Filing Official Translation Application in the Supreme Court of India
By Legal Light Consulting – Supreme Court & High Court Litigation Experts (This article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
For case-specific drafting, filing, or representation, please consult an experienced Advocate-on-Record or LLC Lawyer.)
How to Draft an Application Seeking Exemption from Filing Official Translation of Annexures in the Supreme Court of India
In Supreme Court practice, when annexures or documents filed with a Special Leave Petition (SLP), Writ Petition, or any other petition are in a vernacular language (Hindi, regional languages, etc.), Order XXII Rule 5 of the Supreme Court Rules, 2013 normally requires an official translation duly certified by the Advocate-on-Record or a translator attested before a notary/public authority.
However, to avoid delay and hardship, the Court very frequently grants exemption from filing official/certified translations at the initial stage if the petitioner provides accurate true English translations along with an undertaking to file official translations later if directed.
This is done through an Interlocutory Application (I.A.) seeking exemption from filing official translation.
Key Advantages of Filing This I.A.
- Prevents defects being raised by the Registry at the time of lodging.
- Saves time and cost at the initial stage.
- Courts liberally grant such exemptions when true translations are already filed.
Standard Format of the I.A. (Ready-to-Use Template)
IN THE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA
(CIVILL APPELLATE JURISDICTION)
I.A. No. OF 2025
IN
SPECIAL LEAVE PETITION (C) NO. OF 2025
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 JUSTICE OF THE
HON’BLE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA
THE HUMBLE APPLICATION OF THE
PETITIONER/APPLICANT ABOVE NAMED
MOST RESPECTFULLY SHOWETH:
- 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 came to be dismissed with costs of ₹50,000/-, without any adjudication on merits.
- That the facts and circumstances leading to the filing of the present Special Leave Petition are already set out therein, and the same may kindly be read as part and parcel of this application.
- That certain annexures filed along with the Special Leave Petition, inter alia, Annexure P-___ (order dated __________ passed by the Ld. Additional District Magistrate, ________) and a few other supporting documents, are in vernacular Language.
- That the Petitioner, in order to avoid delay, has placed on record true English translations of such annexures, duly prepared by a competent translator conversant with legal terminology. The translations so filed are faithful, correct, and sufficient for the purpose of effective adjudication of the present matter.
- That in view of the urgency involved and in the interest of justice, the Petitioner seeks exemption from filing official translations of the said annexures at this stage. The Petitioner undertakes to furnish official translations, if so directed by this Hon’ble Court at any subsequent stage.
PRAYER
It is, therefore, most respectfully prayed that this Hon’ble Court may be pleased to:
- Exempt the Petitioner from filing official translations of annexures filed along with the accompanying Special Leave Petition, particularly Annexure _____ and other documents in vernacular; and
- Pass such other or further orders as this Hon’ble Court may deem fit, just, and proper in the facts and circumstances of the case.
AND FOR THIS ACT OF KINDNESS, THE PETITIONER AS IN DUTY BOUND SHALL EVER PRAY.
DRAWN BY FILED BY
[__________________________]
Place: New Delhi
Counsel for the Petitioner
Dated _________________
FAQ: Application for Exemption from Filing Official Translation in Supreme Court of India
(By Legal Light Consulting – For educational purposes only)
Is it mandatory to file official (certified) translation of vernacular documents in the Supreme Court?
Yes, as per Order XXII Rule 5 of the Supreme Court Rules, 2013, documents in a language other than English must normally be accompanied by an official translation. However, the Court almost always exempts this requirement at the initial stage if proper true translations are filed.
Can I file an SLP without any English translation at all?
No. The Registry will raise a defect. You must file true English translations along with the SLP and simultaneously file an I.A. seeking exemption from official translation.
What is meant by “true English translation”?
It is an accurate English translation prepared by a competent person (usually the advocate’s office or a professional translator). It does not need notary attestation or official certification at the filing stage if the exemption I.A. is filed.
Will the Supreme Court Registry refuse to accept my SLP if documents are in Hindi/regional language?
Not if you file:
True English translations of all vernacular documents +
An I.A. seeking exemption from official translation In practice, the Registry accepts such filings without raising defects.
Do I have to file the exemption application separately or with the SLP?
It should be filed along with the main SLP as part of the same paper-book (usually as the first or second I.A.).
Is the exemption granted automatically?
Yes, in 99% of cases. The Court passes a standard order: “Application for exemption from filing official translation is allowed.”
Can the Court later ask me to file official translations?
Yes, rarely. That’s why the I.A. always contains an undertaking that you will file official translations if the Court so directs at a later stage.
What details must be mentioned in the I.A.?
Specific annexure numbers (e.g., Annexure P-5, P-7, etc.)
Page numbers of the paper-book
Confirmation that true translations are already filed
Urgency (if any)
Who can prepare the true English translation?
Any competent person. Most Advocates-on-Record get it done in-house and certify it themselves.
Do I need to pay extra court fee for this I.A.?
No extra court fee is required for this interlocutory application in an SLP.
I have 50+ pages in Hindi. Do I still get exemption?
Yes. The Court routinely grants exemption even for lengthy vernacular documents (judgments, orders, FIRs, revenue records, etc.).
Is this exemption available only in SLPs or also in Writ Petitions, Transfer Petitions, etc.?
It is available in all types of matters before the Supreme Court (SLP, Writ, Transfer, Contempt, etc.).
What if I forget to file this I.A.?
The Registry will raise an objection: “Official translation of vernacular documents not filed.” You will then have to cure the defect by filing the I.A. later, which delays listing.
Can I use the same format for High Court matters?
The practice varies from High Court to High Court. Some High Courts (Allahabad, Rajasthan, MP, etc.) also accept true translations + exemption applications, but the wording and rules differ slightly.
Need urgent, defect-free filing in the Supreme Court?
Contact Legal Light Consulting – We handle everything from drafting to curing defects and urgent listing.
This FAQ is for general guidance only and is not a substitute for professional legal advice.
Relevant Judgments (Frequently Cited)
- Union of India v. Pramod Gupta (1997) – Court can exempt official translation when true copy is filed.
- Orders passed in hundreds of SLPs every year granting such exemptions.
Need professional drafting & filing in the Supreme Court?
Contact Legal Light Consulting – We specialize in Supreme Court SLPs, Transfer Petitions, Writs, and Cure of Defects. Our team of experienced Advocates-on-Record ensures defect-free, urgent, and effective filings.
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This is for educational purposes only. Always engage a qualified lawyer for actual litigation.
