Documents Required for Filing a Caveat Petition in the Supreme Court of India
A caveat petition under Section 148A of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (CPC) is a protective legal tool used to prevent ex-parte orders in the Supreme Court of India. It ensures that the caveator (the person filing the caveat) is given notice and an opportunity to be heard before the court passes any order affecting their rights.
However, filing a caveat petition is not just about submitting a form. Proper documentation and strict compliance with Supreme Court Rules are essential to ensure the caveat is accepted and entered into the Caveat Register.
Legal Light Consulting assists clients in preparing and filing caveats efficiently, including remote support for NRIs and corporate entities.
Mandatory Documents for Filing a Caveat Petition
1. Caveat Petition
The primary document drafted in the prescribed format.
It must include:
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Full details of the caveator
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Expected opposite party
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Subject matter of anticipated proceedings
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Grounds for filing the caveat
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Prayer for notice before any orders
2. Affidavit
A sworn affidavit by the caveator verifying the contents of the caveat petition.
It declares that the information provided is true to the best of their knowledge.
3. Vakalatnama
A power of attorney executed in favor of the Advocate-on-Record (AOR).
This document authorizes the AOR to represent the caveator before the Supreme Court.
4. Index
A detailed index of all documents submitted with the caveat petition.
5. List of Dates
A chronological list of relevant events and dates (especially useful if the caveat relates to a pending High Court judgment or anticipated SLP).
6. Court Fee Stamp / Payment Proof
Proof of payment of the prescribed court fee (usually Rs. 500).
This can be:
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Court fee stamp
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Online payment receipt
Supporting Documents (As Applicable)
These documents are attached based on the nature of the anticipated proceedings:
Documents Establishing Interest
Examples include:
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Property documents
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Partnership agreements
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Contracts
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Prior court orders
Copy of Lower Court Orders
If the caveat relates to a pending SLP or appeal, attach copies of:
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High Court judgment
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Lower court orders
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Relevant proceedings
Correspondence
Emails, notices, or letters showing the likelihood of proceedings being filed.
Address Proof
Current address proof of the caveator (Aadhaar, passport, etc.) for service of notices.
Compliance Requirements under Supreme Court Rules
All documents must be:
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Properly paginated and indexed
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Typed and legible
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Filed in the prescribed format
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Accompanied by certified translation (if in any language other than English or Hindi)
For e-filing, documents should be uploaded as a single consolidated PDF with a clear index.
FAQ – Documents Required for Caveat Petition (Legal Light Consulting)
Q1. What are the mandatory documents for a caveat petition?
Answer:
Mandatory documents include:
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Caveat Petition
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Affidavit
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Vakalatnama
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Index
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Court fee proof
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(Optional but recommended) List of Dates
Q2. Is a List of Dates mandatory?
Answer:
While not always mandatory, a List of Dates is highly recommended. It helps the court understand the background and context of the dispute.
Q3. What supporting documents should be attached?
Answer:
Supporting documents may include:
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Proof of interest (contracts, property documents, etc.)
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Copies of lower court orders
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Relevant correspondence
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Address proof
Q4. Can a caveat petition be filed without an AOR?
Answer:
Generally, no. The Supreme Court requires filings through an Advocate-on-Record.
In exceptional cases, parties may appear in person, but this is not recommended.
Q5. What happens if documents are incomplete?
Answer:
Incomplete documents may lead to:
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Defect notices from the Registry
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Delay in registration
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Increased risk of ex-parte orders
Q6. How does Legal Light Consulting assist with documentation?
Answer:
Our services include:
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Drafting the caveat petition and affidavit
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Preparing vakalatnama (including remote execution for NRIs)
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Compiling supporting documents
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E-filing through experienced AORs
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Ensuring defect-free submission
Conclusion
A caveat petition is an essential protective tool in Supreme Court litigation. But the effectiveness of a caveat depends on proper documentation and strict compliance with Supreme Court Rules.
At Legal Light Consulting, we help clients file caveat petitions accurately, timely, and with complete procedural compliance—whether you are in India or abroad.
Contact Legal Light Consulting Today
Secure your rights with expert caveat filing and Supreme Court representation.
