How to Get Certified Copies of Court Documents in Kolkata – Complete Guide 2026

What are Certified Copies?

Certified copies are official reproductions of court documents that bear the court's seal and signature of the authorized officer. They are legally admissible as evidence in any court or legal proceeding. Certified copies are required for filing appeals, executing decrees, and various official purposes.

Unlike ordinary photocopies, certified copies have legal evidentiary value and are accepted as true copies of the original records.

Types of Certified Copies Available

• Certified copy of judgment and decree
• Certified copy of court order
• Certified copy of FIR
• Certified copy of charge sheet
• Certified copy of deposition/witness testimony
• Certified copy of plaint/written statement
• Certified copy of entire case record
• Certified copy of bail order
• Certified copy of sale deed or property documents

Where to Apply for Certified Copies

In Kolkata, you can apply for certified copies at: the filing counter of the respective court where the case was heard (Bankshall Court, City Civil Court, Calcutta High Court, Alipore Court, etc.), the Copying Department of the court, or through the e-Courts portal for online requests.

Each court has its own Copying Section where applications are processed.

Documents Required

• Application in the prescribed form (available at court copying section)
• Case number and year of the case
• Name of the parties
• Details of documents required (specific pages or entire file)
• Identity proof of the applicant
• Vakalatnama (if applied through a lawyer)
• Court fee stamps of appropriate value
• Previous order or judgment (if available)

Application Process

1. Visit the Copying Section of the court where the case is/was pending
2. Fill the prescribed application form (Form A for criminal, Form 10 for civil)
3. Specify the documents you need copies of
4. Pay the prescribed copying fee and court fee stamps
5. The Copying Department processes the request
6. Documents are collated, certified, and sealed
7. Collect the certified copy (or request postal delivery)
8. Check the copy for completeness and certification

Fees and Timeline

Fees vary by court: High Court certified copies cost approximately Rs. 2-5 per page plus court fee stamps. Lower courts charge Rs. 1-3 per page. Urgent applications (expedited processing) attract additional fees.

Timeline: Normal processing takes 3-7 working days. Urgent processing can be completed within 24-48 hours with additional fees. Complex cases with voluminous records may take longer.

e-Courts Portal for Certified Copies

The e-Courts portal (ecourts.gov.in) allows you to apply for certified copies online for connected courts. You can track the status of your application, make payments online, and request delivery by post. The portal has reduced the need for physical visits to court.

Register on the e-Courts portal, select the case, choose documents, make payment, and upload the application.

Frequently Asked Questions