Legal notice in India: when to send one and what it does
Updated 2026-10 · General information, not legal advice.
A legal notice is a formal letter, usually sent by an advocate, that sets out your claim and gives the other side a deadline to fix it. It is often the step that gets a reply after emails were ignored.
When to use this
- The company or person has ignored your emails and calls
- You plan to go to a court or Consumer Commission
- A deposit, salary or payment is overdue
Step by step
- 1
Collect the facts
Dates, amounts, invoices, chats and earlier complaints. The notice is only as strong as the facts in it.
- 2
Advocate drafts and signs
The notice states your claim, what you want, and the deadline, usually 15 to 30 days.
- 3
Send with proof
Registered Post AD and email, so you can show it was delivered.
- 4
Wait for the reply, then escalate
If there is no reply or no settlement, the notice becomes part of your case file.
Key facts
- Practitioners estimate 40 to 50% of disputes settle at the notice stage. This is an estimate, not official data
- A notice is legally required before a cheque bounce case
- Results depend on your facts and are not guaranteed
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Common questions
Can I send a legal notice myself?
Yes, there is no rule that only an advocate can send one. A notice on an advocate's letterhead tends to be taken more seriously.
What if they do not reply?
Silence does not stop you. You can go to the Consumer Commission or court, and the notice shows you gave them a chance.