Specimen Special Leave Petition explained: this guide covers what Specimen Special Leave Petition means, who it applies to, the step-by-step process, documents required, fees, due dates and penalties in India — so you can stay compliant with confidence and avoid costly mistakes.
Specimen Special Leave Petition
IN THE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA
CIVIL APPELLATE JURISDICTION
SPECIAL LEAVE PETITION (CIVIL) NO. _____ OF 20XX
..... PETITIONER
VERSUS
..... RESPONDENT(S)
SPECIAL LEAVE PETITION AGAINST THE JUDGMENT/ORDER DATED PASSED BY THE HIGH COURT OF IN
SYNOPSIS
[1-2 page concise summary of the case -- the dispute, lower court findings, High Court's order, and why the Supreme Court should grant leave. This is CRITICAL -- the bench reads the synopsis first and forms an initial impression.]
LIST OF DATES AND EVENTS
GROUNDS
The Petitioner seeks leave to appeal on the following grounds:
A. The High Court ERRED IN LAW by holding that . The correct position of law, as laid down by this Court in , is .
B. The impugned order creates a CONFLICT with the judgment of in -- on the same question of law. This Court's intervention is necessary to settle the law uniformly.
C. The question of law involved is of GENERAL PUBLIC IMPORTANCE and requires authoritative pronouncement by this Court.
D. The High Court's findings are PERVERSE -- contrary to the evidence on record and established legal principles.
E. The High Court FAILED TO CONSIDER binding precedent of this Court in which directly governs the present case.
PRAYER
The Petitioner prays that this Court may be pleased to:
(a) Grant Special Leave to Appeal against the impugned judgment/order;
(b) Set aside the impugned order dated ;
(c) Grant stay of the impugned order pending hearing;
(d) Award costs throughout;
(e) Pass such other orders as this Court may deem fit.
Filed by:
Drawn by:
Date: | New Delhi
ANNEXURES
P-1: Certified copy of the impugned High Court order
P-2:
P-3:
Filing Requirements
(a) Can be filed ONLY by an ADVOCATE-ON-RECORD (AOR) -- a CS can draft but the AOR files and appears, (b) certified copy of the impugned order is MANDATORY, (c) court fee: as prescribed (varies by case type), (d) limitation: 90 days (civil) / 60 days (criminal) from the impugned order, (e) file through the Supreme Court's e-filing portal or in person at the Registry, (f) 5 sets of the petition (including one for the court record).
Leave Stage
The SLP is first heard at the LEAVE STAGE -- typically before a 2-judge bench. The AOR makes brief oral submissions (5-10 minutes) explaining why leave should be granted. The court either: (a) GRANTS leave -- SLP becomes a regular appeal, notice issued to respondent, (b) ISSUES NOTICE -- without granting leave, seeks respondent's response, (c) DISMISSES -- SLP rejected (most common outcome -- the Supreme Court entertains only 10-15% of SLPs filed). The synopsis quality significantly influences the outcome at leave stage.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy based on the latest laws and amendments, readers should consult a qualified professional before acting on any information provided. For expert assistance, contact us.
Key Facts About Specimen Special Leave Petition
- Applies in: All states across India, under the relevant central law.
- Mode: Mostly online via the official government portal.
- Typical timeline: Ranges from a few days to a few weeks depending on the case.
- Non-compliance: May attract penalties, interest or late fees.
- Expert help: TaxClue completes Specimen Special Leave Petition end to end for you.
Who can file an SLP before the Supreme Court?
Only an ADVOCATE-ON-RECORD (AOR) can file petitions before the Supreme Court. An AOR is an advocate who has: (1) practiced for at least 4 years, (2) passed the AOR examination conducted by the Supreme Court, (3) is registered with the Supreme Court Registry. A CS can DRAFT the SLP petition and conduct legal research -- but the AOR reviews, signs, and files it. The AOR may engage a SENIOR ADVOCATE for oral arguments at the hearing. The CS collaborates with the AOR throughout the process.
What makes a good SLP synopsis?
The synopsis is the MOST IMPORTANT part -- the bench reads it first. A good synopsis: (1) is CONCISE -- 1-2 pages maximum, (2) IMMEDIATELY states why the case deserves Supreme Court's attention, (3) identifies the LEGAL QUESTION clearly, (4) shows the CONFLICT with other decisions or general public importance, (5) briefly summarizes the FACTS and lower court findings, (6) highlights the SPECIFIC ERROR in the impugned order, (7) cites the KEY precedent supporting the petitioner. Avoid: lengthy factual narration, emotional language, or restating the entire case history.
