How Do I Reply to a Legal Notice in India?

July 5, 2025

Receiving a legal notice can be overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. Whether it’s related to a business dispute, property issue, unpaid dues, defamation, or any personal matter, it’s essential to respond appropriately. A legal notice is a formal communication sent by one party to another warning them of potential legal action. But how do you reply to a legal notice?

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the steps involved in replying to a legal notice in India, when and why you should reply, and the legal implications of ignoring it.

What is a Legal Notice?

A legal notice is a written document sent by a person or their lawyer to another party, informing them about a grievance and demanding a solution before initiating formal legal proceedings.

It’s the first step towards legal action and gives the recipient a chance to resolve the issue amicably.

Is It Mandatory to Reply to a Legal Notice?

Legally, replying is not compulsory, but it is highly advisable. Not replying can:

Weaken your defense in court
Be seen as an admission of guilt
Lead to ex-parte judgments (decided in your absence)

A well-drafted reply can help you avoid litigation or settle the matter outside court.

Common Reasons for Receiving a Legal Notice

You might receive a legal notice for various reasons, such as:

Breach of contract
Unpaid dues or loans
Property disputes
Employer-employee issues
Defamation
Consumer complaints
Matrimonial disputes (divorce, maintenance, etc.)

Steps to Reply to a Legal Notice

1. Read the Legal Notice Carefully

The first step is to read and understand the contents of the notice. Note:

The name of the sender and lawyer
The issue or complaint raised
The timeline mentioned for response
The remedy or demand asked

Don’t ignore any part, even if it seems minor.

2. Consult a Legal Expert

It’s strongly recommended to consult an advocate with experience in the relevant legal area. They can:

Interpret the legal language
Evaluate the merits of the notice
Help draft an appropriate and lawful response

3. Collect Relevant Documents and Facts

Before drafting your reply:

Gather all documents that support your side (contracts, receipts, messages, emails, etc.)
Note down facts in chronological order
Be honest and share all details with your advocate (even those against you)

A strong reply is based on facts and evidence.

4. Draft the Reply

Your legal reply must be precise, factual, and respectful. The reply should:

Clearly address the points raised in the notice
Deny or admit allegations, with reasons
Mention relevant laws (if applicable)
Include supporting documents or references
Avoid abusive or threatening language

5. Send the Reply in Writing

Once the reply is finalized, it must be:

Printed on plain paper or advocate’s letterhead
Signed by you and your advocate
Sent via registered post with acknowledgment due (RPAD) or speed post, and keep the receipt as proof
Optionally, a soft copy can be emailed as well

6. Keep Copies for Record

Keep multiple copies of:

The legal notice received
Your reply with annexures
Proof of delivery (postal receipt, acknowledgment card)

These are essential if the matter goes to court later.

Format of Reply to a Legal Notice

Here’s a simple format:

[Your Name / Business Name]
[Address]
Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]

To,
[Sender’s Name / Advocate’s Name]
[Address as mentioned in the notice]

Subject: Reply to Legal Notice dated [Mention Date]

Sir/Madam,

This is in reference to the legal notice dated [Date] issued by you on behalf of your client [Client’s Name], which I/we received on [Date of Receipt].

[Insert response in paragraphs, addressing each allegation]

I/we deny the allegations as [give explanation].

[Provide factual information, refer to any attached documents]

In view of the above, I/we request you to [settle, withdraw, or resolve] the matter amicably, failing which we reserve our right to take legal action as per law.

Thanking you,
Yours sincerely,
[Signature]
[Your Name]

What Happens If You Ignore a Legal Notice?

Ignoring a legal notice can lead to:

Filing of a civil or criminal case by the sender
Court summons without your explanation on record
Missed opportunity to settle the matter out of court

It is always better to respond and clarify your stand rather than allow assumptions to prevail in court.

When Should You Reply?

Most legal notices will mention a timeline — usually 7 to 30 days. It is advisable to:

Start drafting the reply immediately
Consult a lawyer within the first few days
Respond within the deadline to avoid further complications

Conclusion

Replying to a legal notice is a critical step in protecting your rights and avoiding unnecessary legal trouble. While you can reply on your own, it is best to seek professional legal help to ensure the reply is factually and legally sound.

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