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What documents must be attached with a plaint?

Mastering civil litigation starts with a simple reality: a brilliant argument on paper means nothing if your procedural filing falls short. Under the Code of Civil Procedure (CPC), 1908, the plaint is the ultimate foundational document of any civil suit. However, judges don't just judge a case on words alone—they judge it on the documentary evidence attached from day one.  


Filing incomplete or missing annexures can trigger an immediate rejection under Order 7 Rule 11 or bar you from submitting vital evidence later under Order 7 Rule 14.  

Here is a complete checklist of all the essential documents you must attach with a plaint, structured according to Indian civil procedure laws.


Complete Checklist: Key Documents to Attach with a Plaint

1. Document Index & Index of Annexures

Every court filing begins with a formal Index. It lists every page attached—from the main petition down to the last supporting annexure—along with page numbers. This allows the court reader and judge to navigate your file instantly.


2. Form of Vakalatnama (or Power of Attorney)

A Vakalatnama is the legal document authorizing an advocate to represent and act on behalf of the plaintiff.

  • It must be signed by the plaintiff and accepted by the advocate.

  • It must carry the appropriate court fee stamps and Advocate Welfare Fund stamps.

  • If the suit is filed through an agent or representative, an authenticated Power of Attorney (PoA) or Board Resolution must be attached.


3. List of Documents Relied Upon (Order 7 Rule 14, CPC)

Under Order 7 Rule 14 of the CPC, a plaintiff must produce all documents in their possession or power upon which the suit is based at the time of presenting the plaint.  

  • Primary Evidence / Annexures: Original or verified true copies of agreements, contracts, receipts, sale deeds, or notices that form the core basis of your claim.  

  • Secondary List: If a crucial document is not in your possession, Order 7 Rule 14(2) mandates that you list it and explicitly mention in whose possession or custody it currently rests.  

Crucial Rule: If you fail to produce or list a document when filing the plaint, you cannot present it later in court as evidence without special leave from the court.  

4. Supporting Affidavit & Verification Clause

In line with Section 26(2) and Order 6 Rule 15 of the CPC, all facts stated in the plaint must be verified by an affidavit.

  • The Verification Clause at the foot of the plaint states which paragraphs are based on personal knowledge and which are based on legal advice.

  • The accompanying Affidavit affirms the truthfulness of the plaint contents on oath.


5. Statement of Address (Order 6 Rule 14A, CPC)

Also known as the Memorandum of Registered Address, this document provides the official, verified address of the plaintiff where summons, notices, or court processes can be served.  


6. Process Fee, Court Fees & Process Forms

To issue formal summons to the defendant(s), you must attach:

  • Court Fee Receipt: Proof that appropriate ad valorem or fixed court fee (calculated under the Court Fees Act) has been paid.

  • Process Fee Slip: Fees required to issue summons via bailiff, registered post, or speed post.

  • Summons Form (Form No. 1 or 2, Schedule I): Pre-filled summons copies addressed to each defendant.

  • Extra Copies of the Plaint: Enough copies of the plaint along with annexures for every defendant listed in the suit.


7. Electronic Evidence Certificate (Section 63 of BSB, 2023 / Sec 65B of Evidence Act)

If your relied-upon documents include WhatsApp chats, emails, digital invoices, or computer-generated printouts, you must attach a certificate under Section 63 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 (formerly Section 65B of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872) validating the electronic record.


Step-by-Step Order of Assembling Your Filing Bundle

To ensure your filing passes office objections at the court filing counter, assemble your physical bundle in this exact order:

  1. Index  

  2. Urgent Application / Stay Application (if seeking immediate temporary injunction under Order 39)

  3. Plaint (signed and verified)

  4. Supporting Affidavit

  5. Memorandum of Registered Address  

  6. Vakalatnama / Power of Attorney

  7. List of Documents (Order 7 Rule 14)  

  8. Annexures / Exhibits (marked as Exhibit A, B, C, etc.)

  9. Section 63 BSB Certificate (if electronic records are attached)

  10. Process Forms & Extra Copies for Defendants


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What happens if I forget to attach a key document with my plaint?

Under Order 7 Rule 14(3) of the CPC, any document that should have been produced with the plaint cannot be admitted as evidence later unless you get special permission (leave) from the court. You will have to file a formal application demonstrating sufficient cause for why it wasn't attached initially.  


2. Can a plaint be rejected if supporting documents are missing?

Yes. Under Order 7 Rule 11 of the CPC, a plaint can be rejected or returned if it fails to disclose a clear cause of action, if the suit is barred by law, or if insufficient court fee stamps are attached and not corrected within the given time.


3. Do I need to submit original documents or photostat copies with the plaint?

You can file clear, certified, or self-attested true copies of your documents along with the plaint. However, you must produce the original documents at the stage of "Admission and Denial of Documents" or when framing issues, as directed by the court.


4. How many copies of the plaint and attached documents need to be filed?

You must file one primary set for the court record, along with as many additional copies of the plaint and annexures as there are defendants in the suit.


5. What exception exists for documents not produced with the plaint?

Under Order 7 Rule 14(4), you do not need to attach documents upfront if they are strictly meant for cross-examining the defendant’s witnesses or are handed over to a witness merely to refresh their memory.  


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