Legal Checklists

1. General Checklist (Applies Before Approaching Any Authority)

I have written down the facts and a clear timeline of what happened, with specific dates.

I have gathered every document relevant to my matter (agreements, notices, receipts, photographs, correspondence, medical records if relevant).

I have made photocopies or scanned copies of all my original documents, and I carry copies rather than risking the originals unnecessarily.

I have identified the correct forum or authority for my problem.

I have checked whether a limitation period or deadline applies to my matter, and I am acting within it.

I have valid identity proof and address proof ready, in original and photocopy.

I have noted the name, designation, office address and contact details of any official I need to approach.

I have not shared original documents or sensitive personal information (Aadhaar, bank details, passwords) with unverified callers, emails or messages claiming to be from an authority.

Where the matter is serious, valuable, or legally complex, I have consulted, or plan to consult, a qualified advocate before proceeding.

I have a way to keep a written or photographic record of what happens at each stage (acknowledgement receipts, stamped copies, reference numbers).

2. Before Approaching the Police Station (FIR / Complaint)

A police station is often the first point of contact with the legal system, and how a complaint is presented there can shape the entire course of a case. Officers handle a high volume of complaints daily, so a complainant who arrives with a clear, organised account of events is far more likely to have their complaint recorded accurately and promptly.

3. Before Approaching a Civil Court

Civil litigation in India can extend over months or years, and much of that time is often lost not because the case is weak, but because documentation and procedural requirements were not in order at the outset. Careful preparation before the first filing reduces the number of adjournments caused by incomplete paperwork and strengthens your position from the very first hearing.

I have identified the correct court based on the value of my claim and the location of the property or the defendant.

I have all title, ownership, or contractual documents relevant to my claim, in original where possible.

I have calculated the court fee payable, based on the value of my claim (ad valorem, where applicable).

I have engaged, or plan to engage, an advocate to draft my plaint or written statement, and to appear on my behalf.

I have checked the limitation period applicable to my type of civil claim under the Limitation Act, 1963.

If I need urgent interim relief (such as an injunction to stop construction or dispossession), I have gathered evidence supporting urgency and irreparable harm.

I have a list of witnesses who can support my case, along with a summary of what each can testify to.

I understand the likely time the process may take, and I am prepared for possibly multiple hearings over an extended period.

I have organised my documents in a clear, indexed manner for easy reference during proceedings.

4. Before Approaching a Criminal Court (as Complainant or Accused)

Whether you are pursuing a private criminal complaint or defending against one, the stakes involved — liberty, reputation, and often significant financial consequences — make careful preparation essential from the earliest possible stage, ideally before your first appearance before the court.

If I am a complainant filing a private complaint, I have the necessary supporting documents and, where required, an affidavit.

If I am an accused, I have engaged an advocate, or have applied for legal aid if I cannot afford one.

I have collected any documents proving my defence, alibi, or version of events, where applicable.

I understand the bail provisions applicable to the offence I am facing or alleging (bailable/non-bailable; regular bail/anticipatory bail).

I have identified potential witnesses and ensured their availability for future hearings.

I have a copy of the FIR, chargesheet, or any order already passed in the matter.

I have noted all relevant hearing dates and deadlines, including for filing bail applications or replies.

5. Before Approaching the Family Court

I have my marriage certificate or proof of marriage (or proof of the relationship, in the case of maintenance or DV Act matters).

I have documents relating to income and assets of both parties, where maintenance or alimony is in question.

I have documents relating to children (birth certificates, school records) if custody or child support is involved.

I have a clear timeline of the relationship and the events leading to the dispute.

I have considered whether mediation or conciliation might be appropriate before or alongside litigation.

I have engaged an advocate experienced in family law matters.

I have kept evidence of any cruelty, harassment or violence, if relevant to my case (messages, medical records, witness statements).

6. Before Approaching a Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission

I have the original invoice, bill or purchase receipt for the goods or service.

I have any warranty card, service agreement, or terms and conditions provided by the seller/service provider.

I have copies of all correspondence with the seller/service provider (emails, messages, complaint tickets, letters).

I have calculated the value of goods/services paid plus compensation claimed, to identify the correct Commission (District/State/National).

I am filing within two years of the cause of action, or I have a valid explanation ready for any delay.

