number of complaints received; the number disposed of; the number pending for more than 90 days; the number of workshops or awareness programmes held; and the nature of action taken. The Act does not fix one national filing date, and many District Officers set their own (often January for the previous year). File even a “nil” report.

Employer’s report (section 22). The employer must include the number of cases filed and their disposal in its annual report, or, if it does not prepare one, inform the District Officer.

Companies. The Companies (Accounts) Second Amendment Rules, 2025, effective from 14 July 2025, require the Board’s report to state the number of sexual harassment complaints received, disposed of, and pending for more than 90 days during the year, along with a statement on compliance with maternity benefit law and the number of female, male and transgender employees.

Duties of the employer under section 19

Provide a safe working environment, including safety from visitors and clients.
Display the penal consequences of sexual harassment and the order constituting the IC.
Hold workshops and awareness programmes at regular intervals, and orientation programmes for IC members.
Provide facilities to the IC, help secure the attendance of the respondent and witnesses, and give the IC the information it needs.
Help the woman if she chooses to file a criminal complaint, and initiate action under the criminal law against the perpetrator where appropriate.
Treat sexual harassment as misconduct and act on it.
Monitor the timely submission of IC reports.

Since 1 July 2024 the related offences are in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023: sexual harassment (section 75), assault or criminal force to outrage modesty (section 74), voyeurism (section 77), stalking (section 78) and words or gestures insulting the modesty of a woman (section 79). The POSH process does not bar a criminal complaint.

What the Supreme Court has directed

In Aureliano Fernandes v. State of Goa, (2024) 1 SCC 632 (decided 12 May 2023), the Supreme Court found serious gaps in implementing the Act and directed verification that all public bodies and institutions have properly composed committees, publication of committee details and complaint procedures on websites, and regular training for committee members. In continuing proceedings, on 3 December 2024 the Court directed States to notify District Officers, constitute Local Committees and have District Officers survey whether organisations have set up ICs. Expect your District Officer or labour department to ask for your IC details.

The Ministry of Women and Child Development relaunched the SHe-Box portal on 29 August 2024 as a central platform for IC and LC information and for registering and tracking complaints. Register your workplace and keep the IC details current.

Common mistakes

A Presiding Officer who is not a senior woman, or a committee with fewer than half women.
No external member, or the company’s own lawyer acting as the external member.
Letting the IC’s tenure lapse without a fresh order.
Rejecting a complaint as late without considering the three month extension.
Pushing the complainant into conciliation, or settling with money.
Missing the 90 day inquiry limit and the 10 day reporting limit.
Discussing the case on e-mail groups or with the media, in breach of the confidentiality rule in section 16.
Not filing the annual report, or leaving POSH data out of the Board’s report.

Be audit ready. The POSH Compliance Kit includes a compliance calendar and every format an inspector, District Officer or auditor is likely to ask for, in editable Word and PDF.

Setting up HR documents as well? See our guide to the appointment letter under the new Labour Codes, and for website data practices, the privacy policy guide under the DPDP Act.

Frequently asked questions

Is POSH compliance mandatory for companies with fewer than ten employees?

They need not constitute an IC; complaints go to the Local Committee. They must still prevent harassment, have a policy and cooperate with the Local Committee.

Can a man file a complaint under the POSH Act?

The Act protects women. Many employers’ policies extend protection to all genders as a matter of internal policy, handled under service rules.

Who can be the external member of the IC?

A person from an NGO or association committed to the cause of women, or a person familiar with issues relating to sexual harassment, such as someone with experience in social work on women’s issues or familiar with labour, service, civil or criminal law.

What is the time limit to file a POSH complaint?

Three months from the incident or the last incident in a series, extendable by up to three more months if the IC is satisfied that circumstances prevented earlier filing.

When should the annual POSH report be filed?

Every calendar year, with the employer and the District Officer. Check your District Officer’s notice for the date; many fix January.

What is the penalty for not having an IC?

A fine of up to Rs 50,000. A repeat offence can attract double the punishment and cancellation or non-renewal of the business licence or registration (section 26).

*This article is general information, not legal advice.*

18 October 2026

Appointment Letter Under New Labour Codes: What to Include

Last updated: 18 October 2026

Short answer: Yes, an appointment letter is now a legal requirement for establishments covered by the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 (the OSH Code). Section 6(1)(f) requires every employer to issue a letter of appointment to every employee, in the form prescribed by the appropriate Government. The four Labour Codes came into force on 21 November 2025, and the Central Rules under them were notified in May 2026. The letter should at least state the designation, skill category, nature of employment, wages, date of joining, social security coverage and duties, and, for women employees, whether maternity benefit applies. For most private employers the State’s rules decide the exact form, so check your State’s labour department notification.

Why the appointment letter is now a statutory document

Before the Labour Codes, an appointment letter was mostly a matter of good practice and of State shops and establishments laws. The OSH Code changed that. Section 6(1)(f) makes it a duty of the employer to issue a letter of appointment to every employee on appointment. Employees who were already in service when the Code began were to be given such letters within three months of commencement, that is, by about 20 February 2026. If you have not done this, issue the letters now.

The Code applies to “establishments” as defined in it, which broadly means places where ten or more workers are employed in any industry, trade, business, manufacturing or occupation, and to factories, mines, docks and similar workplaces. Even a small office outside the definition should issue a written letter: it is the first document a labour authority, court or auditor will ask for.

Central or State rules?

Labour is in the Concurrent List. The Central Rules (for example, the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (Central) Rules, 2026, notified on 8 May 2026) apply only where the Central Government is the “appropriate Government”: railways, mines, banks, insurance companies, major ports, Central public sector undertakings and similar. For most private employers the State Government is the appropriate Government, so the State rules fix the form of the appointment letter, registers and returns. Several States notified their rules during 2026, but the position differs from State to State. Where a State rule is not yet in place, the transition arrangements announced by the Central Government allow the older State rules to continue on that point.

What the appointment letter must contain

Published summaries of the OSH (Central) Rules, 2026 list these particulars for the prescribed appointment letter. Treat them as the minimum and add anything your State form asks for.

Particular	What to write
Name and designation	Employee’s full name, father’s or spouse’s name, designation
Skill category	Unskilled, semi-skilled, skilled or highly skilled, matching the minimum wage category
Nature of employment	Regular (permanent), fixed-term with end date, or other
Wages	Basic pay and each allowance separately, wage period and mode of payment
Date of joining	Exact date
Social security	Provident fund and ESI coverage, with UAN and ESI number where available
Nature of duties	A short description of the job
Maternity benefit (women employees)	Whether maternity benefit under the Code on Social Security, 2020 applies

The legal points your letter should reflect

Topic	What the Codes say	Drafting tip
Definition of wages	Under the Code on Wages, 2019, if allowances and other excluded items exceed 50 per cent of total remuneration, the excess is added back to “wages” for the Codes	Show basic pay and allowances clearly; check that PF and gratuity are computed on Code “wages”
Payment dates	Monthly wages by the 7th day of the following month; on resignation, removal or retrenchment, within two working days (section 17, Code on Wages)	State the pay date and the full and final settlement timeline
Working hours	Not more than 8 hours a day and 48 hours a week; overtime at twice the ordinary rate (OSH Code)	Write normal hours and the overtime rule; State rules may allow different daily spread
Annual leave	One day for every 20 days worked, for workers who have worked 180 days or more in a calendar year (OSH Code)	Your policy can be more generous, never less
Fixed-term employment	Fixed-term employees get the same hours, wages and benefits as permanent staff doing similar work, and gratuity on a pro rata basis without the five year condition (Code on Social Security, section 53)	Use a separate fixed-term contract with a clear end date
Worker or not	“Worker” excludes managerial and administrative staff, and supervisors earning more than Rs 18,000 a month (Industrial Relations Code, 2020)	Senior staff rely mainly on their contract, so draft notice, confidentiality and IP clauses carefully
Termination and retrenchment	Retrenchment of a worker with one year’s service needs one month’s notice (or pay) and compensation, plus 15 days’ wages to the worker re-skilling fund	Keep statutory protections intact; contract terms cannot reduce them
Personal data	The DPDP Act, 2023 and Rules, 2025 apply to employee data; core duties begin on 13 May 2027	Add a short employee privacy notice now

Free checklist: appointment letter skeleton

Use this order for a permanent employee’s letter. Put it on letterhead and keep a signed copy.

Reference number, date, employee name and address.
Appointment: designation, department, place of posting, date of joining.
Nature of employment (regular) and probation period, with how confirmation happens.
Statutory particulars schedule: skill category, wages break-up, wage period, UAN and ESI, maternity benefit applicability.
Working hours, weekly off, overtime.
Leave entitlement and holidays.
Social security: PF, ESI where applicable, gratuity, maternity benefit.
Notice period for resignation and termination, and full and final settlement within two working days of separation.
Code of conduct and POSH policy acknowledgement.
Confidentiality and intellectual property.
Personal data notice (what employee data is collected and why).
Governing documents: standing orders or service rules, if any.
Signature of authorised signatory; employee’s acceptance with date.

Need the complete, editable set? The Lexfolio Employment Documents Set includes an offer letter, a Labour Code compliant appointment letter with a statutory particulars schedule, a fixed-term contract, a manager’s employment agreement, a consultant agreement, NDAs, and experience, relieving and full and final settlement letters, with a guide to the four Codes.

Offer letter, appointment letter and employment agreement

Offer letter: a short conditional offer with CTC and joining date. It can say that the appointment letter will contain full terms.
Appointment letter: the statutory document under the OSH Code. Issue it on or before joining.
Employment agreement: a longer contract signed by both sides, useful for senior, technical or sales roles. It does not replace the statutory appointment letter; attach the statutory schedule or issue both.

