How to Get a Certified Copy of a Court Order in India: Process and Fees

A certified copy of a court order is an official reproduction of a judgment, decree, or order issued by a court, authenticated by the court's seal and the signature of the authorized officer. Certified copies are essential for filing appeals (since the limitation period for appeals begins from the date of the order and the time spent obtaining a certified copy is excluded), executing decrees, and maintaining records. This guide explains how to obtain one from any court in India.

When Do You Need a Certified Copy

You will need a certified copy in several situations: to file an appeal before a higher court, to apply for execution of a decree, to use as evidence in another proceeding, to apply for succession or probate proceedings, to submit to government authorities or banks as proof of a court order, and for your personal records. Under the Limitation Act, 1963, the time taken to obtain a certified copy is excluded from the limitation period for filing an appeal, which makes timely application crucial.

Offline Process: Applying at the Court

Step 1: Visit the Copying Section (also called the Copy Branch or Naqal Branch) of the court that passed the order. Carry your case number, the date of the order, and a government-issued photo ID.

Step 2: Fill in the application form for a certified copy. The form requires the case number, names of the parties, the date of the order or judgment, and the number of pages required (if known). Some courts have pre-printed forms available, while others accept applications on plain paper.

Step 3: Pay the prescribed fees. Fees vary by court and state, but typically range from Rs 2 to Rs 10 per page, with additional search charges if the records need to be retrieved from the record room. Some courts charge a flat initial fee (for example, Rs 5-10) plus per-page charges. Pay the fee at the court's fee counter and attach the receipt to your application.

Step 4: Submit the application at the Copying Section counter. You will receive an acknowledgment with an expected date of collection. The standard processing time is 3 to 7 working days, though this varies depending on the court's workload and whether the records are readily available.

Step 5: Collect the certified copy on the specified date. The copy will bear the court's seal, the date of certification, and the signature of the authorized officer. If you need an urgent copy, many courts allow you to apply for an urgent or priority certified copy at a higher fee, which is typically processed within 1 to 2 working days.

Online Process: Supreme Court e-Copying Portal

The Supreme Court of India offers an e-Copying facility through its official website. Litigants and advocates can apply for certified copies of Supreme Court orders and judgments online. To use this facility, register on the Supreme Court website, navigate to the e-Filing/e-Copying section, search for the relevant order by case number or diary number, and submit the application with online payment. The certified copy is either made available for download or dispatched by post, depending on the option selected.

Several High Courts have also introduced online certified copy services. Check the respective High Court's website for availability. The Delhi High Court, Bombay High Court, and other courts have progressively digitised their certified copy processes.

Fees and Charges

Fees for certified copies are prescribed by each court and vary by jurisdiction. In subordinate courts, fees typically range from Rs 2 to Rs 10 per page. High Courts may charge Rs 5 to Rs 15 per page. The Supreme Court charges Rs 5 per page. Urgent copy charges are usually double the regular rate. Search fees apply when the order is not from the current year and records must be retrieved from the record room, typically Rs 10 to Rs 50.

Limitation Period and Certified Copies

Under Section 12 of the Limitation Act, 1963, the time taken to obtain a certified copy of the order is excluded from the limitation period for filing an appeal. This means the clock stops from the date you apply for the certified copy until the date it is ready for collection. However, you must apply with due diligence. Unreasonable delay in collecting the copy after it is ready will not be excluded from the limitation period.

This exclusion is critical for filing appeals. Many appeals have been dismissed as time-barred because the appellant failed to apply for the certified copy promptly.

Related Guides

For more on court procedures, see our guides on how to file an appeal in the High Court, how to file a case in consumer court, and how to execute a court decree in India.

Key Takeaways

Apply for a certified copy at the Copying Section of the court that passed the order. Fees range from Rs 2 to Rs 10 per page in subordinate courts, with additional search charges for older records. Processing takes 3 to 7 working days, with urgent copies available at higher fees. The Supreme Court offers an e-Copying portal for online applications. The time spent obtaining a certified copy is excluded from the limitation period for filing appeals under Section 12 of the Limitation Act, 1963. Apply promptly after the order is passed to preserve your right of appeal.