- What Is a Legal Notice?
- Does a Legal Notice Require a Stamp? (Short Answer: No)
- Why Legal Notices Don’t Need Stamp Paper
- Can I Send a Legal Notice on Plain Paper?
- When Is Stamp Paper Required? (To Avoid Confusion)
- How to Send a Legal Notice?
- Is Online Legal Notice Valid?
- What Happens After Sending a Legal Notice?
- Common Myths About Legal Notices
- Myth 1: Legal notice must be on stamp paper.
- Myth 2: Legal notice must be notarised.
- Myth 3: Anyone can send a legal notice.
- Importance of a Properly Drafted Legal Notice
- Conclusion
When a legal dispute arises—whether related to property, business, money recovery, or personal matters—the first formal step taken is often sending a legal notice. Many people, however, are confused about whether a legal notice requires a stamp paper or not. This confusion usually comes from mixing legal notices with affidavits, agreements, or bonds, which do require stamp duty.
In this blog, we will clear your doubts and explain everything you need to know about legal notices, stamping requirements, validity, and drafting procedures.
What Is a Legal Notice?
A legal notice is a formal written communication sent by one party to another, informing them of a grievance and giving them an opportunity to resolve the issue before initiating legal action. It works as a warning and ensures that the opposite party is aware of the legal consequences of failing to respond.
Legal notices are commonly used for:
- Property disputes
- Money recovery
- Cheque bounce matters
- Consumer complaints
- Employment-related issues
- Family disputes such as divorce or maintenance
Does a Legal Notice Require a Stamp? (Short Answer: No)
A legal notice does not require stamp paper. It is drafted on the advocate’s letterhead and signed by the advocate. No stamp duty is required to be paid. This makes legal notices different from documents like affidavits, agreements, sale deeds, or bonds that require stamp paper under state stamp laws.
Many people wrongly assume that legal notices must be printed on stamp paper. However, stamp paper is only needed for documents that create legal rights, obligations, or transfers—such as contracts, affidavits, and deeds.
A legal notice is simply a communication, not a legal instrument that falls under stamp duty provisions. Hence, it does not need any stamp.
Why Legal Notices Don’t Need Stamp Paper
1. Not a Legal Instrument
A legal notice is only an intimation or warning. It does not create or transfer rights. Therefore, it doesn’t fall under the category of documents listed in the Indian Stamp Act or state stamp laws.
2. Sent Through Advocate
Since legal notices are drafted on an advocate’s letterhead and sent through registered post, email, or courier, the requirement of a stamp paper does not arise.
3. No Execution Between Parties
A legal notice is not signed mutually by both parties. It is only sent by one party to inform the other about the dispute. Since there is no “execution,” stamp duty is not applicable.
Can I Send a Legal Notice on Plain Paper?
Yes. A legal notice can be drafted and printed on plain A4 paper. The important part is that it should be drafted properly by an experienced advocate to avoid future legal complications.
Although you can technically send a legal notice yourself, it is always advised to get it drafted by a lawyer. A poorly drafted notice may weaken your case during litigation.
When Is Stamp Paper Required? (To Avoid Confusion)
Legal notice = No stamp required
But the following documents need stamp paper:
1. Affidavits
Any sworn statement or declaration submitted before authorities requires stamp paper.
2. Agreements
Rent agreement, partnership deed, sale agreement, service agreement, etc., must be executed on appropriate stamp paper.
3. Deeds
Transfer-related documents like sale deed, gift deed, mortgage deed, etc., require stamp duty.
4. Power of Attorney
POA must be executed on stamp paper, depending on state laws.
Understanding this difference helps avoid unnecessary costs and legal confusion.
How to Send a Legal Notice?
Sending a legal notice is a simple process, but accuracy is important. Here’s how it usually works:
1. Consult an Advocate
Explain your issue to an advocate who specializes in your matter—property, consumer dispute, matrimonial issues, etc.
2. Drafting the Notice
The advocate drafts the legal notice detailing:
- Your grievance
- Relevant legal provisions
- What relief you seek
- Timeline for the opposite party to respond
3. Verification and Approval
You read and approve the draft. Once approved, the lawyer prints it on their letterhead.
4. Sending the Notice
The notice is sent by:
- Registered Post with Acknowledgment Due (RPAD)
- Speed Post
- Courier (for faster delivery)
- Email (legally valid in India)
5. Waiting for a Response
The opposite party generally gets 7 to 30 days to respond, depending on the nature of the dispute.
Is Online Legal Notice Valid?
Yes, sending a legal notice by email is valid in India. Courts have recognized electronic communication as legally acceptable under the Information Technology Act, 2000.
However, for stronger evidence, it is recommended to send both:
- Physical notice by post
- Digital notice through email
What Happens After Sending a Legal Notice?
Two things can happen:
1. Opposite Party Responds
If they respond and agree to resolve the matter, litigation may be avoided.
2. Opposite Party Ignores the Notice
If they do not reply within the given timeline, you can proceed with filing a case in the appropriate court.
The legal notice acts as evidence that you attempted to resolve the matter amicably.
Common Myths About Legal Notices
Myth 1: Legal notice must be on stamp paper.
Fact: No stamp paper is required.
Myth 2: Legal notice must be notarised.
Fact: Notarisation is not necessary for legal notices.
Myth 3: Anyone can send a legal notice.
Fact: You can send it yourself, but lawyer-drafted notices are much more effective.
Importance of a Properly Drafted Legal Notice
A well-drafted legal notice can:
- Strengthen your legal position
- Help settle disputes without litigation
- Record your claims formally
- Show your seriousness about the matter
A poorly drafted notice may backfire, be ignored, or weaken your case.
Conclusion
To answer the main question—Does a legal notice require a stamp?
No. Legal notices do not require stamp paper. They are simply drafted on a lawyer’s letterhead and sent through post or email. Stamp paper is only required for legal documents that create rights or obligations, such as agreements, deeds, and affidavits.
If you need to send a legal notice for property disputes, consumer complaints, cheque bounce issues, or business matters, always consult an experienced advocate. A strong legal notice often leads to quicker resolution without going to court.
Virtual Legal 
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