Legal guides for India: validity and compliance
Short, direct answers to the questions legal and compliance teams ask most, from whether an e-signature holds up in court to what the DPDP Act requires, each backed by the statute it relies on.
E-sign & e-stamp
Is an electronic signature legally valid in India?
Yes. Electronic signatures are legally valid in India under the IT Act, 2000. See which e-signatures hold up in court and which documents cannot be e-signed.
YesIs Aadhaar eSign legally valid in India?
Aadhaar eSign is a legally recognised electronic signature under the IT Act, 2000. Learn how OTP-based Aadhaar eSign works, its legal standing and its limits.
5 exclusionsWhich documents cannot be e-signed in India?
Wills, powers of attorney, trusts, promissory notes and property sale deeds cannot be e-signed in India. See the IT Act exclusions and what you can e-sign.
YesWhat is e-stamping, and is e-stamp paper legally valid?
E-stamping is the electronic way to pay stamp duty in India. Learn how an e-stamp certificate works, why it is legally valid and how to verify one.
Not alwaysIs e-stamp paper valid in all states of India?
An e-stamp certificate is issued for one state and pays that state’s duty. See when it works across states, when extra duty is due and which state to pick.
Data protection
DPDP Act compliance checklist for Indian businesses
A DPDP Act, 2023 compliance checklist: data mapping, notice and consent, security safeguards, breach reporting, retention, rights and vendor contracts.
Notice + consentWhat must a DPDP Act consent notice contain?
What a DPDP Act privacy notice must say, when consent is valid, how withdrawal works and when you can process data without consent under Section 7.
Up to ₹250 crWhat are the penalties under the DPDP Act, 2023?
DPDP Act, 2023 penalties run up to ₹250 crore per breach for failed security safeguards. See the full Schedule, how the Board decides and how appeals work.
Litigation & notices
What is the time limit to reply to a legal notice in India?
There is usually no fixed statutory deadline to reply to a legal notice in India — the sender sets it (commonly 15–30 days). See what happens if you miss it.
30 + 15 + 30 daysSection 138 NI Act timeline: cheque bounce deadlines
Cheque bounce deadlines under Section 138 NI Act: present within validity, notice within 30 days, 15 days to pay, then one month to file.
Often, yesIs a legal notice sent by WhatsApp or email valid in India?
A legal notice sent by email or WhatsApp can be valid in India if delivery can be proved. Where courts accept it, where they do not, and how to serve safely.
In forceNew criminal laws (BNS, BNSS, BSA): what changed for businesses
From 1 July 2024, BNS, BNSS and BSA replaced the IPC, CrPC and Evidence Act. Key section changes, e-FIRs, electronic evidence and what to update.
Lending & recovery
What are the RBI rules for loan recovery agents in India?
RBI rules bar recovery agents from harassment and from contacting borrowers before 8am or after 7pm. Learn the Fair Practices Code limits and how to complain.
MandatoryWhat are the RBI Key Fact Statement (KFS) requirements?
RBI requires a Key Fact Statement with APR, all charges and repayment schedule before every retail and MSME term loan. What it must contain and from when.
45-day capMSME delayed payment rules and the Samadhaan portal
Buyers must pay micro and small suppliers within 45 days under the MSMED Act or owe compound interest at 3x the RBI bank rate. How Samadhaan and MSEFCs work.
Contracts
Are e-contracts admissible in court in India?
Yes. E-contracts are admissible in Indian courts under the IT Act and the electronic-evidence rules (Evidence Act s.65B / BSA s.63). See what proof is needed.
Usually payableStamp duty on agreements in India, explained
Which agreements need stamp duty in India, who pays it, when it must be paid and what happens if it is not. Covers the Indian Stamp Act and state rates.
DependsDoes a rent agreement need to be registered in India?
Leases of one year or more must be registered under the Registration Act, 1908. Learn why 11-month agreements are common, state exceptions and the risks.
Valid, not admissibleIs an unstamped agreement valid in India?
An unstamped agreement is not void in India, but it is inadmissible in evidence until duty and penalty are paid. What the 2023 seven-judge SC bench held.
Generally noAre non-compete clauses enforceable in India?
Post-employment non-compete clauses are generally void in India under Section 27 of the Contract Act. See what is enforceable instead.
Stay compliant without the spreadsheets
CaseDocker tracks contracts, e-signatures, stamp papers, notices and compliance deadlines in one place, with reminders before anything lapses.