Application Seeking Exemption from Filing Official Translation in the Supreme Court of India: A Practical Guide
For litigants and legal professionals handling cases in the Supreme Court of India, the requirement to submit official translations of documents drafted in vernacular languages can often result in delays and added costs.
In matters where urgency is paramount, or true English translations (certified by a competent translator) have already been provided, it is legally permissible to seek an exemption from filing official translations at the initial stage.
Introduction
This article provides a practical overview and template for drafting an Application Seeking Exemption from Filing Official Translation of Annexures as per the procedural requirements for the Supreme Court of India, based on typical practice notes and case management.
This content is educational and must not be considered as legal advice. For document-specific drafting, please consult a qualified LLC Lawyer or specialist counsel.
When Is This Application Relevant?
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You are filing a Special Leave Petition (SLP) before the Supreme Court of India.
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Some annexures (orders, supporting documents) accompanying your SLP are in a vernacular language.
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You have provided faithful, accurate English translations prepared by a qualified translator, but not official translations (through government/authorized agency).
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Delay in obtaining official translations would prejudice urgent case hearing.
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You are ready to furnish official translations if the Hon’ble Supreme Court so directs.
Standard Template (Educational) for the Application
Below is a template reflecting standard drafting practice, updated for 2025 and referencing procedural norms of the Supreme Court. Please adapt specifics (names, dates, annexures) as required for your case.
This is for educational purposes only—always seek expert guidance for final filing.
IN THE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA
(CIVIL APPELLATE JURISDICTION)
I.A. No. _____ OF 2025
IN
SPECIAL LEAVE PETITION (C) NO. _____ OF 2025
IN THE MATTER OF:
IN THE MATTER OF:
__________ Devi
(Petitioner)
Versus
STATE OF UTTAR PRADESH & ORS.
(Respondents)
APPLICATION SEEKING EXEMPTION FROM FILING OFFICIAL TRANSLATION OF ANNEXURE
TO,
Hon’ble The Chief Justice and
His Hon’ble Companion Justices of the
Hon’ble Supreme Court of India
The humble application of the Petitioner/Applicant above named
Most respectfully showeth:
1. That the Petitioner has preferred the accompanying Special Leave Petition against the impugned judgment and final order dated __________2025, passed by the Hon’ble High Court of Judicature at Allahabad in Writ C No. ____ of 2025, whereby the writ petition of the Petitioner was dismissed with costs of ₹50,000/-, without adjudication on merits.
2. That the facts and circumstances leading to the filing of the present Special Leave Petition are already stated therein and may kindly be read as part of this application.
3. That certain annexures filed with the Special Leave Petition, inter alia, Annexure P-___ (order dated __________ passed by the Ld. Additional District Magistrate, ______) and other supporting documents, are in vernacular language.
4. That to avoid delay, the Petitioner has placed on record true English translations of such annexures, prepared by a competent translator conversant with legal terminology. These translations are faithful, correct, and sufficient for the purpose of effective adjudication.
5. That, given the urgency involved and in the interest of justice, the Petitioner seeks exemption from filing official translations of the said annexures at this stage, with an undertaking to furnish official translations if so directed by this Hon’ble Court at any subsequent stage.
PRAYER
In view of the above, it is most respectfully prayed that this Hon’ble Court may be pleased to:
a) Exempt the Petitioner from filing official translations of annexures accompanying the SLP, including Annexure _____ and other documents in vernacular;
b) Pass such other or further orders as this Hon’ble Court may deem fit and proper in the facts and circumstances of this case.
AND FOR THIS ACT OF KINDNESS, THE PETITIONER AS IN DUTY BOUND SHALL EVER PRAY.
Drawn by: Vikas Kumar Pandey
Filed by:
Place: New Delhi
Date: ______________
Counsel for the Petitioner
Important Notes
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This template is educational and intended for illustrative purposes. Court forms may change; always refer to recent Supreme Court notifications or prescribed formats.
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Advance consultation with a qualified LLC Lawyer is recommended for vetting translations, affidavit requirements, and procedural compliance.
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The application should be signed, dated, and accompanied by an affidavit as per Supreme Court rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is exemption from official translation routinely granted?
A: The Supreme Court may grant exemption when urgency is demonstrated, and the translations on record are by a competent, credible translator. Official translations are typically required at subsequent stages if the matter proceeds further.
Q: What constitutes an “official translation”?
A: An official translation is typically certified by a government-approved translation agency or translator authorized to provide such certifications, as per Supreme Court standards.
Q: Can the opposing party challenge the accuracy of the translations filed?
A: Yes. If the opposing party contests the accuracy, the Court may order submission of official translations, or direct verification by an expert.
Disclaimer
This article and template are for educational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. For expert assistance, document review, and compliance, please contact a qualified LLC Lawyer or Legal Light Consulting.
