SLP in Supreme Court: Complete Guide
SLP in Supreme Court refers to a Special Leave Petition filed under Article 136 of the Constitution of India.
It is an important legal tool that allows a person to ask the Supreme Court to give special permission to appeal a decision, ruling, judgment, sentence, or order made by any court or tribunal in India, as long as the legal and procedural rules are followed.
An SLP is not something you get automatically.
The Supreme Court has the choice to decide whether to accept it, based on Article 136.
What Is an SLP?
A Special Leave Petition (SLP) is a way to ask the Supreme Court to allow an appeal against a judgment or order that someone disagrees with.
The Supreme Court can use this power only when certain conditions under Article 136 are met.
SLPs can come from both civil and criminal cases, as well as from proceedings before various tribunals.
SLP Under Article 136
Article 136 gives the Supreme Court the power to decide whether to grant special leave to appeal any judgment, decree, determination, sentence, or order from any court or tribunal in India.
However, Article 136 does not apply to matters related to courts or tribunals formed under laws about the Armed Forces.
Who Can File an SLP?
A person who feels their rights were wronged by a judgment or order can approach the Supreme Court with an SLP, provided they follow the law and the correct procedures.
An SLP may come from a variety of cases, such as:
- Judgments from High Courts
- Orders from High Courts
- Decisions from tribunals
- Civil disputes
- Criminal cases
- Service-related issues
- Family matters
- Property issues
- Commercial matters
- Constitutional issues
Whether an SLP is valid depends on the facts of the case and the specific order being questioned.
Civil SLP and Criminal SLP
Civil SLP
A civil SLP can challenge a decision or ruling concerning:
- Property disputes
- Contract disputes
- Commercial lawsuits
- Service-related matters
- Family disputes
- Civil appeals
- Other civil cases
Criminal SLP
A criminal SLP can arise from criminal proceedings, such as:
- Convictions
- Acquittals
- Bail decisions
- Criminal appeals
- Sentences
- Other criminal rulings
The right remedy depends on the situation in the case.
SLP Filing Process in Supreme Court
The process of filing an SLP usually includes several steps.
Step 1: Look at the judgment being challenged
The lawyer reviews the judgment or order and looks for possible legal reasons to appeal.
Step 2: Gather the case records
The lawyer examines the legal documents, orders, evidence, and other relevant files.
Step 3: Draft the SLP
The petition includes the important facts, questions, or grounds for the appeal, along with what relief is being asked for.
Step 4: Prepare supporting documents
All required papers and supporting materials are prepared according to the Supreme Court's rules.
Step 5: File with an Advocate-on-Record
An Advocate-on-Record (AOR) is the one who officially files the petition with the Supreme Court.
Step 6: Registry review
The filing may be checked by the Supreme Court Registry.
Any issues or problems need to be fixed according to the rules.
Step 7: Schedule a hearing
After all the steps are completed, the matter is listed before the appropriate court bench.
Step 8: Supreme Court decides on special leave
The court considers whether to grant the special leave.
If granted, the case proceeds as an appeal following the applicable procedures.
SLP Limitation Period
The time limit to file an SLP depends on the type of case and the rules set by the Supreme Court and limitation laws.
Because time limits are very important, anyone planning to challenge a judgment should get legal help as soon as possible.
The exact time limit should be calculated based on the specific judgment or order and the procedural steps involved, not just by using a general online statement.
SLP Fees in Supreme Court
There isn’t one fixed fee for all SLPs.
The total cost could include:
- Lawyer fees
- Advocate-on-Record fees
- Drafting fees
- Filing costs
- Court fees
- Documentation expenses
- Appearance charges
- Additional lawyer or Senior Advocate fees if used
The Supreme Court also offers legal aid with set rates for those who qualify.
These rates should not be confused with private lawyer fees.
Do You Need an AOR for an SLP?
The Supreme Court’s rules require an Advocate-on-Record to file the petition in the court.
An AOR may handle:
Filing the SLP
Making sure the case follows the rules
Filing applications
Preparing legal papers
Sending notices
Managing the case
Sometimes, an arguing lawyer or a senior lawyer may help the AOR when needed.
Can an SLP Be Filed Against Every High Court Order?
No.
Whether an SLP can be filed depends on the type of order, the law that applies, the court’s area of control, and the facts of the case.
Article 136 lets the Supreme Court choose to hear a case, but it’s not something you can always file for automatically.
What Happens After SLP Is Filed?
The Supreme Court may look at the case when it's convenient.
Possible results include:
Special leave being given
The petition being rejected
A notice being sent
Some temporary relief being considered
Instructions being given
The case moving forward as an appeal after leave is given
The outcome depends completely on the case and what the Court decides.
SLP Lawyer in Supreme Court
A skilled legal team in the Supreme Court can help with:
Checking the judgment that is being challenged
Finding legal reasons to support the appeal
Creating the SLP document
Preparing applications
Working with an AOR
Handling objections from the court registry
Preparing for court hearings
Getting temporary relief if needed
The right lawyer should be chosen based on the case's nature and how complicated it is.
SLP Legal Assistance by Unison Law Offices
If you are thinking about filing an SLP in the Supreme Court, Unison Law Offices can help you understand your legal options based on your judgment, case records, and where you are in the process.
Their help may be needed for:
Civil SLPs
Criminal SLPs
Bail applications
Service-related matters
Family law issues
Property disputes
Business-related cases
Appeals from High Court decisions
Other matters where Article 136 might apply
For legal help with an SLP, contact Unison Law Offices at +91 98998 32019.
You can also talk to Advocate Tushar Sharma at Unison Law Offices to figure out the best way to handle your case in the Supreme Court.
Conclusion
An SLP in the Supreme Court is a constitutional right under Article 136, allowing someone who feels wronged to ask for special permission to appeal a decision that is eligible for such an appeal.
Since the Supreme Court’s power under Article 136 is at their discretion, filing an SLP doesn’t mean they will definitely hear the case on its merits.
If you are thinking of filing an SLP, it's important to review the judgment, time limits, legal reasons, maintainability, and following the correct steps as soon as possible.
For help with an SLP matter, call Unison Law Offices at +91 98998 32019.
Legal Disclaimer: This article provides general legal information and is not legal advice.
The ability to file an SLP, the time limits, and the process depend on the specific facts, judgment, and applicable laws.It is important to consult a qualified legal professional for accurate guidance.
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