India Process Server
India Process Service Company
| At a Glance | |
|---|---|
| Party to Hague Service Convention Yes |
Service by Central Authority Yes |
| Party to Hague Evidence Convention Yes |
Service by Postal Channels No |
| Party to Hague Apostille Convention Yes |
Service by process servers / bailiffs / huissiers etc No |
| Party to Inter-American Convention No |
Service documents need translation No (English is accepted) |
OVERVIEW
India is a member of the Hague Service Convention, but it strictly prohibits service through postal channels, bailiffs, or private process servers. With its vast population—millions of whom live abroad—India’s ban on informal or private service places a heavy administrative load on the Central Authority. The result? Long queues, slow processing, and significant delays** in receiving service updates.
Because of these delays, many litigants have started opting for informal service methods, often without realizing that such shortcuts can jeopardize the enforceability of their judgments in India. This trend is particularly common in smaller, uncontested matters—like simple divorce applications—where parties believe the risks are minimal.
Formal Service
As noted above, India only permits formal service through its Central Authority. Although this route can be slow, the timeline can be shortened by hand-delivering the service package and maintaining active follow-ups—not just with the Central Authority, but also with the local court staff in the specific jurisdiction where service is to be completed.
The good news: India accepts documents in English, so no translation is required unless the papers are in another language.
Informal Service
India doesn’t allow this method of service — and going informal means your service could be thrown out with a single stroke.
Service of Process in India
India is a party to the Hague Convention on the Service Abroad of Judicial and Extrajudicial Documents in Civil and Commercial Matters. Complete information on the Convention, including an interactive online request form, is available on the Hague Conference website.
Requests must be prepared in duplicate and submitted with two sets of the documents to be served, including any required translations, directly to India’s Central Authority for the Hague Service Convention.
In the United States, the individual completing the request form must be an attorney or clerk of court. The title “attorney at law” or “clerk of court” should appear in both the identity and address of applicant section and the signature/stamp fields.
India has formally objected to service under Article 10 of the Convention and does not permit service by postal channels.
Service on a Foreign State
For guidance on service involving a foreign state, agency, or instrumentality, see the resources on Service Under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act (FSIA), including the FSIA Checklist.
CRIMINAL MATTERS
Prosecution Requests
U.S. federal or state prosecutors should contact the Office of International Affairs, Criminal Division, U.S. Department of Justice, for assistance.
Defense Requests
Criminal defendants or defense counsel seeking judicial assistance for evidence-gathering or service of documents abroad may proceed through the letters rogatory process.
Obtaining Evidence in Civil and Commercial Matters
India is a party to the Hague Convention on the Taking of Evidence Abroad in Civil and Commercial Matters. The designated Indian Central Authorities for evidence requests are the Ministry of Law and Justice and all High Courts in India’s States and Union Territories.
Refer to the Hague Evidence Convention Model Letters of Request when preparing requests.
Requests seeking compulsory evidence under the Convention are sent directly from the U.S. court or applicant to the Indian Central Authority and do not require diplomatic transmission. Letters of Request and their accompanying documents must be prepared in duplicate.
Requests from India to Obtain Evidence in the United States
The U.S. Central Authority for the Hague Evidence Convention is:
Office of International Judicial Assistance, Civil Division, Department of Justice, 1100 L Street N.W., Room 8102, Washington, D.C. 20530.
Taking Voluntary Depositions of Willing Witnesses
Voluntary depositions of U.S. citizens in India do not require permission from the Indian Central Authority. Voluntary depositions of Indian nationals or third-country nationals do require prior permission.
Depositions, whether oral or written, may be taken by U.S. consular officers or private attorneys at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate or another appropriate location such as a hotel or office, either on notice or under a commission.
If a U.S. consular officer is needed to administer oaths to the witness, interpreter, or stenographer, arrangements must be made in advance directly with the U.S. embassy.
Authentication of Documents
India is a party to the Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement for Legalization of Foreign Public Documents (Apostille Convention). India’s competent authority issues Apostilles for Indian public documents.
For guidance on authenticating U.S. public documents for use in India, consult the list of U.S. Competent Authorities.
To obtain an Apostille for a U.S. Consular Report of Birth Abroad, contact the U.S. Department of State, Passport Services, Vital Records Office.
About Us
With us, you’re in safe and experienced hands — trusted professionals who know the law, respect the process, and deliver results across borders.
If you need assistance with serving legal documents in Germany the right way, consult with an experienced international process server or legal expert to ensure compliance and avoid costly errors.
Office Locations
United States of America:
5101 Santa Monica Blvd Ste 8 PMB1330
Los Angeles, CA 90029
United States
Phone: + 1 (213) 786 1161
United Kingdom:
275 New North Road Islington 1896
London N1 7AA,
United Kingdom
Phone: +44 (20) 38905643
Australia, New Zealand and Far East Asia:
Level 6, 607 Bourke Street
Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Phone: +61 2 7259 7299
Middle East and Africa:
FAMC1732, Compass Building, Al Shohada Road
AL Hamra Industrial Zone-FZ, Ras Al Khaimah
United Arab Emirates
Phone: +44 (20) 38905643
Website: https://stellarkonsulting.com/
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India Service of Process
International Process Servers covering all locations in India
DISCLAIMER:
Information provided is for general reference purposes only and may not be fully accurate in every individual case. For matters requiring interpretation or application of specific foreign laws, inquiries should be directed to the relevant foreign authorities or qualified foreign legal counsel.