I have photographs or an expert opinion, where relevant, to demonstrate the defect or deficiency.

I have checked whether e-filing (e-daakhil) is available for my Commission.

7. Before Approaching a Labour Court or Industrial Tribunal

I have my appointment letter, salary slips, and any termination or suspension order.

I have documents showing my designation and duties, to establish whether I qualify as a 'workman'.

I have attempted conciliation before the Conciliation Officer, or understand this is the required first step.

I have a clear record of the events leading to my termination or the dispute (show-cause notices, inquiry proceedings, if any).

I have identified whether my claim also involves provident fund, gratuity, or ESI benefits, which may need to be pursued through separate authorities.

I am aware of the applicable limitation period for raising an industrial dispute.

8. Before Approaching a Writ Court (High Court, Article 226)

Writ jurisdiction is a powerful but discretionary remedy, and courts examine carefully whether a petitioner has approached them promptly, in good faith, and after making reasonable efforts to resolve the grievance through ordinary channels first. Preparation here is less about paperwork volume and more about building a clear, well-documented narrative of the rights violation.

My grievance is against a government authority, public body, or an entity discharging a public function.

I have exhausted alternative statutory remedies, where required, or can explain why an alternative remedy is inadequate or unavailable.

I have documentary proof of my representation(s) to the concerned authority and their response (or lack of response).

I have identified the specific fundamental or legal right that has been violated.

I have engaged an advocate experienced in writ practice before the High Court.

I am aware there is no fixed limitation period for a writ petition, but unreasonable delay (laches) can be a ground for dismissal, so I am acting promptly.

9. Before Filing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL)

The issue concerns the public interest or a disadvantaged group, not merely my personal or private interest.

I am acting in good faith, without a personal, political, or publicity motive.

I have credible evidence or data supporting the public harm or governance failure I am raising.

I have, where feasible, first brought the issue to the notice of the concerned authority and given them an opportunity to respond.

I have engaged an advocate experienced in PIL and constitutional litigation, given the higher scrutiny courts apply to such petitions.

I understand that courts may impose costs for a PIL found to be frivolous or motivated, and I am confident in the genuineness of my cause.

10. Before Applying for Legal Aid at DLSA

I have identified whether I qualify under a category-based entitlement (woman, child, SC/ST, disability, industrial workman, custody, etc.) or an income-based entitlement.

I have my identity proof, address proof, and income certificate/self-declaration ready.

I have a brief, clear written description of my legal problem.

I have any documents already related to my case (FIR copy, notice received, court papers, if any).

I know the location and working hours of DLSA, Nashik, or the relevant Taluka Legal Services Committee.

I am prepared to cooperate fully with the panel advocate assigned to me, including attending meetings and hearings as required.

11. Before Approaching a Human Rights Commission

My complaint concerns a violation of human rights by a public servant, including police excess, illegal detention, or custodial abuse.

I have documented the incident with dates, names/designations of officials involved, and any witnesses.

I have medical records or photographs of injuries, if applicable.

I am filing within one year of the incident, as complaints beyond this period may not ordinarily be entertained, subject to the Commission's discretion.

I have a copy of any related FIR, complaint, or communication with the police or authority concerned.

12. Before Filing an RTI Application

I have clearly identified the specific information I am seeking, and framed it as a request for existing information (not a request for opinion, clarification, or action).

I have identified the correct Public Information Officer and public authority to address my application to.

I have the prescribed application fee ready (or proof of BPL status for a fee waiver, if applicable).

I have kept a copy of my application and proof of submission (postal receipt, online acknowledgment, or hand-delivery acknowledgment).

I am aware of the 30-day (or 48-hour, for life-and-liberty matters) response timeline, and the first and second appeal process if I do not receive a satisfactory response.

13. Before Approaching a Cooperative Court / Deputy Registrar (Housing Society Disputes)

I have the society's bye-laws, registration certificate, and relevant resolutions or minutes of meetings.

I have documentation of the specific grievance (unpaid dues notices, election irregularities, maintenance disputes, redevelopment documents).

I have attempted to raise the issue internally with the managing committee, where feasible, before escalating.

I have identified whether my dispute falls within the Deputy Registrar's jurisdiction or requires reference to the Cooperative Court.

I have my share certificate and proof of membership in the society.