Note that an agreement signed by both parties may attract stamp duty under your State’s stamp law, while a letter signed only by the employer usually does not.

Common mistakes

Issuing no letter, or a letter without the particulars in the State form.
Keeping basic pay artificially low, so that allowances exceed 50 per cent and the PF and gratuity base is wrong.
Using fixed-term contracts to deny benefits that permanent staff doing the same work get.
Writing a notice or non-compete clause that tries to override statutory rights. Post-employment non-competes are generally unenforceable in India under section 27 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872.
Forgetting to give the employee a signed copy and record its delivery.
Not updating letters for employees who were in service before 21 November 2025.

Update your HR documents in one go. The Employment Documents Set is drafted around the Labour Codes and the 2026 Central Rules, with shaded notes telling you where your State form may need extra fields.

Running a workplace with women employees? Read our POSH compliance checklist. Collecting employee or customer data online? See our guide to a privacy policy under the DPDP Act.

Frequently asked questions

Is an appointment letter mandatory under the new Labour Codes?

Yes, for establishments covered by the OSH Code. Section 6(1)(f) requires it for every employee, in the prescribed form.

Do existing employees also need appointment letters?

Yes. Employees already in service when the Code commenced on 21 November 2025 were to receive letters within three months. If that has not happened, issue them now.

Which form should a private company use?

Usually the form under your State’s OSH rules, because the State is the appropriate Government for most private establishments. Central Government establishments use the Central Rules.

Can a company with fewer than ten employees skip the appointment letter?

The OSH Code may not technically apply, but State shops and establishments laws may still require written terms, and a letter protects both sides. Issue one anyway.

Does the 50 per cent wages rule mean basic pay must be 50 per cent of CTC?

Not exactly. If excluded components exceed half of total remuneration, the excess is treated as wages for the Codes. Many employers restructure so that basic pay plus dearness allowance is at least half.

Should the appointment letter be signed by the employee?

The employer issues and signs it. Get the employee to sign an acceptance on a copy, which is your proof of delivery.

*This article is general information, not legal advice.*

18 October 2026

शपथ पत्र (एफिडेविट) का प्रारूप और नोटरी प्रक्रिया

अंतिम अद्यतन: 18 अक्टूबर 2026 (Last updated: 18 October 2026)

संक्षिप्त उत्तर: शपथ पत्र (एफिडेविट) तथ्यों का ऐसा लिखित कथन है जिसे अभिसाक्षी (deponent) नोटरी, शपथ आयुक्त (ओथ कमिश्नर) या मजिस्ट्रेट के समक्ष शपथ लेकर या सत्यनिष्ठा से प्रतिज्ञान करके सत्यापित करता है। इसमें अभिसाक्षी का पूरा परिचय, क्रमांकित प्रस्तरों में केवल तथ्य, सत्यापन खंड, हस्ताक्षर और प्रमाणित करने वाले अधिकारी की मुहर होती है। नोटरी के सामने स्वयं उपस्थित होकर, मूल पहचान पत्र दिखाकर, उनकी उपस्थिति में हस्ताक्षर करना आवश्यक है। स्टाम्प शुल्क राज्य के नियमों पर निर्भर करता है और अधिकांश राज्यों में अब ई-स्टाम्प से दिया जाता है।

शपथ पत्र, स्व-घोषणा और अनापत्ति प्रमाणपत्र में अंतर

दस्तावेज़	क्या है	औपचारिकता
शपथ पत्र	शपथ या प्रतिज्ञान पर दिया गया तथ्यों का लिखित कथन	नोटरी, शपथ आयुक्त या मजिस्ट्रेट द्वारा प्रमाणन; राज्य के नियम या प्राप्तकर्ता कार्यालय की माँग पर स्टाम्प
स्व-घोषणा	बिना शपथ के, व्यक्ति द्वारा हस्ताक्षरित तथ्यों का कथन	सादा कागज़, हस्ताक्षर और दिनांक; नोटरी की आवश्यकता नहीं, जब तक कार्यालय न माँगे
अनापत्ति प्रमाणपत्र (एनओसी)	किसी अधिकार या हित वाले व्यक्ति (स्वामी, माता-पिता, नियोक्ता) का यह लिखित कथन कि उसे आपत्ति नहीं है	देने वाले के हस्ताक्षर, साथ में उसकी पहचान या स्वामित्व का प्रमाण

प्रशासनिक सुधार और लोक शिकायत विभाग, भारत सरकार, लंबे समय से सरकारी कार्यालयों को यह सलाह देता रहा है कि जहाँ कानून में शपथ पत्र अनिवार्य न हो, वहाँ स्व-घोषणा और स्व-अभिप्रमाणित प्रतियाँ स्वीकार की जाएँ। इसलिए नोटरी के पास जाने से पहले कार्यालय के निर्देश अवश्य पढ़ें।

शपथ पत्र कौन प्रमाणित कर सकता है

अधिकारी	अधिकार का स्रोत	सामान्य उपयोग
नोटरी पब्लिक	नोटरी अधिनियम, 1952 की धारा 8	कार्यालयों, बैंकों, शिक्षण संस्थाओं और निजी प्रयोजन के अधिकांश शपथ पत्र
शपथ आयुक्त	सिविल प्रक्रिया संहिता, 1908 की धारा 139; भारतीय नागरिक सुरक्षा संहिता, 2023 की धारा 333	न्यायालय में दाखिल होने वाले शपथ पत्र
न्यायिक या कार्यपालक मजिस्ट्रेट	सिविल प्रक्रिया संहिता की धारा 139; भारतीय नागरिक सुरक्षा संहिता की धारा 333	न्यायालय के शपथ पत्र, और वे प्रमाणपत्र जिनके लिए कार्यालय मजिस्ट्रेट के समक्ष शपथ पत्र माँगता है
भारतीय राजनयिक या कांसुलर अधिकारी	राजनयिक और कांसुलर अधिकारी (शपथ और फीस) अधिनियम, 1948	विदेश में रहने वाले भारतीयों के शपथ पत्र

नोटरी प्रक्रिया: चरण दर चरण

कार्यालय के निर्देश पढ़ें: स्व-घोषणा पर्याप्त है या शपथ पत्र चाहिए? स्टाम्प पेपर पर या सादे कागज़ पर? किस अधिकारी के समक्ष? कोई निर्धारित प्रपत्र तो नहीं है?
प्रारूप भरें: नाम, माता-पिता या पति का नाम, आयु, पता और तथ्य अपने पहचान पत्रों से मिलाकर लिखें। अनुपयुक्त विकल्प और कोष्ठक हटा दें।
ई-स्टाम्प लें (यदि आवश्यक हो): अधिकृत केंद्र से अभिसाक्षी के नाम पर, विवरण में “शपथ पत्र” या “Affidavit” लिखवाकर। शुल्क की वर्तमान राशि वहीं से पूछें।
प्रिंट करें, पर हस्ताक्षर न करें। हस्ताक्षर अधिकारी के सामने ही होंगे।
स्वयं उपस्थित हों: मूल पहचान पत्र साथ ले जाएँ। नोटरी आपकी पहचान से संतुष्ट होकर शपथ या प्रतिज्ञान कराते हैं।
अधिकारी के सामने प्रत्येक पृष्ठ पर हस्ताक्षर करें।
प्रमाणन जाँचें: नोटरी के हस्ताक्षर, मुहर, पंजीकरण संख्या, दिनांक और रजिस्टर में प्रविष्टि की संख्या।
प्रति रखें: मूल जमा करने से पहले स्कैन और फोटोकॉपी सुरक्षित रखें।

ध्यान रखें: पहले से हस्ताक्षर करके किसी और के हाथ “नोटरी की मुहर” लगवाना गलत है। जो शपथ पत्र वास्तव में अधिकारी के समक्ष सत्यापित नहीं हुआ, वह दोषपूर्ण है और अस्वीकार हो सकता है।

स्टाम्प पेपर और ई-स्टाम्प

शपथ पत्र भारतीय स्टाम्प अधिनियम, 1899 (जैसा प्रत्येक राज्य ने अपनाया और संशोधित किया है) के अंतर्गत एक लिखत है, जिस पर छोटा निश्चित स्टाम्प शुल्क लगता है। राशि और छूट राज्य दर राज्य अलग हैं।
न्यायालय में दाखिल होने वाले शपथ पत्रों पर प्रायः यह स्टाम्प शुल्क नहीं लगता; वहाँ न्यायालय शुल्क के नियम लागू होते हैं।
उत्तर प्रदेश सहित अधिकांश राज्यों में स्टाम्प शुल्क अब ई-स्टाम्प प्रमाणपत्र से दिया जाता है, जिसकी विशिष्ट संख्या ऑनलाइन सत्यापित की जा सकती है।

शपथ पत्र का निःशुल्क नमूना (सामान्य प्रयोजन)

शपथ पत्र

मैं, [नाम], [पुत्र / पुत्री / पत्नी] श्री [नाम], आयु [ ] वर्ष, व्यवसाय [ ], निवासी [पिन कोड सहित पूरा पता], सत्यनिष्ठा से प्रतिज्ञान करता/करती हूँ और घोषित करता/करती हूँ कि:

1. मैं उपर्युक्त पते का निवासी हूँ और इस शपथ पत्र में वर्णित तथ्यों से भली भाँति परिचित हूँ।

2. [तथ्य, उदाहरण: मेरी जन्मतिथि [ ] है, जैसा कि मेरे हाईस्कूल प्रमाणपत्र में अंकित है।]

3. [तथ्य, उदाहरण: [प्रमाणपत्र / दस्तावेज़] में मेरा नाम त्रुटिवश [ ] लिख गया है, जबकि मेरा सही नाम [ ] है। दोनों नाम एक ही व्यक्ति, अर्थात मेरे, हैं।]

