Received a notice?

Don't ignore it, and don't reply in a hurry. Three steps: what this kind of notice usually means, the deadline counted from the day you received it, and what to gather before anyone replies.

What kind of notice is it?

Legal notice from a lawyerA letter on an advocate’s letterhead demanding payment, performance or an apology.Cheque-bounce noticeSays a cheque you issued was dishonoured and demands the amount (Section 138, Negotiable Instruments Act).Consumer Commission noticeFrom a District, State or National Consumer Commission, with a copy of a customer’s complaint.Summons in a civil suitFrom a civil court, with a copy of the plaint and a date to appear.Bank recovery notice (SARFAESI)From a bank or financial company under Section 13(2) of the SARFAESI Act, demanding a secured loan.GST show-cause noticeFrom a GST officer proposing tax, interest or penalty (with a DRC-01 summary).Income-tax noticeFrom the Income Tax Department, usually by email and on the e-filing portal.Police notice to appearAsks you to appear before a police officer, under Section 35(3) BNSS (formerly Section 41A CrPC).Notice invoking arbitrationSays a dispute is being referred to arbitration under a clause in your contract.

Not sure which it is? Send us a photo of the first page and we will tell you.

Periods are counted from the day after you received the notice. If the last day falls on a holiday, court filings can usually be made on the next working day. The notice itself may set a longer period. General information, not legal advice: have the notice reviewed before you reply.

Received a notice?

What kind of notice is it?

Your deadline

What to gather before you reply

Dear visitor,