After a divorce decree, a succession certificate, a bail order or a judgment in a property case, the next step usually needs a certified copy: the bank, the Sub-Registrar, the Passport Office, a foreign embassy or another court will not accept a printout. This guide explains how to get one.
A downloaded order is not a certified copy
Orders and judgments can be downloaded from eCourts services and court websites. These are useful for reading, but they are not certified. A certified copy is issued by the court’s copying section, and is signed, dated and sealed as a true copy of the court’s record. Only a certified copy can be relied on as proof of the order.
Who can apply
| Applicant | What is needed |
|---|---|
| A party to the case | An application to the court that holds the record, in person, through an advocate or a recognised agent |
| A person who is not a party | An application supported by an affidavit stating the purpose for which the copy is needed; the court decides whether to allow it |
Ordinary and urgent copies
Under the Maharashtra rules for civil courts:
- Ordinary copies are due within about 10 days of the application being complete.
- Urgent copies can be applied for on payment of extra charges, and should normally be ready within 24 to 48 hours, excluding holidays.
Charges are nominal and calculated per page; ask the copying section for the current rates. The Bombay High Court, the Family Court and tribunals follow their own rules.
How to apply
- Note the case details: case number, CNR number, the names of the parties, the date of the order and the court or courtroom. See which court handles your case.
- Fill in the copy application form at the court’s copying section, or apply through the court’s online facility where available.
- State what you need: the judgment, the decree, the order of a particular date, or other documents on record.
- Pay the charges and keep the receipt.
- Collect the copy on the date given, and check it is signed, dated and sealed.
Where certified copies are commonly needed
- Divorce decrees: for name changes, remarriage, passports and visas. See mutual consent divorce.
- Succession certificates and probate: for banks, societies and share transfers. See legal heir certificates, succession certificates and probate.
- Property decrees: for mutation, society transfers and registration.
- Bail orders: for travel permission applications or release formalities.
- Use abroad: copies for foreign use may also need an apostille.
Practical tips
- Apply for more than one copy if several offices will need it.
- Ask for the decree as well as the judgment in civil cases; offices often want the decree.
- Check names and details before you leave the counter.
- Keep the original certified copy safe, and give offices photocopies attested as required.
Frequently asked questions
Can my advocate apply for the certified copy?
Yes. Advocates routinely apply for and collect certified copies for their clients.
The order was passed years ago. Can I still get a copy?
Yes, if the record is preserved. Old records may take longer to retrieve.
Is a certified copy needed for every bank?
Most banks and registries ask for one when acting on a court order. Some accept an online copy with verification, but don’t rely on that.
Consultations are by appointment. To fix a time, telephone +91 99301 50560 or send a message on WhatsApp.
This guide describes the general procedure as understood in October 2026. Each court follows its own rules on copies; check with its copying section. It is not legal advice.