How to Write a Hazira?

What do you mean by the term Hazira?

 

Meaning of “Hazira / Hazri / Hajri”

    Hazira (or Hazri or Hajri) is not specifically defined under Indian Law.  In a legal context, a Hazira means the attendance of parties in court, typically for a case hearing or before the Hon'ble court. It is the formal process of showing that a party, or the accused, is present, often documented by their lawyer or by the party itself. A hazira petition is an application submitted to the court to record this attendance. The Hazira need to be filed on each and every case date, whether the court is present or not.

    In the context of Indian courts, “ Hizira ” means:

    1. Personal appearance/attendance of a party, witness, accused, or advocate in court.

    2. It also refers to the fact that the party is present before the Learned Court.

    In simple terms, Hazira means I am present before the Learned court today.

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Types of Hazira

Hazira is specifically four types 

    1. Personal Hazira 

  

    2. Through Advocate (Counsel)

    

    3. Online or Virtual Presence 

    

    4. Written Hazira

Define :

    1. Personal Hazira -When a litigant/accused personally comes to court and signs the order sheet or attendance sheet, but this is typically not followed in Indian Courts or some Courts in India, they need to file Hazira before the Learned Court.

    

    2. Through Advocate (Counsel) - The lawyer who files a Vakalatnama, and then the advocate or     Counsel files Hazira on behalf of the client before the Learned Court on every date of the Case.

   

     3. Online or Virtual Presence - In many courts, appearance is marked through video conferencing,   counted as valid Hazira. This is typically done in the High Courts and the Supreme Court.

    

    4. Written Hazira - This is filed by the Learned Advocates, written on a Legal Paper on each case or hearing date.

Hazira in Criminal Cases

Accused’s Presence

In most criminal matters (especially warrant cases), the accused must personally appear before the learned court, except in cases where they are seriously ill or an elderly person and unable to attend. However, in criminal cases, the accused or petitioner's presence in court demonstrates the respect and gravity of the case.

Exemption from Personal Appearance

Under Section 205 CrPC, now Section 228 BNSS and Section 317 CrPC, now Section 355 BNSS, the accused may seek exemption and allow the Advocate/Counsel to give Hazira on their behalf.

When personal Hazira is compulsory

    1. First appearance after summons

    2. Charge framing

    3. 313 CrPC statement

    4. Pronouncement of judgement (usually)

Consequences of Not Giving Hazira

    1. The court may issue:
    

    2. Fine
   

    3. Bailable warrant
    

    4. Non-bailable warrant (NBW)
    

    5. Proclamation u/s 82 CrPC now Section 84 BNSS(if absconding)
    

    6. Attachment u/s 83 CrPC now Section 85 BNSS

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Hazira in Civil Cases

In civil matters (CPC cases), Hazira is more relaxed.

Parties must mark Hazira when:

    a. Filing a written statement

    b. Attending hearings

    c. Evidence stage

    d.Final argument

If Hazira is not given:

    1. The case may proceed ex parte.

    2. The court may strike off the defence.

    3. The case may be dismissed for default.

Hazira	Vakalatnama
Attendance sheet / memo	Authorization letter to lawyer
Filed on every hearing	Filed once
Shows presence	Gives power torepresent
Can be by advocate or party	Only by party

Format of Hazira (Criminal Matter)

In the Court of the Learned ................................................ , at ...........................

Ref./Case No. : ............................/20....  

Party Name                                          

....Petitioner 

  Vs                                      

 Party Name                                         

  ......Accused

The Hazira is filed on behalf of the petitioner / Accused person named above before the Learned court today. 

Petitioner Signature                                                                                  Advocate Signature

Format of Hazira (Civil Matter)

In the Court of the Learned ................................................ , at ...........................

Ref./Case No. : ............................/20....  

Party Name                                          

....Plaintiff

  Vs                                      

 Party Name                                         

  ......Defendant

The Hazira is filed on behalf of the Plaintiff / Defendant person named above before the learned Court today. 

Petitioner Signature                                                                                  Advocate Signature

Format of Hazira (Divorce Matter)

In the Court of the Learned ................................................ , at ...........................

Ref./Case No. : ............................/20....  

Party Name                                          

....Petitioner 

  Vs                                      

 Party Name                                         

  ......Respondent

The Hazira is filed on behalf of the petitioner/Respondent person named above before the learned court today.

Petitioner Signature                                                                                  Advocate Signature

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