Legal notice format in India (sample you can copy)

Updated 2026-10

A legal notice is a formal written demand sent before going to a Commission or court. It is normally sent by an advocate. This sample shows the usual order of a notice so you know what it should contain.

LEGAL NOTICE
Date: [DATE]
By Registered Post AD / Speed Post / Email

To,
[NAME OF THE PERSON OR COMPANY]
[DESIGNATION / DEPARTMENT]
[FULL ADDRESS]
(If a company: Through its Managing Director / Grievance Officer)

Subject: Legal notice for [REFUND OF Rs. AMOUNT / RELIEF YOU WANT] and compensation for [DEFICIENCY IN SERVICE / BREACH]

Dear Sir/Madam,

Under instructions from and on behalf of my client, [CLIENT NAME], resident of [CLIENT ADDRESS], I hereby serve upon you the following legal notice:

1. On [DATE], my client [ORDERED / BOOKED / PAID FOR] [ITEM OR SERVICE] from you for Rs. [AMOUNT] (order / booking / invoice no. [NUMBER]).
2. [NEXT EVENT, WITH DATE: WHAT YOU DID OR DID NOT DO.]
3. [NEXT EVENT, WITH DATE.]
4. My client complained to you on [DATES] by [CALL / EMAIL / VISIT], reference no. [NUMBER]. You have failed or refused to resolve the matter.

LEGAL POSITION
5. Your conduct amounts to [DEFICIENCY IN SERVICE / UNFAIR TRADE PRACTICE / BREACH OF CONTRACT] under [NAME THE ACT AND SECTION THAT APPLIES; AN ADVOCATE VERIFIES THIS BEFORE SENDING].

6. Because of your acts, my client has suffered loss of Rs. [AMOUNT], harassment, mental agony and inconvenience.

DEMAND
You are called upon to:
(a) pay / refund Rs. [AMOUNT];
(b) [DELIVER / REPLACE / PERFORM, IF THAT IS WHAT YOU WANT];
(c) pay compensation of Rs. [AMOUNT] for loss and mental agony; and
(d) pay Rs. [AMOUNT] as the cost of this notice.

You are hereby called upon to comply with the above demands within 15 days from the date of receipt of this notice.

Failing which, my client has instructed me to initiate appropriate civil and/or criminal proceedings against you before the appropriate forum, including the Consumer Commission where applicable, entirely at your risk as to costs and consequences, which please note.

A copy of this notice is retained in my office for record and further action. This notice is issued without prejudice to all other rights and remedies available to my client under law.

[ADVOCATE'S SIGNATURE]
[ADVOCATE NAME], Advocate
[ENROLMENT NUMBER, ADDRESS, CONTACT]

A sample for understanding the format. It is general information, not legal advice. An advocate should check a notice before it is sent.

How to fill it in

• Facts in date order, one event per paragraph, with every date, amount and reference number
• Name the steps you already took (complaints, emails, calls) and their reference numbers
• State exactly what you want: refund, delivery, compensation and cost, with amounts
• Give a clear deadline, usually 15 days from receipt
• Send by registered post AD or speed post and keep the receipt and tracking proof

Key facts

• A notice is normally sent by an advocate, who verifies the law before sending
• Never invent facts or sections; leave a placeholder if unsure
• A notice often settles the matter before any case is filed

Read the full guide: Legal notice in India: when to send one and what it does

Common questions