4. यह शपथ पत्र [प्रयोजन, उदाहरण: [कार्यालय / संस्था] में अभिलेख सुधार] हेतु प्रस्तुत किया जा रहा है।

सत्यापन: मैं, उपर्युक्त अभिसाक्षी, सत्यापित करता/करती हूँ कि इस शपथ पत्र के प्रस्तर 1 से 4 तक के कथन मेरी व्यक्तिगत जानकारी में सत्य एवं सही हैं, इसका कोई अंश असत्य नहीं है तथा कोई तथ्य छिपाया नहीं गया है। आज दिनांक [ ] को [स्थान] पर सत्यापित किया।

[अभिसाक्षी के हस्ताक्षर]
[नोटरी / शपथ आयुक्त का प्रमाणन, मुहर, पंजीकरण संख्या और दिनांक]

शपथ पत्र लिखने के नियम

केवल तथ्य लिखें; तर्क, राय या कानूनी निष्कर्ष नहीं।
जो बात आप स्वयं जानते हैं और जो किसी अभिलेख या व्यक्ति से जानकारी पर आधारित है, उन्हें अलग रखें और जानकारी का स्रोत बताएँ। सिविल प्रक्रिया संहिता के आदेश 19 नियम 3 और भारतीय नागरिक सुरक्षा संहिता की धारा 333(2) यही अपेक्षा करते हैं।
नाम ठीक वैसा लिखें जैसा पहचान पत्रों में है, और पूरा पता दें।
हर प्रस्तर को क्रमांकित करें और हर पृष्ठ पर हस्ताक्षर करें।
आधार संख्या पूरी लिखना आवश्यक न हो तो केवल अंतिम चार अंक लिखें।

सत्यापन खंड के प्रकार

स्थिति	शब्दावली
सभी तथ्य व्यक्तिगत जानकारी में	“…प्रस्तर 1 से [ ] तक के कथन मेरी व्यक्तिगत जानकारी में सत्य एवं सही हैं…”
कुछ तथ्य अभिलेख पर आधारित	“…प्रस्तर [ ] से [ ] तक [ ] द्वारा रखे गए अभिलेखों पर आधारित हैं, जिन्हें मैं सत्य मानता/मानती हूँ…”
कुछ तथ्य किसी से प्राप्त जानकारी पर आधारित	“…प्रस्तर [ ] से [ ] तक [स्रोत] से प्राप्त जानकारी पर आधारित हैं, जिसे मैं सत्य मानता/मानती हूँ…”

पूरा, संपादन योग्य सेट चाहिए? Lexfolio के Affidavit and NOC Set में सामान्य शपथ पत्र, नाम परिवर्तन, निवास प्रमाण, शिक्षा में अंतराल, आय, दस्तावेज़ खोने, तथा मकान मालिक, माता-पिता और नियोक्ता के अनापत्ति प्रमाणपत्र के हिंदी और अंग्रेज़ी प्रारूप हैं, साथ में स्टाम्प और प्रमाणन पर मार्गदर्शन।

झूठा शपथ पत्र देने के परिणाम

भारतीय न्याय संहिता, 2023 की धारा 227 के अनुसार जो व्यक्ति शपथ से या विधि के स्पष्ट उपबंध से सत्य कहने के लिए आबद्ध होते हुए ऐसा कथन करता है जिसे वह मिथ्या जानता है या सत्य नहीं मानता, वह मिथ्या साक्ष्य देता है।

धारा	अपराध	अधिकतम दंड
धारा 229(1)	न्यायिक कार्यवाही में साशय मिथ्या साक्ष्य देना	7 वर्ष तक का कारावास और ₹10,000 तक जुर्माना
धारा 229(2)	किसी अन्य मामले में साशय मिथ्या साक्ष्य देना	3 वर्ष तक का कारावास और ₹5,000 तक जुर्माना
धारा 236	ऐसी घोषणा में मिथ्या कथन जिसे लोक सेवक विधि द्वारा साक्ष्य के रूप में लेने के लिए प्राधिकृत है	मिथ्या साक्ष्य के समान

न्यायालय में दाखिल शपथ पत्र के मामले में न्यायालय भारतीय नागरिक सुरक्षा संहिता की धारा 379 के अंतर्गत प्रारंभिक जाँच करके मजिस्ट्रेट के समक्ष परिवाद दायर कर सकता है। 1 जुलाई 2024 से पहले के कृत्यों पर भारतीय दंड संहिता और दंड प्रक्रिया संहिता के संगत प्रावधान लागू होते हैं। अभियोजन के अतिरिक्त, झूठे शपथ पत्र के आधार पर मिला प्रवेश, नियुक्ति या प्रमाणपत्र रद्द भी हो सकता है।

सामान्य गलतियाँ

पहचान पत्र से अलग वर्तनी में नाम लिखना, या पिता अथवा पति का नाम छोड़ देना।
किसी दूसरे के प्रारूप से ऐसे तथ्य उतार लेना जो आपके मामले पर लागू नहीं होते।
जहाँ कार्यालय का अपना निर्धारित प्रपत्र है (पासपोर्ट के अनुलग्नक, विश्वविद्यालय के प्रारूप, बैंक की क्षतिपूर्ति), वहाँ अपना प्रारूप लगाना।
खाली स्थान छोड़कर हस्ताक्षर कर देना।
नोटरी के सामने उपस्थित हुए बिना प्रमाणन करवाना।

हर शपथ पत्र पहली बार में सही। Affidavit and NOC Set संपादन योग्य वर्ड और पीडीएफ़ में है, जिसमें छायांकित टिप्पणियाँ बताती हैं कि क्या भरना है, क्या हटाना है और क्या संलग्न करना है।

नाम परिवर्तन और निवास प्रमाण के विशेष प्रारूपों के लिए हमारी अंग्रेज़ी मार्गदर्शिका Affidavit format for name change and address proof देखें। आरटीआई आवेदन के लिए देखें आरटीआई आवेदन कैसे करें।

अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले प्रश्न

क्या शपथ पत्र सादे कागज़ पर बन सकता है?

कई कार्यालय सादे कागज़ पर शपथ पत्र या स्व-घोषणा स्वीकार करते हैं। प्राप्तकर्ता कार्यालय के निर्देशों का पालन करें।

शपथ पत्र पर कितना स्टाम्प शुल्क लगता है?

यह राज्य के स्टाम्प कानून और प्रयोजन पर निर्भर है। नोटरी या अधिकृत ई-स्टाम्प केंद्र से वर्तमान राशि पूछें।

क्या नोटरी के सामने स्वयं जाना ज़रूरी है?

हाँ। अभिसाक्षी को स्वयं उपस्थित होकर, पहचान दिखाकर, अधिकारी के सामने शपथ या प्रतिज्ञान करना और हस्ताक्षर करना होता है।

शपथ और प्रतिज्ञान में क्या अंतर है?

शपथ अधिनियम, 1969 के अंतर्गत व्यक्ति शपथ के स्थान पर सत्यनिष्ठा से प्रतिज्ञान कर सकता है। दोनों का विधिक प्रभाव समान है।

क्या शपथ पत्र की कोई वैधता अवधि होती है?

कानून में कोई सामान्य अवधि तय नहीं है, पर कई कार्यालय हाल की तिथि का शपथ पत्र माँगते हैं। तथ्य बदल जाएँ तो नया शपथ पत्र बनाएँ।

नोटरी और शपथ आयुक्त में क्या अंतर है?

नोटरी नोटरी अधिनियम, 1952 के अंतर्गत नियुक्त होते हैं और सामान्य प्रयोजन के शपथ पत्र प्रमाणित करते हैं। शपथ आयुक्त न्यायालय द्वारा नियुक्त होते हैं और मुख्यतः न्यायालय में दाखिल होने वाले शपथ पत्र प्रमाणित करते हैं।

*यह लेख सामान्य जानकारी है, विधिक परामर्श नहीं (general information, not legal advice).*

18 October 2026

Affidavit Format for Name Change and Address Proof

Last updated: 18 October 2026

Short answer: An affidavit is a written statement of facts that you swear or affirm before a notary, oath commissioner or magistrate. For a name change, the affidavit states your old name, new name and reason, and is usually followed by notices in two newspapers and publication in the Gazette of India (Part IV) or your State gazette. For address proof, the affidavit states where you live, since when, and in what capacity (owner, tenant, family member). Both must be signed in person before the attesting officer, on stamp paper or e-stamp if your State or the receiving office requires it. Free short samples of both are below.

Affidavit basics in two minutes

Who attests: a notary public (Notaries Act, 1952), an oath commissioner appointed by a court, or a magistrate. Indians abroad can swear before an Indian consular officer.
Oath or affirmation: you may take an oath or make a solemn affirmation under the Oaths Act, 1969. The legal effect is the same.
Stamp duty: an affidavit attracts a small fixed stamp duty under each State’s stamp law, and the amount and exemptions differ by State. Most States now use e-stamp certificates. Ask the notary or the authorised e-stamp vendor for the current amount, and check whether the receiving office wants stamp paper at all.
Appear in person: take original ID. Sign in front of the officer. Never sign in advance and send someone else for the “notary stamp”.
Self-declaration may be enough: the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances has long advised Government offices to accept self-declarations and self-attested copies instead of affidavits unless a law requires an affidavit. Check the office’s instructions first; it may save you time and money.

Name change affidavit: when and how it is used

India has no single statute on change of name. An adult may adopt a new name for lawful purposes; what matters is proof that the person with the old name and the new name is the same. The usual route is:

Affidavit stating old name, new name, parentage, address and reason, attested by a notary or oath commissioner.
Newspaper notices in one English and one local language newspaper circulating in your area. Keep the full original pages with the date and masthead.
Gazette notification: apply to the Department of Publication, Government of India, for publication in the Gazette of India, Part IV (notices by private individuals) through its e-Gazette system, or to your State Government press for the State gazette. Check the department’s current checklist and fee before applying. Government servants usually need an NOC from their office, and a parent or guardian applies for a minor.
Update your records one by one: Aadhaar, PAN, bank, passport, voter ID, driving licence, employer, insurance and educational records, using the affidavit, newspaper pages and gazette copy.

