Overview of practice areas handled by Lawkipedia.
FAMILY LAW
Family law in India covers matters such as marriage, divorce, child custody, maintenance, and adoption, governed primarily by personal laws depending on religion — including the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, the Special Marriage Act, 1954, and the Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act, 1937 — alongside secular statutes like the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005. Divorce may be sought on fault-based grounds (such as cruelty or desertion) or by mutual consent, with distinct procedural timelines for each. Custody matters are generally decided based on the welfare of the child under the Guardians and Wards Act, 1890, while maintenance obligations arise under both personal laws and Section 125 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (now Section 144 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023). Adoption is regulated under the Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act, 1956, or through the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) framework for adoptions across religions.
View Details →
CIVIL AND CRIMINAL LITIGATION
Civil litigation in India encompasses disputes over contracts, property, recovery of money, and other private rights, governed largely by the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, which sets out the process for filing suits, evidence, and appeals through trial courts up to the High Courts and Supreme Court. Criminal litigation involves offences defined under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (which replaced the Indian Penal Code, 1860), with procedure governed by the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. This includes matters such as bail applications, framing of charges, trial proceedings, and appeals against conviction or acquittal. Bail may be sought at various stages — anticipatory bail before arrest, regular bail after arrest, or interim bail — depending on the nature and severity of the alleged offence. Appeals from lower court decisions typically proceed to the Sessions Court, High Court, and in some cases the Supreme Court.
View Details →
PROPERTY & CONSUMER LAW
Property law in India covers the sale, transfer, lease, and inheritance of immovable property, governed by statutes including the Transfer of Property Act, 1882, the Registration Act, 1908, and applicable state-specific stamp duty and registration rules. Title verification typically involves examining the chain of ownership, encumbrance certificates, and relevant municipal records before a transaction is finalized. Tenancy matters are governed by state-specific Rent Control Acts, which regulate rent, eviction, and tenant rights. Consumer law is governed by the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, which allows individuals to file complaints regarding defective goods, deficient services, or unfair trade practices before District, State, or National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions, depending on the value of the claim.
View Details →
CORPORATE & BUSINESS LAW
Corporate law in India governs the formation, operation, and regulation of companies, primarily under the Companies Act, 2013, which sets out requirements for incorporation, corporate governance, director duties, and compliance filings with the Registrar of Companies. Businesses must also comply with sector-specific regulations, tax laws (including GST under the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017), and labour laws depending on their structure and industry. Commercial contracts are governed by the Indian Contract Act, 1872, which sets out requirements for a valid agreement, breach, and remedies. Corporate restructuring — including mergers, acquisitions, and demergers — is regulated under the Companies Act and, where applicable, the Competition Act, 2002. Commercial disputes may be resolved through litigation, arbitration under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, or specialized commercial courts established under the Commercial Courts Act, 2015.
View Details →
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Intellectual property law in India protects creations of the mind through distinct statutory regimes. Trademarks — covering brand names, logos, and slogans — are governed by the Trade Marks Act, 1999, and registered through the Trade Marks Registry, offering protection against unauthorized use by third parties. Copyright, governed by the Copyright Act, 1957, protects original literary, artistic, musical, and cinematographic works automatically upon creation, though registration provides additional evidentiary benefits. Patents, governed by the Patents Act, 1970, protect new inventions that are novel, involve an inventive step, and have industrial application, granted for a term of 20 years from the filing date. IP licensing agreements allow rights holders to permit third-party use under defined terms, while infringement proceedings can be pursued through civil suits for injunction and damages, and in some cases criminal remedies.
View Details →
CYBER & EMPLOYMENT LAW
Cyber law in India is primarily governed by the Information Technology Act, 2000, which addresses offences such as hacking, data theft, identity fraud, and cyberstalking, along with rules on electronic records and digital signatures. Data protection obligations for businesses are governed by the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, which sets out requirements for consent, data processing, and breach notification. Employment law covers the relationship between employers and employees, governed by a combination of central legislation — including the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, the Payment of Wages Act, 1936, and the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 — and state-specific Shops and Establishments Acts. Employment contracts typically address terms of engagement, termination, and non-compete or confidentiality obligations, while workplace disputes may be resolved through internal grievance mechanisms, labour courts, or industrial tribunals.
View Details →
VISA & IMMIGRATION
Immigration into and out of India is regulated primarily under the Foreigners Act, 1946, and the Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920, along with visa rules administered by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of External Affairs. Visa categories include tourist, business, employment, student, and long-term visas, each with distinct eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, and validity periods. Foreign nationals residing in India for extended periods are generally required to register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO). Employment visas require sponsorship by an Indian entity and proof of qualifications relevant to the role. Overstaying a visa or violating its conditions can result in penalties, deportation, or restrictions on future entry.
View Details →
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS & LEGAL PROCESS OUTSOURCING
Government relations work involves engagement with regulatory authorities, licensing bodies, and government departments on matters such as approvals, permits, compliance filings, and representations before administrative bodies. This may include liaison with municipal authorities, state departments, or central ministries depending on the nature of the matter. Legal process outsourcing (LPO) refers to the provision of legal support services — such as document review, contract management, legal research, and compliance support — typically on a project or ongoing basis for businesses seeking to supplement their internal legal capacity.
View Details →
LEGAL CONSULTATION
Legal consultation involves an initial assessment of a matter to identify the relevant area of law, applicable procedure, and possible course of action. This typically includes a review of the facts, relevant documents, and applicable statutes before advising on next steps. Legal and contract drafting services cover the preparation and review of agreements, notices, and legal documents to ensure they accurately reflect the terms intended by the parties and comply with applicable law.
View Details →