Over 90% of compliance penalties in India arise from missed due dates — timely handling of Specimen Special Leave Petition can save businesses thousands of rupees each year.
Specimen Special Leave Petition: a key compliance topic in Indian tax and corporate law that businesses and individuals must understand to remain compliant.
A Special Leave Petition (Civil) to the Supreme Court under Article 136 of the Constitution seeking leave to appeal against a High Court judgment, drafted per Order XXI of the Supreme Court Rules 2013.
IN THE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA
(CIVIL APPELLATE JURISDICTION)
Special Leave Petition (Civil) No. ______ of 2026
(Under Article 136 of the Constitution of India)
(Against the final judgment and order dated [DD/MM/YYYY] passed
by the Hon'ble High Court of [State] at [City] in
[F.A./W.P./C.R.P. No. ____ of 20__])
WITH
Application for Stay / Interim Relief
BETWEEN
[Name of Petitioner], S/o [___],
r/o [Full Address] ... PETITIONER
VERSUS
[Name of Respondent], S/o [___],
r/o [Full Address] ... RESPONDENT
TO,
THE HON'BLE THE CHIEF JUSTICE OF INDIA AND HIS COMPANION
JUSTICES OF THE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA.
THE HUMBLE PETITION OF THE PETITIONER ABOVE-NAMED
MOST RESPECTFULLY SHOWETH:
1. That the present petition is directed against the final judgment
and order dated [DD/MM/YYYY] passed by the Hon'ble High Court of
[State] at [City] in [case no.], whereby the Hon'ble High Court
was pleased to [dismiss the appeal / decree the suit] against the
Petitioner. (Certified copy annexed as Annexure P-1.)
2. QUESTIONS OF LAW: The following substantial questions of law of
general public importance arise for consideration:
(i) Whether [___]?
(ii) Whether the impugned judgment is contrary to [statute /
binding precedent of this Hon'ble Court]?
3. DECLARATION UNDER ORDER XXI RULE 3 SCR, 2013: The Petitioner
states that no other petition seeking leave to appeal against the
impugned judgment has been filed by him in this Hon'ble Court.
4. FACTS: [Concise chronological statement of facts, referring to
the pleadings, findings of the Trial Court and the High Court,
with page references to the Annexures.]
5. That the Petitioner has not filed any review petition before the
High Court / the review petition has been dismissed.
GROUNDS
(a) Because the impugned judgment suffers from a manifest error of
law apparent on the face of the record.
(b) Because the High Court failed to appreciate the binding
precedent of this Hon'ble Court in [Case Name], (Year) __ SCC __.
(c) Because the findings are perverse and based on no evidence /
inadmissible evidence.
(d) Because the matter involves a substantial question of law of
general public importance requiring the interpretation of
[statute/Article].
(e) Because grave injustice would result if leave is not granted.
PRAYER
It is, therefore, most respectfully prayed that this Hon'ble Court
may be graciously pleased to:
(a) grant special leave to appeal under Article 136 of the
Constitution against the impugned judgment and order dated
[DD/MM/YYYY] passed by the Hon'ble High Court of [State] in
[case no.] (Annexure P-1);
(b) stay the operation of the impugned judgment and further
proceedings during the pendency of this petition; and
(c) pass such other order as this Hon'ble Court may deem fit.
AND FOR THIS ACT OF KINDNESS THE PETITIONER SHALL, AS IN DUTY BOUND,
EVER PRAY.
Drawn & Filed by:
Place: New Delhi ____________________________
Date : [DD/MM/2026] [Name], Advocate-on-Record
for the Petitioner
- Article 136 confers a discretionary residuary power on the Supreme Court to grant special leave against any judgment/order of any court or tribunal; it is not an appeal as of right and is granted only in exceptional cases involving a substantial question of law or grave injustice.
- An SLP can be filed only by an Advocate-on-Record (AoR) and must comply with Order XXI of the Supreme Court Rules 2013, including the mandatory declaration (Rule 3) that no other SLP against the same order is pending.
- File within 90 days of the High Court judgment (or 60 days from refusal of a certificate of fitness); attach a certified copy of the impugned judgment as Annexure P-1 and a synopsis with list of dates.
- File the accompanying stay / interim relief application separately — grant of leave does not automatically stay the impugned judgment; on leave being granted the SLP is converted into a Civil Appeal.
Disclaimer: This is a general-purpose template for reference only. Facts, figures, stamp duty and clauses vary with your situation and state law — have it reviewed before use. Need this professionally drafted, stamped and filed? Talk to a TaxClue expert.