Reason for change	Usual proof
Marriage (taking spouse’s surname)	Marriage certificate; many authorities accept it without a gazette notification
Divorce (reverting to earlier name)	Divorce decree and affidavit; gazette advisable
Spelling correction or new name	Affidavit, two newspaper notices and gazette notification
Minor’s name	Parent’s affidavit, birth certificate, newspaper notices and gazette

Aadhaar: UIDAI limits the number of times a name can be updated (currently twice in a lifetime, with an exception process beyond that). Decide the exact spelling before you start.

Free sample: name change affidavit

AFFIDAVIT FOR CHANGE OF NAME

I, [NEW NAME] (formerly known as [OLD NAME]), [son / daughter / wife] of [father’s or husband’s name], aged [ ] years, resident of [full address with PIN code], do hereby solemnly affirm and declare as under:

1. That my name is recorded as [OLD NAME] in [school certificates / Aadhaar / PAN / passport / bank records].

2. That I have changed my name from [OLD NAME] to [NEW NAME] with effect from [date] because [reason, for example: of marriage / of a spelling error / of personal preference].

3. That [OLD NAME] and [NEW NAME] are the names of one and the same person, namely me.

4. That I shall hereafter be known by the name [NEW NAME] for all purposes, and I request all authorities to record my new name.

5. That I shall publish the change of name in [newspapers] and get it notified in the [Gazette of India / State Gazette].

Verification: I, the above-named deponent, verify that the contents of paragraphs 1 to 5 of this affidavit are true and correct to my personal knowledge, no part of it is false and nothing material has been concealed. Verified at [place] on [date].

[Signature of deponent]
[Attestation by notary / oath commissioner with seal, registration number and date]

Address proof affidavit: when it works and when it does not

An address affidavit is useful where you have no utility bill or rent agreement in your name, for example when living with parents, in a relative’s home, or in a hostel. It is commonly asked for by schools, colleges, employers, gas agencies and some banks.

Remember two limits. First, many authorities accept only documents from a fixed list (UIDAI for Aadhaar, Passport Seva for passports, banks under their KYC rules), and a self-made affidavit may not be on that list; check before you spend on stamp paper. Second, where you live in someone else’s house, the receiving office often wants a no objection or consent letter from the owner with the owner’s ownership proof, rather than only your own affidavit.

Free sample: address proof affidavit

AFFIDAVIT FOR PROOF OF RESIDENCE

I, [Name], [son / daughter / wife] of [name], aged [ ] years, do hereby solemnly affirm and declare as under:

1. That I am residing at [full address with PIN code] since [month and year].

2. That I reside at the said address as [owner / tenant under agreement dated [ ] / family member of the owner, Shri / Smt. [name], who is my [relationship]].

3. That this affidavit is required for [purpose, for example: admission to [institution] / employment with [employer] / new gas connection], and I have no other permanent address [OR: my permanent address is [ ]].

4. That copies of [my identity proof and the owner’s consent letter with ownership proof] are attached.

Verification: I verify that the contents of paragraphs 1 to 4 are true and correct to my personal knowledge, no part of it is false and nothing material has been concealed. Verified at [place] on [date].

[Signature of deponent]
[Attestation]

Need the complete, editable set? The Lexfolio Affidavit and NOC Set has English and Hindi formats for general affidavits, change of name (with a gazette note), proof of address, education gap, income, loss of documents, NOCs from landlord, parent and employer, a self-declaration and an undertaking, with guidance on stamp duty and attestation.

The verification clause, explained

The verification at the end tells the reader which statements rest on your own knowledge and which on records or information. For most office affidavits, all facts are within your knowledge, so the short verification in the samples works. If some facts come from records or other people, say so separately: “paragraphs 1 to 3 are true to my personal knowledge, and paragraph 4 is based on records of [ ], which I believe to be true.”

What happens if an affidavit is false

A false affidavit is not a paperwork slip. Under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023:

Provision	Offence	Maximum punishment
Section 227 with 229(1)	Giving false evidence in a judicial proceeding	7 years and fine up to Rs 10,000
Section 229(2)	Giving false evidence in any other case	3 years and fine up to Rs 5,000
Section 236	False statement in a declaration that a public servant is authorised by law to receive as evidence	As for false evidence

A false affidavit can also lead to cancellation of an admission, appointment or document obtained with it. For acts before 1 July 2024, the corresponding Indian Penal Code sections apply.

Common mistakes

Spelling your name differently from your ID documents, or leaving out your father’s or husband’s name.
Copying a format with facts that do not fit your case.
Using an affidavit where the office has its own prescribed form (passport annexures, university formats, bank indemnities). Use the prescribed form.
Writing your full Aadhaar number when it is not needed. Mask all but the last four digits.
Skipping the gazette step for a name change and then being asked for it by the passport office or a board.

Get every affidavit right the first time. The Affidavit and NOC Set comes in editable Word and PDF, with shaded notes telling you what to fill, what to delete and what to attach.

Prefer Hindi? Read our guide शपथ पत्र का प्रारूप और नोटरी प्रक्रिया. Renting in Uttar Pradesh? See the UP rent agreement guide.

Frequently asked questions

Is a notarised affidavit enough to change my name legally?

It is the first step. For acceptance by most Central authorities you will also need newspaper notices and a gazette notification. For marriage, the marriage certificate alone is often accepted.

How much stamp duty is payable on an affidavit?

It depends on your State’s stamp law and the purpose. Ask the notary or e-stamp vendor for the current amount, and check whether the receiving office needs stamp paper at all.

Can I make an affidavit on plain paper?

Many offices accept affidavits or self-declarations on plain paper. Follow the receiving office’s instructions.

Who can attest an affidavit?

A notary public, an oath commissioner appointed by a court, or a magistrate. Abroad, an Indian consular officer can.

Can I use an affidavit as address proof for Aadhaar or a passport?

Usually not on its own. These authorities accept documents from their own published lists. Check the current list before applying.

What if I made a mistake in an affidavit already submitted?

Make a fresh corrective affidavit explaining the error and submit it to the same office promptly.

*This article is general information, not legal advice.*

18 October 2026

Rent Agreement in Uttar Pradesh: Rules After 2026 HC Ruling

Last updated: 18 October 2026

Short answer: In urban Uttar Pradesh, a tenancy must still be made by a written agreement, and where required (non-residential lets, and residential lets of twelve months or more) landlord and tenant must inform the Rent Authority within two months. The security deposit is still capped at two months’ rent for homes and six months’ rent for shops and offices. What changed on 21 August 2026 is that the Allahabad High Court struck down the parts of the 2021 tenancy law that let the Rent Authority revise rent and order eviction. So write the rent increase clearly into the agreement, end tenancies by notice under the Transfer of Property Act, and go to the competent court (not the Rent Authority) if a tenant refuses to leave.

What the High Court decided in August 2026

On 21 August 2026 a Division Bench of the Allahabad High Court decided a batch of writ petitions in Inder Bhushan Sawhney v. Kanchan Kumari Jain (Dead) and 2 Others, neutral citation 2026:AHC:177234-DB. As reported, the Court held:

Sections 8, 9 and 10 of the Uttar Pradesh Regulation of Urban Premises Tenancy Act, 2021 (rent payable, statutory revision of rent, and fixing of revised rent by the Rent Authority) are repugnant to the Transfer of Property Act, 1882 and void.
The provisions allowing eviction by order of the Rent Authority are also repugnant to the Transfer of Property Act, which lists in section 111 the only ways a lease comes to an end.
Sections 38 and 42 are ultra vires to the extent they override the procedure of the Provincial Small Cause Courts Act, 1887 read with the U.P. Civil Laws (Amendment) Act, 1972, because the State law did not receive Presidential assent under Article 254(2) of the Constitution.
The rest of the Act was not struck down. The ruling operates from the date of judgment, the repealed 1972 rent Act revives only to the extent needed, and matters already concluded under the 2021 Act without challenge are protected.

Law in transition: reports available as on 18 October 2026 do not mention a stay by the Supreme Court. An appeal or an amendment by the State is possible, so check the current position before relying on any part of the 2021 Act in a dispute.

What still applies after the ruling

Rule	Position as on 18 October 2026
Written agreement (section 4)	Not struck down. No premises may be let except by a written agreement.
Information to the Rent Authority (section 4)	Not struck down. Inform within two months in the First Schedule form; if not done jointly, each party informs separately within a further month. Residential tenancies of less than twelve months need not be informed.
Security deposit (section 11)	Not struck down. Maximum two months’ rent for residential and six months’ rent for non-residential premises.
Rent and rent increase (sections 8 to 10)	Struck down. Rent is what the agreement says, and increases happen only as the agreement provides.
Eviction by the Rent Authority	Struck down. End the tenancy by notice or expiry under the Transfer of Property Act, then sue for possession in the competent court if the tenant does not leave.
Rent receipts, repairs, 24 hours’ notice before entry, no cutting off essential supplies	Not reported struck down. Follow them; they are also good practice.

Registration, the 11 month practice and stamp duty

Under section 107 of the Transfer of Property Act and section 17(1)(d) of the Registration Act, 1908, a lease from year to year, for more than one year, or reserving a yearly rent must be registered. An 11 month agreement with monthly rent falls outside these provisions, which is why it is so common. An unregistered document that needed registration cannot be used as evidence of the lease (section 49 of the Registration Act), and the tenant is then treated as a month to month tenant.

