How-To Guide

Paying off a home loan, car loan or personal loan is a major financial milestone, but the process does not end with the final EMI payment. To legally confirm that the debt has been fully settled and the lender no longer holds any claim over the pledged asset, borrowers must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the bank. Without a valid NOC, borrowers may face difficulties selling or transferring their property, applying for fresh credit or proving clear title. This gu

Evicting a tenant in India is not as simple as asking them to leave. The law places significant protections around tenants, and a landlord who attempts removal without following the correct legal process risks criminal liability. Whether the issue is non-payment of rent, unauthorised subletting, or a genuine personal need for the property, understanding the legal framework is essential. This article covers the grounds, procedures, notice requirements and remedies for lawfully

Creating and registering a trust in India is one of the most effective ways to hold, manage and protect property for designated beneficiaries. Whether the objective is charitable work, family wealth preservation or religious endowment, the trust structure offers legal clarity that few other vehicles can match. This article covers what a trust is under Indian law, the types of trusts recognised, the step-by-step registration process, required documents, stamp duty and fees, an

Registering a society in India is one of the most established methods for formalising a group of individuals working toward a common literary, scientific, charitable or social objective. The Societies Registration Act 1860 (Act XXI of 1860) provides the legal framework for creating these bodies and remains remarkably relevant, with thousands of societies registered under it every year. This guide walks through the eligibility criteria, registration process, required documenta

The E-Way Bill system is one of the most important compliance mechanisms under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) framework in India. Introduced to track goods movement across state and intra-state borders, it ensures supply chain transparency and helps curb tax evasion. Any consignment of goods with a value exceeding Rs 50,000 must be accompanied by a valid E-Way Bill, generated electronically through the official portal. Failure to carry a valid E-Way Bill during transit can

When someone owes you a definite sum of money and refuses to pay, a money recovery suit lets you ask a civil court to order repayment. For debts arising from written contracts, cheques, promissory notes and similar instruments, the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 offers a faster route called a summary suit under Order 37. This guide explains when to use it and how, and connects with our guide on how to recover money lent without a written agreement for cases where no document e

A caveat petition is a simple but powerful precaution. It ensures that if someone files a case or application against you, the court will not pass any order without first hearing your side. Filing a caveat under Section 148A of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 prevents the other party from obtaining an ex parte order behind your back. This guide explains who can file, how, and for how long it lasts, and complements our guides on civil remedies such as how to recover money le

An income certificate is an official document, issued by the state revenue authorities, that certifies the annual income of a person or family from all sources. It is one of the most frequently requested documents in India because it is needed for scholarships, fee concessions, reservation benefits and economically weaker section claims. This guide explains how to get an income certificate, the documents required, where to apply online and offline, and how long it stays valid

Anyone planning to import goods into India or export goods and services from India usually needs an Import Export Code, commonly called an IEC. It is a ten-digit identification number issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992, and it is a basic prerequisite for cross-border trade. The application is entirely online, and this guide explains how to apply, what documents you need, the fee, and the one

The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) is a quasi-judicial body established under Section 252 of the Income Tax Act, 1961, and it serves as the final fact-finding authority in income tax disputes. An appeal to the ITAT lies under Section 253 of the Act against orders passed by the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) or CIT(A). The ITAT's decisions on questions of fact are final, with further appeal to the High Court only on substantial questions of law. This guide covers t

Obtaining an arms licence in India is governed by the Arms Act, 1959 and the Arms Rules, 2016. Chapter III of the Arms Act (Sections 13 to 18) lays down the framework for the grant, refusal, and conditions of arms licences. The process has been digitised through the National Database of Arms Licences and Arms Licence Issuance System (NDAL-ALIS) portal, which streamlines the application and tracking process. This guide covers eligibility requirements, the step-by-step applicat

The National Commission for Women (NCW), established under the National Commission for Women Act, 1990, is a statutory body that investigates complaints related to the deprivation of women's rights and takes up cases involving domestic violence, workplace sexual harassment, dowry harassment, rape, and situations where the police refuse to register an FIR. Women can now file complaints online through the NCW's portal at ncwapps.nic.in, making the process accessible without nee

A trade licence is a mandatory permit issued by the local municipal corporation or municipality that authorises a person or business to carry on a specified trade, profession, or calling within the municipal area. In India, the requirement for a trade licence is governed by the respective state municipal laws: for example, the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, 1957, the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act, 1888, and similar statutes in other states. Operating a business without a

Cancelling a flat booking and obtaining a refund from a builder is one of the most common real estate disputes in India. The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA) provides a structured framework for both buyer-initiated and builder-default cancellations, with specific provisions under Sections 18 and 19 that protect homebuyer rights. This guide explains the grounds for cancellation, the refund entitlements, the RERA complaint process, and the practical ste

The Lokpal, established under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, is India's apex anti-corruption ombudsman with jurisdiction over public servants including the Prime Minister (with safeguards), Union Ministers, Members of Parliament, and Group A, B, C, and D officers of the Central Government. Filing a complaint with the Lokpal is a structured process governed by the Lokpal (Complaint) Rules, 2020, and can now be initiated online through the official portal at lokpalonline.