Question: How much advance payment is required at the counter while submitting a certified copy application?
Answer: The advance payment depends on the number of pages you require:
- If you need around 70 pages, deposit ₹100 in advance
- If you want 1-day, 2-day, or 3-day order copies only, deposit ₹50 in advance
- If you need a copy of the entire court file, deposit ₹300–₹500 in advance
Tip: It is always advisable to deposit a lesser advance amount (around 30–40% of the total estimated cost of pages). This prevents complications if there is any delay or technical issue in processing your application.
Question: How long does it take to prepare certified copies after submitting the application?
Answer:
- Ordinary Delivery: 7–15 working days
- Urgent Delivery: Within 1 week
If there are no technical or administrative delays, urgent copies can sometimes be ready in 2–5 days.
Question: When should I choose ordinary delivery and when should I choose urgent delivery?
Answer: Choose Urgent Delivery if:
- You need to file an appeal or challenge an order
- You need the copies for preparation of cross-examination or arguments
- You have to submit order copies or certified documents in a linked court/Cases
Choose Ordinary Delivery if:
- You need the copies only for reference or record purposes
- There is no immediate deadline for submission in court
Question: What are the counter timings to submit an application or collect certified copies?
Answer:You can submit applications or collect certified copies between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
Tip: Visit before 1:00 PM to avoid heavy crowd and long queues.
Question: What are the timings to approach the court/judge to get the application approved?
Answer:
- Applications can be presented between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM
- Recommended Time: 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, as most judges are busy hearing case in first half and available for administrative approvals during this time
Question: Will the judge approve my certified copy application on the same day?
Answer: It depends on the judge:
- Some judges approve the application immediately (hand-to-hand)
- Some instruct you to collect the approved form after 4:00 PM
- Some may ask you to drop the application in a drop box and collect the approved form the next day or evening
Question: How many days do I need to visit the court to get a certified copy?
Answer: Generally, 2–3 visits are required:
- Visit 1: Submit your application to the judge for approval
- Visit 2: Submit the approved form to the counter (if done the same day, it saves time)
- Visit 3: Collect the certified copy (after 2–3 days)
If the judge approves and you submit the form to the counter on the same day, the process usually completes in 2 days. Otherwise, it may take 3 days, assuming no technical or administrative errors.
Question: Is there any way to save time and effort?
Answer:
Yes. Here’s how:
- Buy or download multiple blank application forms in advance
- Purchase ₹2 court fee stamps and attach them to the forms
- Fill the forms at home and bring them ready on the hearing date and allow it from judge and submit on the certified counter on the same day
This simple step can save up to 2 days of effort.
Question: Is there any online facility to get certified copies?
Answer: Yes, but only in some states.
- For example, Bhopal District Court has an online facility
- Many states, like Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, do not yet provide online certified copy services
Question: Where can I purchase court fee stamps?
Answer: You can buy court fee stamps from:
- Court cash counter in the relevant District Court
- Authorized stamp vendors inside the court premises
Note: In many states, the stamp counters remain closed on Saturdays.
Question: What if I lose my certified copy application receipt?
Answer: There are two solutions:
- Easy Way: Immediately take a clear photo of the receipt when you get it. If the original is lost, take a color printout of the photo and submit it at the counter.
- Hard Way: Submit an application for a duplicate receipt (in case of loss) along with the required supporting documents to the designated authority or the room number specified by the counter. Please note that this process is time-consuming.
Question: What if my signature does not match at the time of delivery?
Answer: You will need to:
- Submit a declaration form
- Provide supporting documents to the administrative authority
Follow the instructions of the counter staff for smooth processing.
Question: I received an SMS that my certified copy is ready, but the counter says it has not been received from the Copying Agency. What should I do?
Answer: Ask the counter staff for the room number and contact person of the Copying Agency. Visit that office, and they will check the status and resolve the issue.
Question: Where can I file a complaint against the Copying Agency or counter staff?
Answer: You can submit a complaint to the Registrar of the District Court or the Administrative Department.
Note: This process is lengthy and time-consuming, so we advise instead to submit a fresh application if needed.
This is also why we recommend depositing a smaller advance amount initially.
Question: What is the difference between a certified copy and an uncertified copy?
Answer:
- Certified Copy:
- Officially attested and valid for appeals, challenges, and for submission any documents to linked court/cases
- Takes 7–15 days (ordinary) or 2–7 days (urgent)
- Uncertified Copy:
- For personal use and preparation (cross-examination, verification)
- Usually available same day
- Cannot be used in court proceedings like challenge any order, appeal, and cannot submit anywhere
Question: For which documents should I apply for an uncertified copy?
Answer: Uncertified copies are useful during:
- Chief examination
- Cross-examination
- Recording of any statements
They help prevent discrepancies and safeguard against fraudulent actions by the opposite party or public prosecutor.
Question: Do I need to pay for an uncertified copy?
Answer: Yes, payment is required in the form of court fee stamps, usually:
- ₹5 per page (Delhi standard; varies by state)
- Attach stamps according to the number of pages required
Question: What are the charges for certified copies?
Answer: Charges vary by state and urgency:
- Ordinary Delivery: ~₹5 per page
- Urgent Delivery: ~₹10 per page
Question: How do I apply for an uncertified copy in court?
Answer:
- Print the following application for “Uncertified Copy”
- Attach court fee stamps (₹5 per page)
- Submit the form immediately after the hearing (chief, cross, or statement)
- Collect the uncertified copy, usually on the same day