Blank paper
Pradeep
(Querist) 26 August 2013
This query is : Resolved
Many lawyers ask to sign on blank white legalpapers. Is it safe to do so? Is there any chance of misuse?
V R SHROFF
(Expert) 26 August 2013
Must Avoid it [ Unless required for Court Work,after getting convince of the need, and always put date. after sign ]
Rajendra K Goyal
(Expert) 26 August 2013
Well advised by the expert V R Shroff ji. Nothing more to add.
R.K Nanda
(Expert) 26 August 2013
avoid signing on blank papers.
malipeddi jaggarao
(Expert) 27 August 2013
Except Vakalat-nama you should have some idea on what papers you are signing. Should not sign on blank papers.
Guest
(Expert) 27 August 2013
Never sign a blank paper. That can be used any time against you by writing any matter on the balank signed paper.
ajay sethi
(Expert) 27 August 2013
agree with experts . dont sign on blank papers even if your lawyer tells you to do so
Raj Kumar Makkad
(Expert) 27 August 2013
Legal advice has already been given to you but in practical working, such things are imminent. Many times client do not personally attend the court and if any reply is to be submitted or any application is to be moved in the pending litigation on any day by his lawyer then such blank signed papers can be used are are used and barring exceptional case, no lawyer in whole India ha ever misused such papers.
malipeddi jaggarao
(Expert) 28 August 2013
Agreed with expert Mr.Makkad.
Even in the Banks borrowers signatures are obtained on unfilled documents. I have not come across any misuse.
V R SHROFF
(Expert) 28 August 2013
at least see that case / court title is printed.
one can write small note just on back side where signed say "( For court only dt xx/yy/zz)
It can safeguard you
Guest
(Expert) 28 August 2013
Very valuable advice by Shri Shroff.
Guest
(Expert) 28 August 2013
Dear Jaggarao,
Your instance that "even in the Banks borrowers signatures are obtained on unfilled documents," cannot be treated as justified, either ethically, legally or on audit point of view. If banks avoid filling in the blanks of the documents out of disregard of the duties by the staff or due to pressure of work, that does not justify their action.
About your point, "I have not come across any misuse," the instances of misuse come in to light only during DRT cases. I don't know on what basis you have certified about the honesty & integrity of the whole of the staff of all the banks throughout India? You can speak about your own honesty and integrity, but not about any of the third party. Had there been 100% honesty & integrity in banks, no fraud cases with huge amounts would have come to the notice of the vigilance of the banking organisations as well as the CVC and CBI.
