Introduction
When a person goes to Court,
many legal documents are used during the case. One of the most important
documents among them is called a Vakalatnama.
For
people who are new to the legal system, this term may sound formal or
confusing. However, the meaning and purpose of a Vakalatnama are actually very
simple. It is a document that builds the official connection between a client
and their lawyer.
In this blog, you will learn what a Vakalatnama is, how it works, why it is required, what information it contains, and how it affects your Court case. Everything is explained in clear, easy language so that even someone without legal knowledge can understand it comfortably.
What Is a Vakalatnama?
A Vakalatnama is a written legal
document that authorizes an Advocate (Lawyer) to appear and act on behalf of a
client in a legal case.
The term ‘Vakalatnama’ is
derived from the Persian word ‘Vakalat’
which means ‘advocacy’ or ‘representation.’
A Vakalatnama is a legal
document that authorizes an Advocate to represent a client in Court
proceedings. It
allows the Advocate to file documents, appear before the Court, and take
necessary legal steps on the client's behalf, as permitted by law.
When you sign a Vakalatnama, you are officially telling the Court, “This lawyer is allowed to speak, file papers, and take legal steps for me in this case.”
In simple words, it is like a permission letter that allows
your lawyer to act on your behalf in all legal matters related to your case.
This document is usually filed at the very beginning of a case or when a lawyer is appointed for the first time.
Why
Is a Vakalatnama Required?
Courts must clearly know who is representing each party in a Case.
A Vakalatnama
helps avoid confusion and ensures smooth communication between the Court and
the lawyer.
Once the Vakalatnama is submitted:
👉The
lawyer can appear in Court for the client
👉The
lawyer can sign and submit legal documents
👉The lawyer can receive notices, summons, and Court orders
👉The
lawyer can make legal arguments and requests before the judge
Without a Vakalatnama, a lawyer cannot officially take any action for a client in a Court case.
What
Details Are Included in a Vakalatnama?
A standard Vakalatnma which authorizes an Advocate to represent a
client before a Court usually contains the following key details:
- Full name of the Client
- Name of the Lawyer or Law Firm
- Name of the Court and Case number
- Type of Case ( Civil, Criminal , Family etc.)
- Address and contact details of the Client
- Date of Signing
- Signature or thumb impression of the Client
- Advocates signature and Bar Council enrolment Number
A Vakalatnama must be voluntarily signed by a legally competent person in accordance with court rules. Notarization is not mandatory.
What Powers Does a Vakalatnama Give to a Lawyer?
By signing a
Vakalatnama, a client usually allows the lawyer to:
➢Represent them in Court
hearings
➣File applications and legal papers
➣Withdraw or submit
documents
➣Accept Court notices and
certified copies
➣Take steps needed to
move the case forward
➣And even to settle or withdraw the cases on behalf of the client
Who Can Sign a Vakalatnama?
A Vakalatnama can be
signed by:
·
The
client (person involved in the case)
· An authorized person, if the client cannot sign personally (for example, a legal guardian or power of attorney holder).
The lawyer also signs the document to confirm that they accept the responsibility of representing the client.
Is a Court Fee Stamp Required?
The applicable stamp value and requirements may
vary depending on the Court and jurisdiction.
These stamps are mandatory, as they confer legal validity upon the Vakalatnama and make it admissible for official Court purposes.
Can You Cancel a Vakalatnama?
A Vakalatnama is the permission a
client gives to a lawyer to represent them in court. Because it is based on the
client’s consent, the client has the full right to cancel or withdraw it at any
stage of the case.
How Can It Be Cancelled?
👉By the Client:
A client can cancel a Vakalatnama by filing a
revocation notice in Court and informing the lawyer. A fresh Vakalatnama can be
filed in favor of another Lawyer.
👉By the Advocate:
A Lawyer may withdraw a Vakalatnama by filing a
Memo of Withdrawal, after notifying the client and obtaining the Court’s
permission.
👉By law:
A Vakalatnama automatically ends on the client’s
or lawyer’s death, the lawyer’s disqualification, or after the case is
completed.
Conclusion:
A Vakalatnama may look like a simple piece of paper, but it holds great importance. It gives your Lawyer the legal power to act on your behalf in Court, ensures smooth communication with the judiciary, and protects the rights of both client and Advocate. Whether you are filing a petition, defending a case, or appearing in a higher Court, no legal representation is valid without a Vakalatnama.
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