Stamp duty is separate from registration. Even an 11 month agreement must be stamped at the rate fixed by Uttar Pradesh, usually through an e-stamp certificate. On 19 November 2025 the State notified a six month provisional remission capping stamp duty on lease deeds by average annual rent and term (for example, Rs 500 for a term up to one year where the average annual rent is up to Rs 2 lakh). Check with the Sub-Registrar or the UP Stamp and Registration Department whether that remission, or a replacement, applies on the day you sign.

Rent agreement format: the clauses that matter now

Clause	What to write	Why it matters after the ruling
Parties and premises	Full names, parentage, addresses, last four digits of Aadhaar, exact description of the premises with fittings	Identifies the tenancy for the Rent Authority intimation and any later suit
Term	Start date and term (for example, 11 months), with renewal by fresh agreement	Fixes when the lease ends by efflux of time under section 111 TPA
Rent and due date	Monthly rent, due date, bank account, late fee	The agreement is now the only source of the rent
Rent increase	A fixed percentage on renewal, for example “rent shall increase by [5] per cent on each renewal”	Statutory revision by the Rent Authority is gone; without this clause there is no automatic increase
Security deposit	Amount (within the cap), refund within a fixed number of days of handing over vacant possession, permitted deductions	Section 11 cap still applies
Notice to end	One month’s written notice by either side; lock-in, if any	Without a clause, section 106 TPA gives 15 days’ notice for a month to month tenancy
Use and occupants	Residential only, names of family members, no sub-letting without written consent	Breach of an express condition can support forfeiture under section 111(g) TPA if the agreement provides for re-entry
Repairs and utilities	Minor repairs by tenant, structural by owner; who pays electricity, water, maintenance	Avoids disputes over deductions
Entry and inspection	24 hours’ written notice, daytime	Matches section 17 of the 2021 Act
Rent Authority intimation	Both parties will jointly inform the Rent Authority within two months (if the tenancy is twelve months or more, or non-residential)	Section 4 still applies

Free sample: two clauses to add to any UP rent agreement

Rent increase. The monthly rent shall be increased by [five] per cent on each renewal of this agreement. No other increase shall be made during the term except by a written agreement signed by both parties.

Termination and handing over. Either party may end this tenancy by giving one month’s written notice to the other. On the expiry of the term or of the notice, the Tenant shall hand over vacant and peaceful possession of the Premises with all fittings listed in the Schedule, and the Landlord shall refund the security deposit, after lawful deductions shown in writing, within [15] days of receiving possession.

Need the complete, editable set? The Lexfolio Rent Agreement Set has an 11 month residential agreement in English and Hindi, a tenancy agreement under the U.P. 2021 Act with the First Schedule intimation, a commercial lease, a leave and licence format, a tenant verification sheet, a handover inventory and a notice to vacate, all revised after the August 2026 judgment.

Ending a tenancy and evicting a tenant now

Check the agreement for the notice period and any lock-in.
Serve written notice under section 106 TPA (15 days for a month to month tenancy unless the agreement says otherwise), signed and sent by post or delivered, or let the fixed term expire.
If the tenant does not leave, file a suit for possession and arrears in the competent court, following the Small Cause Courts procedure as applied in Uttar Pradesh. After the ruling, the Rent Authority can no longer order eviction.
Never use force, change the locks or cut off water or electricity. That can expose you to civil and criminal liability.

A landlord’s suit for possession must be filed within 12 years of the tenancy ending (Article 67, Limitation Act, 1963), and arrears of rent within three years of each arrear falling due (Article 52). For drafting the notice, see our legal notice guide.

Police verification of tenants

Many districts issue orders under section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 requiring landlords to give tenant details to the police. Disobeying such an order can be prosecuted under section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. In Uttar Pradesh tenant verification can be done through the UPCOP app; keep the acknowledgement. If the tenant needs proof of address for Aadhaar, a bank or utilities, see our guide on the affidavit for address proof.

Checklist before signing

Written agreement in duplicate, signed by both parties and two witnesses.
Correct stamp duty paid by e-stamp in the name of one of the parties.
Rent, increase, deposit, notice period and lock-in written clearly.
Deposit within two months’ rent (residential) or six months’ rent (non-residential).
Inventory and meter readings signed at handover, with photographs.
Rent Authority informed within two months where required.
Police verification done and acknowledgement kept.

Signing a tenancy this month? The Rent Agreement Set gives you UP-ready agreements with the post-ruling rent and termination clauses already drafted, plus the forms you need at handover.

Frequently asked questions

Is an 11 month rent agreement valid in Uttar Pradesh?

Yes. It must be in writing and properly stamped. A residential tenancy of less than twelve months does not have to be informed to the Rent Authority.

Can a landlord increase rent every year in UP?

Only as the agreement provides. After the August 2026 ruling, the statutory revision and the Rent Authority’s power to fix revised rent no longer apply.

What is the maximum security deposit in UP?

Two months’ rent for residential premises and six months’ rent for non-residential premises (section 11), which was not struck down.

Can the Rent Authority still evict a tenant?

No. The High Court struck down eviction by order of the Rent Authority. The landlord must end the tenancy under the Transfer of Property Act and sue for possession in the competent court.

Do I need to register a rent agreement in UP?

Registration is compulsory for a lease of more than one year, from year to year, or reserving a yearly rent. An 11 month agreement need not be registered but must be stamped.

Has the Supreme Court stayed the High Court judgment?

No stay had been reported as on 18 October 2026. Check for any later order before relying on the position described here.

*This article is general information, not legal advice.*

18 October 2026

How to File Consumer Complaint on e-Jagriti: Step by Step

Last updated: 18 October 2026

Short answer: You can file a consumer complaint online on e-Jagriti (e-jagriti.gov.in), the Department of Consumer Affairs portal that replaced e-Daakhil from 1 January 2025. Register with OTP, choose “Consumer Complaint”, pick the right Commission based on the amount you paid (District Commission up to Rs 50 lakh), upload your signed complaint, affidavit and documents as PDFs, pay the fee (nil up to Rs 5 lakh) and note the filing number. You do not need a lawyer. File within two years of the cause of action.

Before you start: are you a “consumer”?

Under section 2(7) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, you are a consumer if you bought goods or hired a service for a price (paid, promised or partly paid), including online purchases, teleshopping and direct selling. You are not a consumer if you bought for resale or for a commercial purpose, but buying something to earn your own livelihood by self-employment (a taxi, a sewing machine) is not treated as commercial purpose.

You can complain about a defect in goods, deficiency in service, unfair or restrictive trade practices, overcharging above the displayed or agreed price, hazardous goods, and product liability for harm caused by a defective product.

Two things are outside consumer law: free services, and services under a contract of personal service such as employment. The Supreme Court has also held that complaints against advocates for professional services are not maintainable under the Act (Bar of Indian Lawyers v. D.K. Gandhi PS National Institute of Communicable Diseases, 14 May 2024).

Step 0: try to settle first

Write to the seller or service provider and keep the ticket number and replies.
Use the National Consumer Helpline: call 1915 or 1800-11-4000, message on WhatsApp or SMS at 8800001915, or lodge a grievance at consumerhelpline.gov.in. Many companies settle at this stage.
Send a short notice giving 15 days to fix the problem or refund. A notice is not compulsory for a consumer complaint, but it shows the Commission you were reasonable. See our legal notice guide for drafting tips.

Which Commission? Jurisdiction in one table

The forum depends on the value of the goods or services paid as consideration, not on the compensation you claim. These limits come from the Consumer Protection (Jurisdiction of the District Commission, the State Commission and the National Commission) Rules, 2021.

Amount you paid	Commission
Up to Rs 50 lakh	District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission
Above Rs 50 lakh and up to Rs 2 crore	State Commission
Above Rs 2 crore	National Commission, New Delhi

Which district? Under section 34(2) you can file where the opposite party resides or carries on business or has a branch, where the cause of action arose, or, most usefully, where you yourself reside or personally work for gain.

Fees

Fees are set by rule 7 of the Consumer Protection (Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions) Rules, 2020, as amended in August 2023.

Amount you paid	Fee
Up to Rs 5 lakh	Nil
Above Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh	Rs 200
Above Rs 10 lakh to Rs 20 lakh	Rs 400
Above Rs 20 lakh to Rs 50 lakh	Rs 1,000
Above Rs 50 lakh to Rs 1 crore	Rs 2,000
Above Rs 1 crore to Rs 2 crore	Rs 2,500
Above Rs 2 crore to Rs 4 crore	Rs 3,000
Above Rs 4 crore to Rs 6 crore	Rs 4,000
Above Rs 6 crore to Rs 8 crore	Rs 5,000
Above Rs 8 crore to Rs 10 crore	Rs 6,000
Above Rs 10 crore	Rs 7,500

Documents to prepare before you log in

Scan each document clearly as a PDF and give each file a plain name (for example “Annexure C-1 Invoice”).

Complaint, signed on every page, with numbered paragraphs: parties, facts in date order, how the facts amount to defect, deficiency or unfair trade practice, jurisdiction (pecuniary and territorial), limitation, fee, and the reliefs claimed with amounts.
Supporting affidavit, attested by a notary or oath commissioner.
Memo of parties with full addresses, e-mails and phone numbers of every opposite party (seller, manufacturer, service centre, platform, insurer or builder, as relevant).
List of dates and events.
Index of documents with page numbers.
Annexures: bill or invoice, payment proof, warranty card or brochure, complaints and replies, job sheets, photographs, legal notice and postal receipts, and your ID and address proof.
Certificate for electronic records, if you rely on e-mails, chats or screenshots. Since 1 July 2024 this is given under section 63 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023.
Delay application, if you are filing after two years, explaining the reasons.

