Sworn affidavit for name change, address proof, income declaration, relationship proof, or any general purpose.
Executed before a Notary Public or Executive Magistrate. Submitted to the authority requiring it.
No limitation period — execute when required. Some authorities specify validity (e.g., 3 months).
This coverage is provided by a practicing advocate. Specific sections cited depend on the facts you provide during drafting.
A general-purpose affidavit is a sworn written statement of facts made voluntarily by a deponent (person making the affidavit) before a Notary Public, Magistrate, or Oath Commissioner. It is a legally binding declaration of truth — the deponent swears/affirms that the contents are true to the best of their knowledge. Affidavits are required for a wide range of legal, administrative, and personal purposes across India.
Use a general affidavit when no specific affidavit format is prescribed — for declaring personal information, confirming ownership of property, supporting an application or petition, making a statutory declaration, or confirming facts in legal proceedings. Common uses: declaring that you are the same person despite name variations, confirming residence, supporting applications for licenses or benefits, or submitting to government authorities in lieu of documentary proof.
Affidavits are governed by Order XIX of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (use in civil proceedings), Section 297 CrPC (oath before Magistrate), and the Oaths Act, 1969 (administration of oaths). The Notaries Act, 1952 and the Notary Rules, 1956 govern attestation by Notary Publics. Stamp duty on affidavits varies by state (typically ₹20–₹100 non-judicial stamp paper).
If you provide false information in an affidavit, you commit perjury (Section 191 IPC — up to 7 years imprisonment) and also criminal contempt of court if the affidavit was submitted before a court. Affidavits are taken very seriously — always be accurate and complete.
Both are sworn written statements. An affidavit is used in judicial/quasi-judicial proceedings and is sworn before a judicial officer or Notary. A statutory declaration is made under a specific statute (like the Statutory Declarations Act) and is used for non-judicial purposes. In common usage, the terms are often used interchangeably in India.
No. You can draft an affidavit yourself or use a standard format. It must be sworn before a Notary Public (accessible at most district courts and market areas) or an Oath Commissioner. Legal assistance ensures accuracy and completeness but is not mandatory.
Stamp duty varies by state. Typically ₹20–₹100 non-judicial stamp paper is used for personal affidavits. Some states have higher requirements for affidavits submitted in specific contexts (like property transactions). Check your state's Stamp Act schedule.
For many government purposes (applying for schemes, declarations to banks, etc.), a notarised affidavit is accepted in lieu of documentary proof. However, for property transactions and court proceedings, original documents are typically required alongside the affidavit.
Factual errors in a submitted affidavit should be corrected by filing a fresh corrective affidavit or an addendum affidavit, clearly stating the correction. Do not attempt to alter a signed and notarised affidavit — this could be treated as forgery.
Yes. Affidavits can be made in any scheduled language of India. If submitted before a court or authority that uses a different language, a certified translation must be provided. Notaries can notarise affidavits in regional languages.
There is no fixed statutory validity period for most affidavits. However, receiving authorities (banks, government offices) may have their own requirements — for example, requiring affidavits to be dated within 3–6 months. Check the specific authority's requirements.
A minor cannot make an affidavit in their own name as they lack legal capacity. However, a parent or guardian can make an affidavit on behalf of a minor, stating their guardianship relationship and the relevant facts.
Please confirm all of the following before proceeding with your General Affidavit document:
Please confirm all eligibility conditions above to proceed. If you are unsure about any point, you may not be eligible for this type of notice.