Specimen Special Power of Attorney — Property and Legal Matters Format 2026

Special Power of Attorney explained: this guide covers what it 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.

What Is a Special Power of Attorney?

A Special Power of Attorney (SPA) grants authority for a specific, defined purpose or transaction — and ONLY for that purpose. Once the specific task is completed, the SPA automatically ceases to have effect. Unlike a General Power of Attorney (which covers multiple matters), an SPA is narrow and focused — reducing the risk of misuse. Examples: SPA to sell a particular property, SPA to represent in a specific court case, SPA to collect a specific payment, or SPA to execute a particular agreement. SPAs are preferred over GPAs in most situations because: (a) the scope is limited and clear, (b) the risk of unauthorized acts is minimal, (c) third parties can easily verify the agent's authority for the specific transaction.

Specimen SPA — Property Sale

SPECIAL POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that I, , son/daughter of , aged , residing at , PAN: (hereinafter called the "Principal"),

DO HEREBY NOMINATE, CONSTITUTE, AND APPOINT Mr./Ms. , (hereinafter called my "Attorney"),

as my true and lawful Attorney SPECIFICALLY for the purpose of selling and transferring my immovable property described in the Schedule hereto, with the following powers:

1. To negotiate and agree on the sale price and terms with the prospective purchaser(s).

2. To execute, sign, and register the Sale Deed (Conveyance Deed) in my name and on my behalf before the Sub-Registrar of .

3. To receive the sale consideration — by cheque, demand draft, NEFT/RTGS — and issue valid receipts and discharges therefor.

4. To deliver physical possession of the property to the purchaser.

5. To appear before the Sub-Registrar, Revenue Authority, Municipal Authority, or any other government office and execute all documents required for completing the sale and transfer.

6. To pay stamp duty, registration charges, capital gains tax (TDS), and other charges from the sale proceeds.

7. To sign, execute, and submit all necessary forms, applications, affidavits, and declarations required for the sale.

This Power of Attorney is granted SPECIFICALLY for the sale of the property described in the Schedule hereto and SHALL NOT be construed to authorize any other act or transaction. This Power of Attorney shall automatically expire upon completion of the sale and registration of the Sale Deed, or on , whichever is earlier.

Schedule — Property Description

IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have executed this Special Power of Attorney on at .

PRINCIPAL: | WITNESSES: 1. | 2.

Specimen SPA — Legal Proceedings

I, , hereby authorize Mr./Ms. SPECIFICALLY to:

1. Institute, prosecute, and defend Civil Suit No. pending before the , , on my behalf.

2. Engage advocates, sign vakalatnama, file pleadings, affidavits, and applications.

3. Attend hearings, cross-examine witnesses, and make submissions.

4. Accept service of summons, notices, and orders on my behalf.

5. Negotiate, compromise, and settle the suit — including executing consent terms and receiving/paying decreed amounts.

This Power of Attorney is limited to the above-mentioned suit and shall expire upon final disposal of the suit (including any appeal).

Registration and Stamp Duty

Registration: An SPA authorizing sale of immovable property for consideration must be COMPULSORILY registered under Section 17(1)(b) of the Registration Act. Other SPAs (for legal proceedings, financial matters, administrative tasks): registration is optional but recommended. Stamp Duty: Generally NOMINAL for SPA — Rs. 100-500 in most states. However: in Delhi, an SPA authorizing property sale may attract higher stamp duty (though less than a GPA for sale). Always verify state-specific stamp duty rates.

SPA vs GPA — Key Differences

Practical Tips

(a) Be specific: Define the exact transaction — property address, case number, bank account details. Vague SPAs may be questioned by third parties. (b) Include expiry date: Specify when the SPA expires — "upon completion of the sale" or "on , whichever is earlier." This prevents the SPA from remaining in force indefinitely. (c) Limit authority: Exclude powers not needed — "This SPA does NOT authorize the Agent to mortgage, gift, or encumber the property." (d) Registration for property: Always register an SPA for property sale — unregistered SPAs may not be accepted by the Sub-Registrar for executing the Sale Deed. (e) Keep copies: The Principal should retain a certified copy — the original goes to the Agent for use.