What does a caveat actually do for me?

A caveat under §148A CPC is a written notice to a court that you (the "caveator") expect an opposite party to file some application against you, and that no order should be passed without first hearing you. Once your caveat is on record, §148A(3) CPC obliges the court NOT to pass any ex-parte order on that application without serving notice on you. It is the cheapest and most effective shield against surprise injunctions, stays and interim orders.

How long does a caveat remain in force?

A caveat is valid for 90 days from the date of filing under §148A(5) CPC. If the apprehended application is not filed within those 90 days, the caveat lapses and must be renewed by filing a fresh one. So always diary the 90-day date and decide near day 80 whether to file again — particularly if the underlying dispute is still simmering.

Does the opposite party have any duty after I file a caveat?

Yes. Once a caveat is on record, §148A(4) CPC requires the applicant (the opposite party) to serve a copy of the application AND of all supporting papers on you, the caveator, before the court takes up the application. This gives you full opportunity to file a counter and appear at the very first hearing — defeating the very purpose of an ex-parte application.

Civil Procedure

Caveat Petition — §148A Code of Civil Procedure

Expecting someone to file a suit or appeal against you? Lodge a caveat under §148A CPC and the court CANNOT pass any interim or ex-parte order without first hearing you.

§148A CPC 90-day protection Bilingual EN + HI

1. Pick the matter type

2. Fill caveator + opponent details

3. Your draft caveat

How a caveat works

Day 0 — Lodge caveat

File in person at the filing counter with copy + court-fee + opponent address.

Day 1–90 — Active period

Court MUST serve you notice and hear you before any ex-parte order.

Day 91 — Renewal

A caveat lapses after 90 days. File a fresh caveat to continue protection.

⚠️ Court-fee is nominal. File the moment you suspect the opponent is heading to court.

Caveat Petition — §148A Code of Civil Procedure

1. Pick the matter type

Civil suit (property, contract)

Family matter

Writ / appeal (High Court)

Commercial / arbitration

Land / revenue tribunal

Supreme Court (SLP / appeal)