How-To Guide

On 25 June 2026, the Ministry of External Affairs notified the Passports (Amendment) Rules, 2026, raising passport fees across every category for the first time since 2012. The revised fee structure took effect on 1 July 2026. A standard 36-page adult booklet now costs Rs 2,500, up from Rs 1,500, and a 60-page booklet costs Rs 3,500, up from Rs 2,000. Tatkaal fees have risen to Rs 5,000 and Rs 6,000 respectively. This guide walks through every step of the application process

Filing a revision petition under Section 115 of the Code of Civil Procedure (CPC) is a remedy available to a party aggrieved by an order of a subordinate court, where the order involves a jurisdictional error or a material irregularity of procedure. Unlike an appeal, which permits re-examination of facts and merits, revision is a supervisory jurisdiction exercised by the High Court to ensure that subordinate courts act within their legal authority and follow correct procedure

When a person dies without leaving a valid will (intestate), their legal heirs may need to obtain letters of administration from a competent court in order to deal with the estate of the deceased. Under the Indian Succession Act, 1925, letters of administration serve as the court's authorisation to a specific person, known as the administrator, to collect, manage, and distribute the assets of the deceased in accordance with the applicable law of succession. This guide explain

Filing an application for appointment of an arbitrator under Section 11 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, is a critical step when parties to an arbitration agreement are unable to agree on the constitution of the arbitral tribunal. Section 11 provides a structured mechanism for judicial intervention in the appointment process, ensuring that disputes are not stalled indefinitely merely because the parties cannot agree on an arbitrator. This guide explains the proc

When a civil suit is dismissed for non-appearance of the plaintiff, it does not necessarily mean the end of the road. The Code of Civil Procedure (CPC) provides a mechanism for restoration of such dismissed cases through Order 9 Rule 9, allowing the plaintiff to apply for the dismissal to be set aside and the suit to be restored to the court's active docket. This guide explains the procedure for filing a restoration application, the limitation period, the standard of proof re

Challenging an arbitration award under Section 34 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, is the primary recourse available to a party dissatisfied with the outcome of arbitration proceedings in India. Unlike appeals in regular litigation, the scope of judicial review of an arbitral award is deliberately narrow, reflecting the legislative intent to uphold the finality of arbitration. This guide explains the grounds, limitation period, court procedure, and practical con

A fair trial is a fundamental right guaranteed under the Constitution of India. When circumstances make it impossible for an accused person, a complainant, or a witness to receive a fair hearing in a particular court, the law provides a mechanism to transfer the case to another court. Under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS), which replaced the Code of Criminal Procedure, Chapter XXXIII (Sections 446 to 452) deals with the transfer of criminal cases and appea

Limitation periods exist to ensure that legal disputes are resolved within a reasonable timeframe. However, there are situations where a party is genuinely prevented from filing an appeal or application within the prescribed period. In such cases, the Limitation Act, 1963 provides a mechanism to seek condonation (forgiveness) of the delay. Section 5 of the Limitation Act allows courts to admit an appeal or application after the prescribed period has expired, provided the appl

When a trial court passes a decree that partially favours both sides, the aggrieved party files an appeal. But what about the respondent who is satisfied with the overall decree but objects to certain findings or parts of it? The law provides a mechanism called a cross objection, which allows the respondent in an appeal to challenge portions of the decree without filing a separate appeal. Governed by Order 41 Rule 22 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (CPC), this provision

A court marriage certificate is one of the most important legal documents a married couple possesses. It serves as proof of marriage for passport applications, visa processing, joint property purchases, insurance nominations, and various government services. When this certificate is lost, damaged, or destroyed, obtaining a duplicate becomes an urgent necessity. The process for reissuance is straightforward, though it varies slightly across states depending on whether records

An interlocutory application (IA) is a procedural tool that allows a party to seek interim relief or specific orders from the court while a civil suit is still pending. These applications address urgent or ancillary issues that cannot wait until the final hearing. Whether a plaintiff needs to protect disputed property from being sold, or a defendant wants security for costs, interlocutory applications provide the mechanism for obtaining such orders. Understanding when and how

How to File an Execution Petition to Enforce a Court Decree in India Under Order 21 CPC Winning a court case and obtaining a favourable decree is only half the battle. If the judgment-debtor (the losing party) fails to comply with the decree voluntarily, the decree-holder (the winning party) must take steps to enforce it. The process of enforcing a court decree in India is governed by Order 21 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (CPC). This guide explains the modes of execut

How to Contest a Will in India: Legal Grounds, Procedure and Limitation Period When a loved one passes away, disputes over the distribution of their estate can arise, particularly if there are concerns about the validity of the deceased's will. Contesting a will is a legal process through which an interested party challenges the authenticity or validity of a testamentary document before a court. This guide explains the legal grounds for challenging a will in India, the step-b

How to File a Suit for Declaration of Title Over Property in India Under Section 34 of the Specific Relief Act Disputes over property ownership are among the most common types of civil litigation in India. When someone denies your right or title to a property, you may need to approach the court to obtain a formal declaration establishing your ownership. Section 34 of the Specific Relief Act, 1963, provides the legal basis for filing a suit for declaration of title. This guide

How to Apply for a Scheduled Tribe Certificate in India: Eligibility, Documents and Process A Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificate is an official document issued by the government that certifies an individual's membership in a community recognized as a Scheduled Tribe under the Constitution of India. This certificate is essential for accessing various benefits, including reservation in education and government employment, scholarships, and other welfare schemes. This guide provid