14. Before Approaching RERA (Real Estate Complaints)

I have my booking form, allotment letter, and the builder-buyer agreement.

I have all payment receipts and bank statements showing amounts paid to the developer.

I have correspondence with the developer regarding delay, defects, or other grievances.

I have checked the project's RERA registration number and its declared completion date.

I have calculated the compensation or interest I am claiming, based on the delay period and the agreement's terms.

15. Before Approaching a Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT)

I have the FIR and police panchnama relating to the accident.

I have medical records, bills, and disability certificates (if applicable) relating to injuries.

I have the vehicle's registration and insurance details, of both the offending vehicle and, if relevant, my own.

I have proof of income of the injured/deceased person, to support the compensation claim.

I have identified all dependents, where the claim is for a fatal accident.

I am aware there is generally no strict limitation period for filing a MACT claim, though earlier filing is always advisable for stronger evidence.

16. Before Approaching the NCLT, DRT or a Similar Specialised Tribunal

Specialised tribunals often have technical filing formats and procedural rules of their own, distinct from ordinary civil courts, and registries at these tribunals are typically strict about compliance with these formats before accepting a petition.

I have identified the correct tribunal bench based on the registered office (for NCLT matters) or the branch of the lending institution (for DRT matters).

I have all financial statements, loan agreements, security documents, or company records relevant to the dispute.

I have engaged an advocate or company secretary experienced in the specific tribunal's procedure, given the technical nature of these forums.

I have checked the prescribed format and fee schedule for the specific type of petition I am filing.

I am aware of the limitation period applicable to my specific claim before this tribunal.

17. Before Filing an Environmental Complaint (NGT / Pollution Control Board)

I have documented the environmental harm with photographs, videos, or samples, where feasible.

I have identified the specific law or environmental clearance condition allegedly violated.

I have, where possible, first complained to the local Pollution Control Board or municipal authority and retained proof of that complaint.

I have identified the parties responsible (industry, developer, or authority) as clearly as possible.

I am aware that NGT applications are generally subject to a limitation period of six months from the date the cause of action first arose, extendable by a further sixty days on sufficient cause.

18. A Master Reference Table

Authority	Most critical documents to carry
Police Station	Identity proof, evidence of the incident, witness details
Civil Court	Title/contract documents, court fee, advocate's drafted pleading
Family Court	Marriage/relationship proof, income/asset documents, children's records
Consumer Commission	Invoice, warranty, correspondence with seller
Labour Court/Tribunal	Appointment letter, termination order, conciliation failure report
High Court (Writ)	Representation(s) made and responses, proof of the rights violation
DLSA (Legal Aid)	Identity, address, income proof, category proof
Human Rights Commission	Incident record, medical/photographic evidence
RTI	Clearly framed information request, prescribed fee
Cooperative Court/Registrar	Society bye-laws, membership proof, grievance documentation
RERA	Booking form, agreement, payment receipts
MACT	FIR, medical records, income proof

17. A Final Word

None of these checklists are exhaustive substitutes for professional advice — every case has particular facts that may call for additional documents or a different approach. Their purpose is to ensure that when you do sit down with an advocate, or stand at a registry counter, or file an application online, you are not starting from zero. Good preparation shortens the path to justice; poor preparation, even in a strong case, can cause needless delay, rejection at the filing stage, or the loss of evidence that becomes harder to gather later. Take the time to prepare before you approach any authority — it is time that is almost always well spent, and it is time that no official or registry counter will ever spend on your behalf.

Finally, preparation is not a one-time event confined to your first visit. As a matter proceeds — whether through a police investigation, a court trial, or a tribunal hearing — new documents will be generated, new deadlines will arise, and new decisions will need to be made. Treat each of these checklists as a starting discipline to build on throughout your matter: keep a running file of every document, order, and communication you receive, note every deadline the moment it is given to you, and review your file periodically with your advocate to make sure nothing has been missed. This habit of continuous organisation, more than any single checklist, is what ultimately protects your interests through a lengthy legal process.

Disclaimer: This guide is for information only. It is not an advertisement or solicitation, and it is not legal advice. It does not create an advocate-client relationship with Lex Monk or Advocate Chandrakant K. Deshmukh. Requirements at each forum can vary by location and change over time; please verify current requirements before filing.

Last reviewed: 25 September 2026

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