How do I send a legal notice in India?
To send a legal notice in India, have an advocate draft it stating the facts, your grievance, the relief demanded and a compliance deadline (usually 15–30 days), then send it by Registered Post A.D. or approved courier, keeping the receipt and a signed copy. A legal notice is mandatory in some cases — like cheque bounce (30 days) and suits against the government (Section 80 CPC).
A legal notice is a formal warning that you intend to take legal action — and in many disputes it resolves the matter without any court case at all. Here is how it works.
When is a legal notice mandatory?
- Cheque bounce (Section 138, NI Act): you MUST send a demand notice within 30 days of the bank’s return memo, and the drawer gets 15 days to pay.
- Suing the government (Section 80, CPC): a notice 2 months before filing suit is mandatory.
- Consumer, employment, recovery, property and tenancy disputes: not always mandatory, but courts expect it — and it very often produces a settlement.
What a legal notice must contain
- Name, address and details of sender and recipient
- A precise statement of facts and dates giving rise to the grievance
- The legal basis of your claim (contract clause, statute, deficiency of service)
- The exact relief demanded — payment amount, action to be taken, or conduct to stop
- A clear deadline to comply (commonly 15 or 30 days) and a statement that legal proceedings will follow if ignored
- The advocate’s signature (a notice on advocate letterhead is taken far more seriously)
How to send it correctly
Send by Registered Post with Acknowledgment Due (RPAD) or a courier with proof of delivery — email alone is risky as sole proof, though sending a copy by email is good practice. Keep a signed copy of the notice, the postal receipt and the acknowledgment card: together they prove service, which matters enormously in court.
What does it cost?
Advocate fees for drafting and sending a legal notice typically run ₹1,000–₹5,000 for routine matters (recovery, deficiency of service, tenancy), more for complex commercial disputes. On Advice Bazaar, lawyers offer fixed-price legal notice drafting so you know the cost upfront.
What happens after the notice?
- They comply or settle — the most common outcome for genuine claims.
- They reply disputing it — their reply reveals their defence, valuable for your case strategy.
- They ignore it — you may file the suit/complaint; the ignored notice itself becomes evidence of your good faith.
This article is general information, not legal advice. For advice on your specific situation, consult a qualified professional.
Frequently asked questions
Can I send a legal notice myself without a lawyer?
Yes, an individual can send a legal notice personally. However, a notice drafted and signed by an advocate carries more weight, avoids fatal drafting errors (wrong relief, missed statutory language), and signals you are serious about litigating.
How much does sending a legal notice cost in India?
Typically ₹1,000–₹5,000 in advocate fees for routine matters, depending on complexity and the lawyer's seniority. Postal charges are nominal. Fixed-price notice drafting is available on Advice Bazaar.
What is the deadline to reply to a legal notice?
The deadline is whatever the notice states — usually 15 or 30 days. For statutory notices like cheque-bounce demand notices, the law fixes it: the drawer has 15 days from receipt to pay.
Is a legal notice sent by WhatsApp or email valid?
Courts have accepted electronic service in specific contexts, but Registered Post A.D. remains the gold standard of proof. Best practice: RPAD plus a scanned copy by email.
What happens if I ignore a legal notice I received?
Nothing happens automatically, but the sender may file a case, and your silence can be read against you. The smart move is to consult a lawyer immediately and send a considered reply protecting your position.