Filing on e-Jagriti: step by step

Register. Open e-jagriti.gov.in, choose to register as a consumer (party in person) or as an advocate, and verify your mobile number and e-mail by OTP. If you had an e-Daakhil account, use the migration option shown on the portal.
Start a new case. Log in, choose to file a new case, select “Consumer Complaint”, and choose the State and the District Commission (or the State or National Commission, depending on the value).
Enter details. Fill in complainant and opposite party details, the amount paid, the compensation claimed and the date of the cause of action. The portal uses the amount paid to suggest the correct Commission and fee.
Upload documents. Upload the complaint, affidavit, memo of parties, list of dates, index and annexures as PDFs within the file size the portal shows.
Pay the fee online through the linked government payment gateway. If the fee is nil, the portal lets you go ahead without payment.
Submit and save the acknowledgement with the filing reference. If the registry points out defects, cure them within the time shown (15 days under regulation 9 of the Consumer Commission Procedure Regulations, 2020).
Track the case through SMS and e-mail alerts, the cause list and case status on the portal. Hearings may be by video conference or in person.

Portal screens and labels change from time to time, so follow the on-screen instructions and the help section at the time of filing. Physical filing at the Commission counter is still available.

Need the complete, editable set? The Lexfolio Consumer Complaint Kit gives you the complaint, supporting affidavit, list of dates, index, memo of parties, delay condonation application, authority letter and a pre-complaint notice in English and Hindi, with an e-Jagriti filing checklist.

What happens after filing

Stage	Time frame	Provision
Admission	Ordinarily within 21 days of filing; deemed admitted if not decided. No rejection without hearing you.	Sections 36(2) and (3)
Notice to opposite party	Within 21 days of admission	Section 38(2)(a)
Opposite party’s reply	30 days, extendable by not more than 15 days	Section 38(2)(a)
Mediation, if both consent	Consent within 5 days of the Commission’s direction	Section 37
Decision	The Commission tries to decide within 3 months of notice (5 months if goods need testing)	Section 38(7)
Appeal from District to State Commission	45 days, with deposit of 50 per cent of the amount ordered	Section 41

The Constitution Bench held in New India Assurance Co. Ltd. v. Hilli Multipurpose Cold Storage Pvt. Ltd., (2020) 5 SCC 757 that the opposite party’s time to reply cannot be extended beyond 30 plus 15 days. If the opposite party does not reply in time, the Commission can proceed on your evidence.

What you can ask for

Under section 39 the Commission can order replacement, repair, refund with interest, compensation for loss and for mental agony and harassment, punitive damages in suitable cases, discontinuance of an unfair trade practice, corrective advertisement, and costs. Ask for each item separately with an amount and a reason. Inflated claims rarely help.

Common mistakes

Choosing the Commission by the compensation claimed instead of the amount paid.
Leaving out the manufacturer or the platform when they share responsibility.
Filing after two years without a delay application.
Unsigned pages, an unattested affidavit or unpaginated annexures.
Missing hearings, which can lead to dismissal.
Ignoring defects pointed out by the registry for more than 15 days.

File it properly in one sitting. The Consumer Complaint Kit walks you through jurisdiction, fees and limitation, and gives you every document e-Jagriti asks for in editable Word, so you can upload clean PDFs the same day.

If your dispute is with a Government office, an RTI application can help you collect records first; see how to file an RTI application.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a lawyer to file on e-Jagriti?

No. You can register as a party in person, file and argue your own case. A lawyer helps in complex or high value matters.

Is e-Daakhil still working?

e-Jagriti, launched on 1 January 2025, brought together e-Daakhil and the older case systems. Use e-jagriti.gov.in for new filings.

What is the time limit for a consumer complaint?

Two years from the date the cause of action arose (section 69). A later complaint can be admitted if you show sufficient cause for the delay.

Is there any fee for complaints up to Rs 5 lakh?

No. Where the amount paid is up to Rs 5 lakh, the fee is nil.

Can I file against an online marketplace?

Yes. Online purchases are expressly covered. Name both the seller and the platform where both are responsible, and attach the order details and chat or e-mail records.

Can I file in my own city if the company is elsewhere?

Yes. Section 34(2)(d) lets you file where you reside or personally work for gain.

*This article is general information, not legal advice.*

18 October 2026

आरटीआई आवेदन कैसे करें: प्रारूप, शुल्क और अपील

अंतिम अद्यतन: 18 अक्टूबर 2026 (Last updated: 18 October 2026)

संक्षिप्त उत्तर: भारत का कोई भी नागरिक सूचना का अधिकार अधिनियम, 2005 के अंतर्गत किसी भी लोक प्राधिकरण से सूचना माँग सकता है। आवेदन सादे कागज़ पर लोक सूचना अधिकारी (PIO) को संबोधित करके डाक से भेजा जा सकता है या केंद्र सरकार के कार्यालयों के लिए rtionline.gov.in पर ऑनलाइन किया जा सकता है। केंद्र और उत्तर प्रदेश, दोनों में आवेदन शुल्क ₹10 है, और गरीबी रेखा से नीचे (बीपीएल) के आवेदक को प्रमाणपत्र संलग्न करने पर कोई शुल्क नहीं देना होता। लोक सूचना अधिकारी को 30 दिन में उत्तर देना होता है। उत्तर न मिलने या असंतोषजनक होने पर 30 दिन में प्रथम अपील और उसके बाद 90 दिन में सूचना आयोग के समक्ष द्वितीय अपील की जा सकती है।

कौन आवेदन कर सकता है और क्या माँगा जा सकता है

भारत का प्रत्येक नागरिक आवेदन कर सकता है। धारा 6(2) के अनुसार आवेदक को सूचना माँगने का कारण बताना आवश्यक नहीं है, और केवल वही विवरण देना होता है जो उससे संपर्क करने के लिए आवश्यक हो।

धारा 2(च) के अनुसार “सूचना” में किसी लोक प्राधिकरण के पास उपलब्ध अभिलेख, दस्तावेज़, फ़ाइल टिप्पणियाँ, ई-मेल, राय, सलाह, परिपत्र, आदेश, लॉगबुक, संविदाएँ, रिपोर्ट, नमूने और इलेक्ट्रॉनिक रूप में रखी गई सामग्री शामिल है। आप अभिलेखों का निरीक्षण भी कर सकते हैं और प्रमाणित प्रतियाँ भी ले सकते हैं।

ध्यान रखें कि लोक सूचना अधिकारी से ऐसी सूचना नहीं माँगी जा सकती जो अभिलेख में है ही नहीं, और न ही उनसे “क्यों” वाले प्रश्नों पर राय या कानून की व्याख्या माँगी जा सकती है। प्रश्न को अभिलेख की प्रति माँगने के रूप में लिखें।

आवेदन कैसे करें: डाक या हाथ से

सही लोक सूचना अधिकारी चुनें। प्रत्येक लोक प्राधिकरण को लोक सूचना अधिकारी नामित करना होता है (धारा 5)। नाम प्रायः कार्यालय की वेबसाइट या सूचना पट्ट पर होता है। नाम न मिले तो “लोक सूचना अधिकारी, [कार्यालय का नाम]” लिखें।
आवेदन लिखें। सादा कागज़ पर्याप्त है। हिंदी, अंग्रेज़ी या क्षेत्र की राजभाषा में आवेदन किया जा सकता है (धारा 6(1))।
शुल्क जमा करें। ₹10 का भारतीय पोस्टल ऑर्डर, डिमांड ड्राफ्ट या बैंकर्स चेक संलग्न करें, या कार्यालय में नकद जमा करके रसीद लें। उत्तर प्रदेश में भुगतान संबंधित लोक प्राधिकरण के पक्ष में किया जाता है।
भेजें। स्पीड पोस्ट से भेजें और डिलीवरी का प्रमाण रखें, या कार्यालय में देकर दिनांकित पावती लें। उप-मंडल स्तर पर सहायक लोक सूचना अधिकारी को भी आवेदन दिया जा सकता है; ऐसे में उत्तर की अवधि में 5 दिन जुड़ जाते हैं (धारा 5(2))।
पूरी प्रति रखें, जिसमें पोस्टल ऑर्डर संख्या और डाक रसीद हो।

ऑनलाइन आवेदन

केंद्र सरकार के कार्यालय: rtionline.gov.in पर “Submit Request” चुनें, मंत्रालय या विभाग चुनें, अपना नाम, पता, मोबाइल और ई-मेल भरें, प्रश्न लिखें (लंबा आवेदन हो तो पीडीएफ़ के रूप में अपलोड करें) और ₹10 का भुगतान इंटरनेट बैंकिंग, डेबिट या क्रेडिट कार्ड, रुपे कार्ड या यूपीआई से करें। भुगतान के बाद मिली पंजीकरण संख्या सँभाल कर रखें। यह पोर्टल राज्य सरकार के कार्यालयों के लिए नहीं है; ऐसा आवेदन शुल्क लौटाए बिना वापस कर दिया जाता है।

उत्तर प्रदेश के कार्यालय: राज्य के विभागों के लिए उत्तर प्रदेश का अपना आरटीआई पोर्टल rtionline.up.gov.in है। जो कार्यालय पोर्टल पर न हो, उसके लिए डाक से आवेदन करें।

शुल्क: केंद्र और उत्तर प्रदेश

मद	केंद्र (सूचना का अधिकार नियम, 2012)	उत्तर प्रदेश (सूचना का अधिकार नियमावली, 2015)
आवेदन शुल्क	₹10	₹10
प्रतियाँ (A4 या A3)	₹2 प्रति पृष्ठ	राज्य नियमों के अनुसार
अभिलेखों का निरीक्षण	पहला घंटा निःशुल्क, उसके बाद ₹5 प्रति घंटा	पहले घंटे के लिए ₹10, उसके बाद प्रत्येक 15 मिनट के लिए ₹5
बीपीएल आवेदक	बीपीएल प्रमाणपत्र संलग्न करने पर कोई शुल्क नहीं	बीपीएल प्रमाणपत्र संलग्न करने पर कोई शुल्क नहीं

