As our lawyer friends already know, Vakalatnama is a written document through which an advocate is appointed to represent a client’s case before a Court.
An advocate can only represent a client before a court only if he has a signed Vakalatnama.
A vakalatnama is also known as VP, which is a short form for Vakil Patra.
It contains details such as the date on which the case is filed, the title of the case, name of Court, name of the client whom the lawyer is representing, name of the parties, details of the lawyer and signature of the client as well as lawyer.
When an advocate accepts a vakalatnama, he attains several powers like to argue the case, makes a compromise, accepts money etc. a vakalatnama can be endorsed by a single party or various parties, owner of a business, guardian of a person etc.
Vakalatnama can be signed in favour of just a single lawyer or to a group of lawyers, but the details of all the lawyers should be mentioned on the vakalatnama.
It also contains certain conditions like the client can’t stop a lawyer from making some decisions; the client is responsible for all the expenses, the client can change the lawyer at any time, a lawyer can hold all the documents of the case until his fees are paid.
Stamp Duty
A court fee should be affixed to a vakalatnama at all times. The amount of the court stamp should not be more than twenty-five rupees. Five rupees in the case of district courts and below. Ten rupees for tribunals, High Courts and the Supreme Court.
There is no specific format for a vakalatnama, and if all the details are mentioned, then it can be presented to a competent court. A vakalatnama is also known as Vakkalath, Mukhtyarnama and Vakil Patra.
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When and how can a Vakalatnama be withdrawn?
A vakalatnama can be withdrawn in case of death of the client, in case of death of the lawyer and in case all the proceedings in the case have concluded.
A client can also withdraw the Vakalatnama with the permission of the Court. The lawyer can also withdraw the Vakalatnama with the permission of the Court.
