Chapter 1
When trouble starts: stay calm, act on time
घबराएँ नहीं, पर देर भी न करें
The first few days after a notice, summons, FIR or dispute matter the most. Small mistakes here are the hardest to fix later.
→Never ignore a paper. Read every notice, summons or court paper for two things: the date and the deadline. Write them down the same day.
→Don’t sign what you haven’t read. Not a blank paper, not a “compromise”, not a statement. You can ask for time and a copy.
→Save the evidence now. Keep originals safe. Don’t delete WhatsApp chats, call records or emails; take screenshots that show the date.
→Stay off social media about it. Posts and angry messages are often used against people in court.
→Check your time limit. Many cases have strict deadlines. Use the limitation checker to see yours.
Chapter 2
Build your own case file
अपनी केस फ़ाइल खुद तैयार रखें
An organised client saves weeks. Keep one folder for your case and bring it to every meeting.
Originals
Kept safe at home. Hand over only photocopies unless the court needs the original.
Two sets of photocopies
One for your advocate, one for you.
Timeline in your words
What happened, date by date. Even rough notes help your advocate.
People involved
Names, phone numbers and addresses of the other side and of witnesses.
Money proofs
Bank statements, UPI screenshots, receipts. Avoid cash payments without a receipt.
Hearing diary
Every date, what happened, and the next date. Ask your advocate after each hearing.
Chapter 3
Choosing an advocate wisely
सही वकील कैसे चुनें
Whoever you choose, ask these questions before you hand over your file.
1What is your enrolment number? Every advocate is enrolled with a State Bar Council. A genuine advocate will tell you without hesitation.
2Who will appear on my dates? Know whether it is the advocate you met or someone else from the office.
3What is the fee, and how is it paid? Per hearing, per stage or one amount. Get it clear at the start and take receipts.
4What are the weak points of my case? An honest advocate tells you the risks, not only the strengths.
Red flag: stay away from anyone who guarantees a result or claims they can “manage” the judge or police. That is not how courts work, and it can land you in trouble too.
Chapter 4
How a case actually moves
मुकदमा किन चरणों से गुज़रता है
Knowing the stage your case is at helps you understand why a date was “only for a reply” or “only for evidence”.
Civil case (property, money, family)
Plaint filed→Summons to other side→Written statement→Issues framed→Evidence & cross-examination→Final arguments→Judgment & decree
Criminal case
FIR / complaint→Investigation→Chargesheet→Charges framed→Prosecution witnesses→Accused’s statement & defence→Arguments→Judgment
Chapter 5
On the day of hearing
पेशी के दिन क्या करें
Before you leaveConfirm with your advocate that the date is on. Carry your ID, your case folder and the last order.
At the courtReach early. Find your courtroom and your case number on the cause list outside. Phone on silent.
Inside the courtroomDress simply and neatly. Stand when the judge enters. Speak only when asked, and answer truthfully and briefly.
Can’t attend?Tell your advocate in advance. Being absent without reason can lead to your case being dismissed, decided without you, or a warrant if you are an accused.
Don’t argue with the other side in the corridor. Whatever you say outside can reach the courtroom.
Chapter 6
Track your case yourself
अपने केस की तारीख़ खुद देखें
You don’t have to depend on anyone to know your next date. Cases in district courts are on the government’s eCourts system.
1Ask your advocate for your CNR number, a 16-character code unique to your case.
2Install the eCourts Services app or open the eCourts website.
3Search by CNR. You’ll see the next date, the stage and past orders. Save the case in the app to check it any time.
Chapter 7
Settle smartly, when it makes sense
समझौता — कब और कैसे
Not every dispute needs years of trial. Many family, money and property disputes end faster and cheaper through settlement.
MediationA trained mediator helps both sides talk and reach terms. Courts often refer family and money disputes to mediation.
Lok AdalatSettlements here are final and binding, with no appeal. Court fee already paid can be refunded when the matter settles.
Free legal aidWomen, children, SC/ST persons and people below an income limit, among others, can get free legal help from the District Legal Services Authority.
Before signing any settlement, read every line, make sure all terms are written down, and keep a signed copy.
Chapter 8
After the judgment
फ़ैसले के बाद
→Apply for a certified copy of the judgment right away. You’ll need it for appeal or execution.
→Appeal deadlines are short. For example, a civil appeal to the District Court is 30 days from the decree, and to the High Court 90 days. The time spent getting the certified copy is excluded.
→Won the case? A decree is not money in hand. If the other side doesn’t comply, you file for execution.
→Keep your whole file for years. Old disputes have a habit of coming back.
Chapter 9
8 mistakes that hurt people in court
ये गलतियाँ न करें
Missing a hearing date
Hiding facts from your own advocate
Giving away original documents
Paying cash without a receipt
Signing papers without reading them
Talking directly to the other side’s lawyer
Posting about the case online
Changing your story between statements
Still have a question about your situation?
This guide is general. Your facts may change the answer.
Ask on WhatsApp
This handbook gives general legal information for awareness. It is not legal advice and does not create an advocate–client relationship. Laws and procedures change; confirm the position for your own case.