यदि प्रतियों के लिए अतिरिक्त शुल्क देय हो, तो लोक सूचना अधिकारी को गणना सहित लिखित सूचना देनी होती है, और उस सूचना से भुगतान तक का समय 30 दिन में नहीं गिना जाता (धारा 7(3))। समय सीमा बीत जाने पर सूचना निःशुल्क देनी होती है (धारा 7(6))। अन्य राज्यों के नियम अलग हो सकते हैं।

समय सीमाएँ

चरण	समय सीमा	धारा
लोक सूचना अधिकारी का उत्तर	आवेदन प्राप्ति से 30 दिन	धारा 7(1)
किसी व्यक्ति के जीवन या स्वतंत्रता से संबंधित सूचना	48 घंटे	धारा 7(1) का परंतुक
सहायक लोक सूचना अधिकारी के माध्यम से आवेदन	5 दिन अतिरिक्त	धारा 5(2)
सही लोक प्राधिकरण को अंतरण	5 दिन के भीतर	धारा 6(3)
तृतीय पक्ष से संबंधित सूचना	40 दिन	धारा 11
प्रथम अपील	उत्तर मिलने या उत्तर की नियत तिथि से 30 दिन	धारा 19(1)
द्वितीय अपील	प्रथम अपील के निर्णय या उसकी नियत तिथि से 90 दिन	धारा 19(3)

आवेदन का निःशुल्क नमूना

सेवा में,
लोक सूचना अधिकारी,
[कार्यालय का नाम],
[पता]

विषय: सूचना का अधिकार अधिनियम, 2005 की धारा 6(1) के अंतर्गत आवेदन

1. आवेदक का नाम: [पूरा नाम]
2. पत्राचार का पता: [पिन कोड सहित पूरा पता]
3. मोबाइल और ई-मेल: [ ]

4. वांछित सूचना (अवधि [दिनांक] से [दिनांक] तक):
(क) मेरे आवेदन संख्या [ ] दिनांक [ ] से संबंधित फ़ाइल टिप्पणियों और पत्राचार की प्रमाणित प्रति।
(ख) उक्त आवेदन की वर्तमान स्थिति तथा उस अधिकारी का नाम और पदनाम जिसके पास वह लंबित है।
(ग) ऐसे आवेदनों के निस्तारण की समय सीमा निर्धारित करने वाले नियम, परिपत्र या आदेश की प्रति।

5. मैं भारत का नागरिक हूँ। मैंने ₹10 का शुल्क [भारतीय पोस्टल ऑर्डर संख्या [ ] दिनांक [ ] / डिमांड ड्राफ्ट / नकद रसीद संख्या [ ]] द्वारा जमा किया है। प्रतियों के लिए अतिरिक्त शुल्क सूचित किए जाने पर देने को तैयार हूँ।

[यदि लागू हो: मैं गरीबी रेखा से नीचे की श्रेणी में आता/आती हूँ। बीपीएल प्रमाणपत्र की प्रति संलग्न है, अतः कोई शुल्क देय नहीं है।]

स्थान: [ ]
दिनांक: [ ]
हस्ताक्षर: [ ]

पूरा, संपादन योग्य सेट चाहिए? Lexfolio की RTI Application and Appeals Kit में आवेदन, प्रथम अपील, द्वितीय अपील और धारा 18 की शिकायत के हिंदी और अंग्रेज़ी प्रारूप, सामान्य परिस्थितियों के लिए तैयार प्रश्न, और शुल्क, समय सीमा तथा छूट पर सरल भाषा में मार्गदर्शिका दी गई है।

प्रश्न ऐसे लिखें कि उत्तर मिले

“क्यों” पूछने के बजाय दस्तावेज़ की प्रति माँगें, जैसे “निरीक्षण रिपोर्ट की प्रमाणित प्रति”।
निश्चित अवधि और संदर्भ संख्या लिखें।
एक आवेदन में एक ही विषय रखें और बिंदुओं को क्रमांकित करें।
लंबित शिकायत के मामले में दैनिक प्रगति, संबंधित अधिकारी का नाम और निर्धारित समय सीमा का नियम माँगें।
फ़ाइल बड़ी हो तो पहले निरीक्षण माँगें, फिर चिह्नित पृष्ठों की प्रतियाँ लें।

किन आधारों पर सूचना देने से मना किया जा सकता है

धारा 8 में छूट के आधार दिए गए हैं, जैसे राष्ट्र की सुरक्षा, वाणिज्यिक गोपनीयता, वैश्वासिक संबंध में प्राप्त सूचना, अन्वेषण में बाधा डालने वाली सूचना और निर्णय से पहले के मंत्रिमंडल के कागज़ात। धारा 24 के अंतर्गत सूचीबद्ध सुरक्षा और आसूचना संगठन अधिनियम से बाहर हैं, किंतु भ्रष्टाचार और मानवाधिकार उल्लंघन से संबंधित सूचना उनसे भी माँगी जा सकती है।

व्यक्तिगत सूचना पर महत्वपूर्ण परिवर्तन: डिजिटल व्यक्तिगत डेटा संरक्षण अधिनियम, 2023 की धारा 44(3) ने 13 नवंबर 2025 से धारा 8(1)(ञ) को बदल दिया है। अब यह खंड केवल “व्यक्तिगत सूचना से संबंधित सूचना” को छूट देता है, और पहले वाला लोकहित का परीक्षण इसमें नहीं रहा। इसलिए किसी अन्य व्यक्ति के सेवा अभिलेख, संपत्ति या आयकर विवरणी जैसी सूचना मिलने की संभावना कम हो गई है। इस संशोधन को उच्चतम न्यायालय में चुनौती दी गई है (Venkatesh Nayak v. Union of India, W.P. (C) No. 177 of 2026 तथा संबद्ध याचिकाएँ)। 16 फ़रवरी 2026 को न्यायालय ने मामला बड़ी पीठ को सौंप दिया, पर संशोधन पर रोक नहीं लगाई। अपनी स्वयं की व्यक्तिगत सूचना आप अपने नाम से माँग सकते हैं।

उत्तर न मिले या असंतोषजनक हो तो

प्रथम अपील

प्रथम अपील उसी लोक प्राधिकरण में लोक सूचना अधिकारी से वरिष्ठ अधिकारी, अर्थात प्रथम अपीलीय अधिकारी, के समक्ष उत्तर मिलने या उत्तर की नियत तिथि से 30 दिन के भीतर की जाती है। केंद्र के नियमों और उत्तर प्रदेश की नियमावली में प्रथम अपील के लिए कोई शुल्क निर्धारित नहीं है। सामान्य आधार हैं: समय पर उत्तर न मिलना, अधूरा या भ्रामक उत्तर, छूट का गलत प्रयोग, या अत्यधिक शुल्क की माँग।

द्वितीय अपील और शिकायत

प्रथम अपील का निर्णय न होने या उससे असंतुष्ट होने पर केंद्रीय लोक प्राधिकरण के मामले में केंद्रीय सूचना आयोग और राज्य के मामले में राज्य सूचना आयोग (उत्तर प्रदेश में उत्तर प्रदेश राज्य सूचना आयोग) के समक्ष 90 दिन के भीतर द्वितीय अपील करें। आवेदन, उत्तर, प्रथम अपील और अपीलीय आदेश की प्रतियाँ सूची सहित संलग्न करें। उत्तर प्रदेश में द्वितीय अपील तीन प्रतियों में, सत्यापित प्रतियों और इस प्रमाणपत्र के साथ दी जाती है कि उसी आधार पर पहले कोई अपील नहीं की गई है।

धारा 18 के अंतर्गत शिकायत करने पर आयोग लोक सूचना अधिकारी पर विलंब के प्रत्येक दिन के लिए ₹250, अधिकतम ₹25,000, का दंड लगा सकता है (धारा 20)। सूचना पाने का रास्ता द्वितीय अपील है; दंड के लिए शिकायत की जाती है।

अपील की तैयारी कर रहे हैं? RTI Application and Appeals Kit में अपील के तैयार आधार, द्वितीय अपील के दस्तावेज़ों की सूची और शिकायत का प्रारूप हिंदी और अंग्रेज़ी दोनों में है।

अंग्रेज़ी में विस्तृत जानकारी के लिए देखें: How to file an RTI application online and offline। अपील या शिकायत के साथ शपथपत्र लगाना हो तो हमारी मार्गदर्शिका शपथ पत्र का प्रारूप और नोटरी प्रक्रिया देखें।

सामान्य गलतियाँ

राज्य के कार्यालय के लिए केंद्रीय पोर्टल पर आवेदन करके शुल्क गँवा देना।
अभिलेख की जगह “क्यों” वाले प्रश्न पूछना।
एक ही आवेदन में कई असंबंधित विषय जोड़ देना।
शुल्क और डाक का प्रमाण न रखना।
प्रथम अपील की 30 दिन की अवधि चूक जाना।

अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले प्रश्न

क्या आरटीआई आवेदन हिंदी में किया जा सकता है?

हाँ। धारा 6(1) के अनुसार आवेदन हिंदी, अंग्रेज़ी या उस क्षेत्र की राजभाषा में किया जा सकता है।

30 दिन में उत्तर न मिले तो क्या करें?

धारा 7(2) के अनुसार इसे सूचना देने से इनकार माना जाता है। प्रथम अपील करें; बाद में सूचना निःशुल्क देनी होगी।

क्या सूचना माँगने का कारण बताना ज़रूरी है?

नहीं। धारा 6(2) के अनुसार कोई कारण बताना आवश्यक नहीं है।

उत्तर प्रदेश में आरटीआई शुल्क कितना है?

