Filing a Special Leave Petition (SLP) in the Supreme Court — A Practical Client Guide

Practical client guide to filing an SLP under Article 136 — eligibility, limitation, success chances & cost-effective strategy

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Filing a Special Leave Petition (SLP) in the Supreme Court
Filing a Special Leave Petition (SLP) in the Supreme Court

Affordable, Strategic And Experienced Representation (25+ Years In Supreme Court Practice)

Many litigants believe that once a High Court or Tribunal passes an order, the case is finished forever.

In reality, the Constitution of India gives one last powerful remedy—Special Leave Petition (SLP) before the Supreme Court of India under Article 136.

However, the Supreme Court is not another regular appeal court.

It is a court of extraordinary jurisdiction.

Only properly prepared and legally structured SLPs are admitted.

This is where experience matters more than anything else.

About Advocate Tarun Choudhury

I am Advocate Tarun Choudhury, practising in the Supreme Court for over 25 years, having handled complex civil, criminal, service, matrimonial, property and constitutional matters — including matters where relief was granted after clients had lost in every lower court.

What This Article Will Help You Understand

If you are considering filing an SLP, this article will help you understand:

  • Whether your case qualifies
  • How the Supreme Court actually examines SLPs
  • Common mistakes that lead to dismissal
  • Cost-effective filing strategies
  • Timeline and chances of success
  • And most importantly — how to approach it intelligently instead of emotionally.

What Is a Special Leave Petition?

A Special Leave Petition (SLP) is not a normal appeal.

It is a constitutional request asking the Supreme Court:
“Please intervene because grave injustice has occurred and no other remedy exists.”

The Court grants leave only when it finds:

  • Serious legal error
  • Violation of natural justice
  • Misinterpretation of law
  • Jurisdictional mistake
  • Gross perversity in judgment
  • Public importance question of law

The Court does NOT interfere merely because:

  • You lost the case
  • Evidence was appreciated differently
  • Another view is possible

That is why more than 80% SLPs fail at admission stage — not because the client is wrong, but because the petition is badly drafted.

When Can You File an SLP?

Civil Matters

  • High Court final judgments
  • Property disputes
  • Injunctions & possession matters
  • Family & matrimonial cases
  • Arbitration orders
  • Consumer commission orders
  • Company law and NCLAT decisions

Criminal Matters

  • Conviction or acquittal
  • Bail rejection
  • Quashing refusal
  • Discharge refusal
  • Sentencing errors

Service Matters

  • Dismissal from job
  • Pension disputes
  • Promotion disputes
  • Government service litigation

Tribunal Orders

  • CAT
  • NCLAT
  • NGT
  • Consumer Commission
  • Labour Courts

Limitation Period (Very Important)

Case TypeTime Limit
From High Court Judgment90 days
From Review Rejection60 days
Delay Possible?Yes — but must be justified

Delay is one of the biggest reasons for dismissal.

A properly drafted condonation application often saves a case.

How the Supreme Court Actually Decides Admission

The Court does NOT re-hear your full case initially.

It examines only:

  • Question of law involved
  • Legal perversity in judgment
  • Constitutional or legal importance
  • Misapplication of binding precedent
  • Procedural injustice

If satisfied → Notice issued

If not → SLP dismissed in 2–3 minutes

That is why drafting is everything.

Most Common Mistakes People Make

  1. Copy-paste appeals from High Court
    The Supreme Court rejects narrative arguments.
  2. Emotional drafting
    Courts respond to law, not personal hardship.
  3. Missing legal question framing
    Without substantial question of law — no admission.
  4. Filing through inexperienced drafting agents
    This leads to immediate dismissal.
  5. Not highlighting perversity
    The Court interferes only when findings are legally impossible.

What I Personally Focus On in Every SLP

After 25+ years of practice, I follow a structured strategy:

Step 1 — Judgment Dissection

Not summary reading — microscopic legal analysis.

Step 2 — Identify Interference Grounds

  • Jurisdictional error
  • Ignored evidence
  • Wrong legal test applied
  • Precedents ignored

Step 3 — Frame Constitutional Question

This is the heart of admission.

Step 4 — Draft Concise Petition

Supreme Court prefers precision, not volume.

Step 5 — Effective Oral Mentioning

Admission depends heavily on how the matter is presented.

Chances of Success — Honest Assessment

Case TypeTypical Admission Probability
Pure facts disputeLow
Legal interpretation errorModerate
Jurisdictional illegalityHigh
Violation of natural justiceVery High
Constitutional questionStrong

I do NOT encourage filing hopeless SLPs — saving the client’s money is also part of honest advocacy.

Affordable Filing — Yes, It Is Possible

Many people think Supreme Court litigation is only for corporations.

That is incorrect.

With Proper Planning

  • Paperwork structured properly
  • Avoid unnecessary hearings
  • Avoid defective filings
  • Avoid repeated listing

The overall cost becomes manageable.

I specifically assist individual litigants who have genuine cases but limited financial capacity.

Documents Required From You

Send on WhatsApp:

  • High Court / Tribunal order
  • Previous court orders
  • Pleadings (petition & reply)
  • Evidence documents (if relevant)
  • Case timeline (brief)

I personally examine and advise whether filing is worthwhile.

Why Experience Matters in SLP

Court LevelPrimary Focus
In trial courtsfacts matter.
In High Courtarguments matter.
In Supreme Courtlegal framing matters.

The difference between dismissal and notice often lies in:

  • One paragraph
  • One legal ground
  • One precedent

That comes only from long-term courtroom exposure — not theoretical drafting.

Direct Consultation

If you want an honest opinion on whether your case can be taken to the Supreme Court:

Advocate Tarun Choudhury
25+ Years Practice in Supreme Court of India
Multiple successful matters across civil, criminal and service law

📲 WhatsApp Direct: 9650499965

Send your order — you will receive a clear opinion, not false hope.

Final Advice

  • Do not delay.
  • Do not file blindly.
  • Do not rely on copy-paste drafting.

A Special Leave Petition is your last constitutional opportunity.

Handle it strategically — not emotionally.

Message now on WhatsApp: 9650499965
and get a professional assessment of your case.

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