Supreme Court Lawyer for Special Leave Petition (SLP)Trusted guidance for matters before the Supreme Court of India
A Special Leave Petition (SLP) under Article 136 of the Constitution is the primary gateway to the Supreme Court against any High Court or tribunal order. Our experienced advocates guide you on grounds, limitation, interim stay, and the complete filing pathway.
What is a Special Leave Petition (SLP)?
A Special Leave Petition (SLP) is the most commonly used route to approach the Supreme Court of India against any judgment, decree, determination, sentence or order passed by any court or tribunal across the country — from High Courts to the National Green Tribunal, NCDRC, CAT, DRAT and armed forces tribunals.
An SLP is not a matter of right — it is discretionary. The Supreme Court grants leave only where there is a substantial question of law of general importance, a grave miscarriage of justice, or a patent legal error in the impugned order. Once leave is granted, the SLP converts into a civil or criminal appeal.
An SLP is the starting point for challenging High Court judgments in bail matters, criminal convictions, service disputes, property cases, matrimonial matters, and constitutional questions. Filing must ordinarily be done within 90 days (civil) or 60 days (criminal) of the impugned order.
When Do You Need a Supreme Court Lawyer for an SLP?
- The High Court has dismissed your appeal, writ or revision and you believe there is a substantial question of law or grave injustice
- A tribunal (CAT, DRAT, NGT, NCDRC) has passed an order against you and the High Court has upheld it
- You need an urgent stay of a decree, eviction, or arrest to protect your rights pending the SLP
- The High Court has rejected bail in a criminal matter, including PMLA, NDPS, or murder cases
- A constitutional question arises that needs to be settled by the apex court for the first time
- The impugned order affects a large class of persons or is of significant public importance
How the SLP Filing Process Works
- 1
Obtain Certified Copy
Collect certified copies of the impugned order and all related lower court orders. The certified-copy date triggers the limitation period.
- 2
Brief an Advocate on Record (AoR)
Only a Supreme Court AoR can file an SLP. Our team will connect you with a qualified AoR who will review your matter and assess the grounds.
- 3
Draft the SLP
The petition includes synopsis, list of dates, grounds of challenge, supporting documents, and a vakalatnama. Grounds must be clearly articulated.
- 4
File in the Supreme Court Registry
The AoR files the petition. After Registry scrutiny, any defects must be cured within 14 days. The SLP is then registered and assigned a diary number.
- 5
Admission Hearing
The matter is listed before a Bench. The Court may dismiss at threshold, issue notice to the respondent, or grant limited notice on specific grounds. Interim stay can be sought at this stage.
- 6
Final Hearing & Leave
Once pleadings are complete (counter-affidavit, rejoinder), the case is listed for final hearing. Leave granted converts the SLP into an appeal; otherwise the SLP is dismissed.
Key Legal Provisions
Constitution of India
“Special leave to appeal — empowers the Supreme Court to grant leave against any judgment or order of any court or tribunal in India.”
Supreme Court Rules, 2013
“Governs format, court fee, limitation, and procedure for filing and hearing SLPs.”
Limitation Act, 1963
“Condonation of delay — court may excuse delay in filing on showing sufficient cause.”
Constitution of India
“Power to pass orders necessary for complete justice — frequently invoked alongside Article 136 for interim relief.”
Important Limitation Periods
Civil SLP
90 days
From the date of the High Court / tribunal order
Criminal SLP
60 days
From the date of the High Court order in criminal matters
Condonation
Discretionary
Court may condone delay on sufficient cause — early filing strongly advised
⚠ Limitation periods are strictly enforced. Always consult a lawyer before the deadline passes.
Frequently Asked Questions — Special Leave Petition (SLP)
Talk to Supreme Court Advocates About Special Leave Petition (SLP)
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