उत्तर प्रदेश सूचना का अधिकार नियमावली, 2015 के अनुसार आवेदन शुल्क ₹10 है। बीपीएल आवेदक को प्रमाणपत्र संलग्न करने पर शुल्क नहीं देना होता।

क्या किसी दूसरे व्यक्ति के वेतन या संपत्ति की जानकारी मिल सकती है?

धारा 8(1)(ञ) में संशोधन के बाद ऐसी व्यक्तिगत सूचना देने से मना किए जाने की संभावना अधिक है। उच्चतम न्यायालय इस संशोधन की जाँच कर रहा है, पर इस पर रोक नहीं है।

प्रथम अपील के लिए कोई शुल्क है?

केंद्र के नियमों और उत्तर प्रदेश की नियमावली में कोई शुल्क निर्धारित नहीं है। अन्य राज्यों के नियम देख लें।

*यह लेख सामान्य जानकारी है, विधिक परामर्श नहीं (general information, not legal advice).*

18 October 2026

How to File RTI Application Online and Offline (2026)

Last updated: 18 October 2026

Short answer: Any Indian citizen can ask a public authority for information under the Right to Information Act, 2005. For Central Government offices, file online at rtionline.gov.in and pay the Rs 10 fee by UPI, card or net banking. For any office (Central or State), you can also post a written application to the Public Information Officer (PIO) with a Rs 10 Indian Postal Order or demand draft; State fees and payment modes can differ. The PIO must reply within 30 days (48 hours if life or liberty is involved). If you get no reply or a poor one, file a first appeal within 30 days, and then a second appeal to the Information Commission within 90 days.

Who can file and what you can ask for

Any citizen of India can apply. You do not have to give any reason for wanting the information, and you need give only the contact details required to send you a reply (section 6(2)).

“Information” under section 2(f) means material in any form held by or under the control of a public authority: records, documents, file notings, e-mails, opinions, advice, press releases, circulars, orders, logbooks, contracts, reports, samples, models and electronic data. You can also ask to inspect files or take certified copies.

What you cannot do is ask the PIO to create information that does not exist, give opinions, answer hypothetical “why” questions or interpret the law. Frame your request as a request for records.

Filing online on the RTI Online portal

The portal rtionline.gov.in is run by the Department of Personnel and Training. It accepts requests and first appeals for Ministries, Departments and other public authorities of the Central Government that are on the portal. It must not be used for State Government offices (including the Government of NCT of Delhi); such applications are returned without refund.

Open rtionline.gov.in and choose “Submit Request”. Read the guidelines and tick the box to confirm.
Select the Ministry, Department or public authority from the drop down list. If yours is not listed, it is not on the portal; file by post instead.
Enter your name, address, mobile number and e-mail. An e-mail address is needed for the reply and alerts.
Type your request in the text box. The box has a character limit, so for a longer request type a short line and upload your full application as a PDF.
If you belong to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category, select that option and upload your BPL certificate; no fee is then payable.
Pay the Rs 10 fee through the payment gateway. The portal accepts internet banking, Visa and MasterCard debit and credit cards, RuPay cards and UPI.
Note the registration number shown after payment. You will need it to track the request and to file a first appeal online.

Many States run their own RTI portals for State departments, for example rtionline.up.gov.in in Uttar Pradesh. Use your State’s portal or file by post for State offices.

Filing offline by post or in person

Find the right PIO. Every public authority must designate Public Information Officers (section 5). Their names are usually on the office website or notice board. If you cannot find the name, address it to “The Public Information Officer” of that office.
Write the application. Use plain paper. In Central Government offices an application should ordinarily not exceed 500 words, excluding annexures (rule 3 of the RTI Rules, 2012).
Pay the fee. Attach a Rs 10 Indian Postal Order or demand draft payable to the Accounts Officer of the public authority, or pay cash against receipt at the counter. State rules prescribe their own payee and modes.
Send it. Use Speed Post with proof of delivery, or hand it over at the office and get a dated receipt. You can also give it to an Assistant PIO at the sub-divisional level, who must forward it; in that case the PIO gets five extra days to reply.
Keep a full copy with the postal order number and the postal receipt.

Fees under the Central RTI Rules, 2012

Item	Fee
Application	Rs 10
Copies (A4 or A3 size)	Rs 2 per page
Larger paper, samples or models	Actual cost
Inspection of records	First hour free, then Rs 5 for each further hour
Below Poverty Line applicant	No fee, if a BPL certificate from the appropriate Government is attached

If the PIO needs additional fees for copies, the PIO must write to you with the calculation. The time between that letter and your payment is not counted in the 30 days (section 7(3)). If the PIO misses the deadline, the information must be supplied free of charge (section 7(6)).

Time limits

Step	Time limit	Provision
Reply by PIO	30 days from receipt	Section 7(1)
Information concerning the life or liberty of a person	48 hours	Proviso to section 7(1)
Application given to an Assistant PIO	5 days added	Section 5(2)
Transfer to the right public authority	Within 5 days of receipt	Section 6(3)
Information involving a third party	40 days	Section 11
First appeal to the First Appellate Authority	Within 30 days of the reply or the date it was due	Section 19(1)
Second appeal to the Information Commission	Within 90 days of the first appeal decision or the date it was due	Section 19(3)

Free sample RTI application

To,
The Public Information Officer,
[Name of office],
[Address]

Subject: Application under section 6(1) of the Right to Information Act, 2005

1. Name of applicant: [Full name]
2. Address for reply: [Full address with PIN code]
3. Phone and e-mail: [ ]

4. Information sought (for the period [from date] to [to date]):
(a) Certified copy of [the file notings and correspondence relating to my application no. [ ] dated [ ]].
(b) The present status of that application and the name and designation of the officer with whom it is pending.
(c) Copy of the rules, circular or order that fixes the time limit for deciding such applications.

5. I am a citizen of India. I have paid the fee of Rs 10 by [Indian Postal Order no. [ ] dated [ ] / demand draft / cash receipt no. [ ]]. I am willing to pay any further fee for copies on being informed.

Place: [ ]
Date: [ ]
Signature: [ ]

How to frame questions that get answered

Ask for copies of documents rather than explanations: “certified copy of the inspection report” works better than “why was no action taken?”
Give a specific period and reference numbers.
Keep each request to one subject and number the points.
For delayed applications or complaints, ask for the daily progress record, the name of the officer handling it and the rule fixing the time limit.
If the file is large, ask first to inspect it and then for copies of the pages you mark. This saves fees.

Grounds on which information can be refused

Section 8 lists exemptions, such as information affecting national security, commercial confidence, information received in fiduciary capacity, information that would impede an investigation, and cabinet papers before a decision. Section 24 excludes listed security and intelligence organisations, except for information about corruption and human rights violations.

Important change to personal information: section 44(3) of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, in force since 13 November 2025, replaced clause (j) of section 8(1). It now simply exempts “information which relates to personal information”, without the earlier public interest test. Requests for other people’s personal details (service records, assets, tax returns and similar) are now more likely to be refused. The amendment has been challenged in the Supreme Court (Venkatesh Nayak v. Union of India, W.P. (C) No. 177 of 2026, with connected petitions). On 16 February 2026 the Court referred the matter to a larger Bench and refused to stay the amendment. Your own personal information is not affected in the same way; ask for it in your own name.

Need the complete, editable set? The Lexfolio RTI Application and Appeals Kit has English and Hindi formats for the application, first appeal, second appeal and section 18 complaint, a question bank for common situations, and a plain language guide to fees, time limits and exemptions.

If the reply is late or unsatisfactory

First appeal

File it with the First Appellate Authority, an officer senior to the PIO in the same public authority, within 30 days of the reply or of the date the reply was due. No fee is prescribed under the Central Rules. Common grounds: no reply, incomplete or misleading reply, wrong use of an exemption, or excessive fees. For Central authorities you can file the first appeal online using your registration number.

Second appeal or complaint

If the first appeal is not decided or you are still not satisfied, file a second appeal with the Central Information Commission (for Central authorities) or the State Information Commission (for State authorities) within 90 days. Attach copies of the application, the reply, the first appeal and the appellate order, with an index. Separately, a complaint under section 18 lets the Commission impose a penalty of Rs 250 per day of delay on the PIO, up to Rs 25,000 (section 20). A second appeal is the route to get the information; a complaint is the route to penalty.

Going to appeal? The RTI Application and Appeals Kit includes ready grounds of appeal, an index of documents for the second appeal and a complaint format, so you do not have to start from a blank page.

Reading in Hindi? See our guide आरटीआई आवेदन कैसे करें.

Common mistakes

Filing State matters on the Central portal and losing the fee.
Asking “why” questions instead of asking for records.
Bundling many unrelated subjects into one application.
Not keeping a copy and proof of the fee and dispatch.
Missing the 30 day window for the first appeal.

Frequently asked questions

Can I file an RTI application online for a State Government department?

Not on rtionline.gov.in. Use your State’s own RTI portal if it has one, or send the application by post.

What happens if the PIO does not reply within 30 days?

It is treated as a refusal (section 7(2)). File a first appeal, and the information must later be supplied free of charge.

Do I have to give a reason for asking?

No. Section 6(2) says no reason is required.

Can a non-resident Indian file an RTI?

Yes, an Indian citizen living abroad can file, including online on the Central portal, and some Indian missions accept applications.

Can I get information about another person’s salary or assets?

After the DPDP amendment to section 8(1)(j), such personal information is likely to be refused. The Supreme Court is examining the amendment, but has not stayed it.

Is there a fee for the first appeal?

No fee is prescribed under the Central RTI Rules, 2012. Some States charge a fee; check your State rules.

*This article is general information, not legal advice.*

18 October 2026