Legal notice format in India

Guide · Last verified against the bare Acts on 2026-11-09

A legal notice is a formal written demand sent before going to court. It is mandatory in some cases — two months’ notice before suing the Government under Section 80 CPC, notice terminating a tenancy under Section 106 of the Transfer of Property Act, and a demand notice before a cheque-bounce complaint — and good practice in most others.

Draft a legal notice with your facts See 30 formats

Key points

Suit against the Government or a public officer: two months’ notice under Section 80 CPC.
Monthly tenancy: 15 days’ notice to quit under Section 106 of the Transfer of Property Act, 1882.
Cheque dishonour: notice within 30 days of the return memo (Section 138 NI Act).
Send by registered post A.D. or speed post (and email where agreed) and keep proof of dispatch and delivery.

The law: old and new provisions

Subject	Law now	Before 1 July 2024
Notice to Government before suit	Section 80 CPC	—
Notice to quit (termination of lease)	Section 106 Transfer of Property Act	—

Which court or authority

Not filed in court; sent to the other party. It becomes evidence in later proceedings.

What the document should contain

Sender’s and recipient’s details
Facts in numbered paragraphs, with dates and amounts
The legal basis of the claim
A clear demand and a time to comply
Consequences of non-compliance
Signature of the advocate or the party

Documents to attach

Copy of the contract, invoices or correspondence relied on
Proof of dispatch and delivery (postal receipt, tracking, A.D. card)

Procedure

Draft the notice with dates and amounts
Send by registered post A.D./speed post; keep the receipts
Wait for the time stated; then file the suit or complaint

Common mistakes

Vague demands without an amount or deadline
Wrong or old address of the recipient
Admissions that hurt the client’s later case

Sample legal notice format

A short model to show the structure. Adapt the cause title, facts and prayer to your matter.

LEGAL NOTICE By Registered Post A.D. / Speed Post Date: [__] To, [Name] [Address] Sub: Notice for recovery of Rs. [__] due under [agreement / invoices dated __] Under instructions from and on behalf of my client [name, address], I serve you the following notice: 1. That [facts of the transaction, with dates]. 2. That a sum of Rs. [__] became due from you on [date], which you have failed to pay despite reminders dated [__]. 3. You are hereby called upon to pay Rs. [__], with interest at [__]% per annum from [date] till payment, within [15/30] days of receipt of this notice. 4. If you fail to do so, my client shall initiate appropriate civil and/or criminal proceedings against you, at your risk as to costs and consequences. [Advocate’s name] Advocate, [enrolment no.], [address, phone]

Frequently asked questions

Is a legal notice compulsory before filing a case?

Only where a law requires it — for example Section 80 CPC (suits against the Government), Section 106 TPA (ending a tenancy) and Section 138 NI Act (cheque dishonour). Otherwise it is optional but useful.

How long should the time to reply be?

Where a statute fixes the period (15 days under Section 138 NI Act; two months under Section 80 CPC), use it. Otherwise 15 to 30 days is common.

Can a legal notice be sent by email or WhatsApp?

Courts have accepted electronic service in many cases, but registered post A.D. or speed post remains the safest proof of service.

This guide summarises the law for advocates and is not legal advice. Statutes and court rules change: check the current text before filing.