Before you file a case

There are a few essentials that help the process of filing a court case, easier. Here, a lawyer gives some tips on how to prepare for the final application to the court.

    * Make all complaints in written form.
    * Photocopy every paper, every document that you write, mail or send to people.
    *  Whenever you submit a document to somebody, get a ‘Received’ stamped on the photostat copy.
    *  File the photocopies of the originals in chronological order.
    *  File the photocopies, with ‘Received’ stamped on them, again in chronological order – in a file separate from the  photocopies of the originals. This will help if you ever lose any document.
    *  Keep your eyes and ears open for cases related to your case. If you hear of similar cases, note them down; if you come  across news clippings; file them (and put a photocopy in the relevant file); if you know somebody who has gone through  a similar experience or filed a similar case, talk to them. Refer them to your lawyer.
    *  If dealing with the government, try to get hold of any public circulars, notifications or written regulations, which could  strengthen your case. File them and their photocopies separately.
    *  If a government department is not giving you the documents or information you need, apply under the Right To  Information (RTI.) Act. This may take about a month to bear results.
    *  If your case is employment-related, gather all the rules of conduct, hiring/firing regulations, employment codes, etc, of  the organization you are appealing against.