High-quality featured image showing legal notice document, law book, and pen representing the legal notice meaning, format, and process in India for 2025

Legal Notice: Meaning, Format, Process & When to Send (Complete Guide 2025)

What is a Legal Notice?

A legal notice is a formal written communication sent by one party to another before initiating legal action. It informs the receiver about the grievance, demands a solution, and gives an opportunity to settle the matter without going to court.

In India, sending a notice is mandatory in various cases such as property disputes, cheque bounce, consumer complaints, employment disputes, and family matters.

Why is a Legal Notice Important?

A legal notice acts as:

A pre-litigation warning
A chance for amicable settlement
A record proving that you informed the opposite party
A formal communication used in court proceedings

Courts often consider whether a notice was sent before the case was filed.

When Should You Send a Legal Notice?

You should send a notice in the following situations:

1. Property Disputes

Land/house possession issues
Illegal construction
Boundary disputes
Breach of property agreements

2. Cheque Bounce (Section 138)

Mandatory to send a legal notice within 30 days of dishonour.

3. Money Recovery

Unpaid loans
Unreturned borrowed money
Pending invoices

4. Consumer Complaints

Defective products
Poor services
Overcharging

5. Employment Issues

Unpaid salary
Wrongful termination
Breach of employment contract

6. Family & Matrimonial Matters

Divorce
Maintenance
Restitution of conjugal rights

How to Draft a Notice? (Step-By-Step)

Step 1: Contact a Lawyer

A lawyer evaluates your case and prepares a notice legally acceptable in court.

Step 2: Provide All Details

Share these with your lawyer:

Your name, address
Opponent’s details
Description of dispute
Documents/evidence
Relief demanded

Step 3: Drafting the Notice

A notice must include:

Details of the sender
Facts of the case
Legal provisions involved
Relief demanded
Time limit for reply

Step 4: Sending the Notice

The notice is sent through:

Registered Post A/D
Speed Post
Courier
Email (for corporate matters)

Step 5: Reply Period

The opposite party usually gets 7–30 days to respond.

Legal Notice Format (Sample)

From:
[Name & Address of Sender]

To:
[Name & Address of Opposite Party]

Subject: Legal Notice Regarding [Dispute Type]

Sir/Madam,
Under instructions and authority from my client, I hereby serve you this Legal Notice regarding...

[Explain facts of the dispute]
[Specify demands]
[Provide legal grounds]

You are hereby called upon to resolve the matter within 15 days failing which we shall be compelled to initiate legal proceedings at your risk and cost.

Regards,
[Advocate Name]
[Signature]
[Contact Details]

How Much Does a Legal Notice Cost?

The cost varies depending on the advocate’s experience and complexity.

Type of Notice	Average Cost (INR)
Simple Consumer Issue	2000 – 5000
Cheque Bounce	2,500 – 3,000
Property Dispute	2,000 – 10,000
Matrimonial / Complex Issues	3,000 – 15,000

Legal Notice vs Court Case

Notice	Court Case
Pre-litigation	Formal litigation
Faster & cheaper	Time-consuming
Helps avoid court	Mandatory for disputes
Gives chance to negotiate	Binding judgment

Benefits of Sending a Legal Notice

Creates pressure on the opponent
Helps avoid lengthy court cases
Builds a strong legal record
Professional & structured communication

To track or verify a court case after sending a notice, visit:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is a notice mandatory?

Yes, in many cases like cheque bounce, consumer matters, and contract breaches.

2. Who can send a notice?

Any individual or business through a lawyer.

3. Can I send a notice via WhatsApp or Email?

Yes. Courts accept WhatsApp “Double Blue Tick” as proof of delivery.

4. What happens if I ignore a notice?

The sender may file a court case, and your non-response may weaken your defence.

5. Is replying to a legal notice important?

Absolutely. A well-drafted reply avoids misunderstandings and protects your rights.

For property disputes, read about **वाटप पत्र