Can an Accused Obtain Certified Copies of Orders Passed in a Criminal Case?
Yes. An accused can generally seek certified copies of orders passed in a criminal case. An official copy may be required to understand the court’s directions, comply with an order, challenge it before a higher court, prepare a bail or revision application, or maintain an accurate record of the proceedings.
The exact procedure can vary according to the court and applicable copying rules, but the basic process is usually straightforward.
What is a certified copy?
A certified copy is an officially authenticated copy issued through the court’s prescribed copying mechanism. It is different from simply downloading an order from the internet.
The eCourts system allows users to search criminal cases and view available case history and orders. Cases can be searched using details such as the case number, party name, filing number or FIR number.
Where a formal certified copy is required, the appropriate copying/certified-copy application process of the concerned court should generally be followed.
How can an accused apply for a certified copy?
A person may ordinarily apply to the concerned court's copying section or through the applicable online court facility, where available.
The application may require details such as:
- case number and year;
- names of the parties;
- name of the court;
- date of the order;
- description of the document required;
- whether the application is ordinary or urgent; and
- applicable copying or court fees.
The official eCourts copy-application form, for example, asks for the case description, parties, nature of case, date of decision/order, court details, documents required and purpose for which the copy is sought.
Which documents can be requested?
Depending on the applicable court rules and availability, a person may seek copies of relevant orders and other portions of the court record. This can include an order granting or refusing bail, an order framing charge, an order concerning an application, a judgment, or another order that is relevant to the proceedings.
It is important to specify precisely what document is required. If several orders are needed, each relevant date or document should be identified appropriately.
Why is a certified copy important?
A certified copy may become particularly important when an accused intends to challenge an adverse order before a higher court. It can also help the advocate accurately understand the court's reasoning, directions and conditions.
For example, where a bail application has been rejected, obtaining the relevant order can assist in examining the reasons recorded by the court before considering the appropriate further remedy.
An online order available through eCourts can be useful for reference, but whether a certified copy is required for a particular proceeding depends on the applicable procedural and court rules. High Court eCourts services also provide facilities to search orders by case number, party name, court number and order date.
Practical precautions
Keep the case number, CNR number, order date and exact court details readily available. Before filing an appeal, revision, petition or other proceeding, check whether the concerned court requires a certified copy, digitally authenticated copy or another prescribed form of the order.
Adv. Anupam Kumar Mishra can assist in identifying the relevant court record, examining the order and understanding what documents may be required for further proceedings.
If you are unsure whether an order available online is sufficient or whether a certified copy should be obtained, the procedural requirements should be checked according to the concerned court and the purpose for which the document will be used.
For general legal information or to discuss whether professional legal assistance may be relevant to your circumstances, you may contact :
WhatsApp: +91-9051112233
Legal outcomes and procedural requirements may depend on the court, applicable rules and circumstances of the case. This content is intended for general legal information and does not by itself constitute legal advice for a specific matter.
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