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Published on: Jun 24, 2026

What Is An Affidavit in India?

The affidavit is a written statement sworn before a person having authority to administer an oath. In India, an affidavit can be sworn or affirmed before:

  • Any Judge or any Judicial or Executive Magistrate;
  • Any Commissioner of Oaths appointed by a High Court or Court of Sessions;
  • Any Notary appointed under the Notaries Act, 1952;

How to draft an affidavit

Affidavits should be drawn in the first person, and the matter of the affidavit should be divided into paragraphs which are numbered consecutively. Each of the paragraphs in an affidavit should ideally be confined to a portion of the subject. Affidavits should mention the full name, fathers name, religious persuasion, age, profession, occupation and residence of the person on whose behalf an affidavit is filed. In case of changes or alterations to an affidavit, changes should be authenticated by the initials of the officer before whom the affidavit was taken.

Importance of Affidavits

Affidavits are extensively used in Courts and except in the cases of final judgments, orders are passed based on affidavits. Further, for invoking the powers of Courts under various provisions of relevant enactments including procedural acts, applications are to be filed supported by affidavits.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Affidavit Services in India: Legal Documentation Guidance.

An affidavit in India must be a written statement sworn or affirmed before a person having the authority to administer an oath, such as a judge, judicial or executive magistrate, commissioner of oaths appointed by a High Court or Court of Sessions, or a notary appointed under the Notaries Act, 1952. Affidavits should be in the first person, with numbered paragraphs and the deponent's full name, father's name, religion, age, profession, occupation, and residence mentioned.
Affidavits should be drawn in the first person, with the content divided into numbered paragraphs. Each paragraph should ideally cover a specific portion of the subject matter. Changes or alterations in the affidavit should be authenticated by the initials of the officer administering the oath.
Affidavits are extensively used in courts, and except for final judgments, most orders are passed based on affidavits. They are required to invoke the powers of courts under various provisions of relevant enactments, including procedural acts.
Changes or alterations to an affidavit can be made, but they must be authenticated by the initials of the officer before whom the affidavit was taken. This ensures that the modifications are valid and properly recorded.
Affidavits should mention the full name, father's name, religious persuasion, age, profession, occupation, and residence of the person on whose behalf the affidavit is filed.
Yes, there is a standard format for drafting affidavits in India. They should be written in the first person, with numbered paragraphs, and include the deponent's personal details. The content should be divided into relevant sections, and any changes should be authenticated by the administering officer's initials.
Yes, affidavits are extensively used as evidence in court proceedings in India. Except for final judgments, most court orders are passed based on the affidavits submitted by the parties involved.
Having an affidavit sworn or affirmed before an authorized officer, such as a judge, magistrate, or notary, ensures its validity and authenticity. The officer administers the oath or affirmation, verifying the deponent's identity and the truthfulness of the statements made in the affidavit.
Following the correct format and procedure for drafting affidavits is crucial because these documents are legal instruments used in court proceedings and other official matters. Adhering to the prescribed format and procedure ensures the affidavit's validity, credibility, and admissibility as evidence.