Adv. Tushar Sharma

SLP in Supreme Court: Meaning, Process, Eligibility & Fees

Learn what an SLP in the Supreme Court is, who can file it, the filing process, limitation, fees and role of an AOR.

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Published 28 August 2026

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.

What is SLP in the Supreme Court?
SLP means Special Leave Petition. It is a constitutional remedy under Article 136 through which an aggrieved party may request the Supreme Court to grant special leave to appeal against an eligible judgment or order.
What is Article 136 of the Constitution?
Article 136 gives the Supreme Court discretionary power to grant special leave to appeal from judgments, decrees, determinations, sentences or orders passed by courts or tribunals in India, subject to the constitutional provisions.
Can an SLP be filed against a High Court judgment?
An SLP may be filed against an eligible High Court judgment or order, subject to applicable law, procedural requirements and the Supreme Court's discretionary jurisdiction.
What is the difference between an SLP and an appeal?
An SLP is a request asking the Supreme Court to grant special leave to appeal. If leave is granted, the matter proceeds as an appeal according to the applicable procedure.
Who can file an SLP in the Supreme Court?
A person aggrieved by an eligible judgment or order may potentially approach the Supreme Court through an SLP, subject to maintainability, limitation and other applicable requirements.
Do I need an AOR to file an SLP?
The Supreme Court's procedural framework gives an Advocate-on-Record a specific filing role. An AOR can handle filing and procedural requirements and may work with arguing counsel or a Senior Advocate.
How much does an SLP cost in the Supreme Court?
There is no single private fee for every SLP. Costs may include professional fees, AOR charges, drafting, court fees, documentation, appearances and other litigation expenses.
What happens after filing an SLP?
After filing and registry scrutiny, the matter may be listed before the Supreme Court. The Court may dismiss the petition, issue notice, consider interim relief or grant special leave, depending on the circumstances.
Can a criminal matter be challenged through an SLP?
Yes. Subject to maintainability and applicable law, criminal judgments and orders may be challenged before the Supreme Court through an SLP.
How can Unison Law Offices help with an SLP?
Unison Law Offices can help assess the matter, review the impugned judgment and explain potential Supreme Court representation options. You can contact the office at +91 98998 32019.
Can Advocate Tushar Sharma assist with an SLP matter?
You can contact Unison Law Offices at +91 98998 32019 to discuss your matter and explore consultation and appropriate Supreme Court representation options involving Advocate Tushar Sharma.