Power of Attorney Format

A special power of attorney format authorising a named person to act for you in one defined matter, with ratification and revocation built in.

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A power of attorney lets a person you trust act in your name — sign, file, appear, collect — when you cannot be present yourself. A special power of attorney covers one defined matter; a general power of attorney hands over broad management of your affairs and should be drafted far more carefully than any template allows.

The format below is a special power of attorney. List the powers precisely: authorities and courts read a POA strictly, and an act outside the listed powers can simply be refused. Execute it before a notary; where the power concerns immovable property, registration and state stamp duty commonly apply.

When to use this format

Authorising a relative or associate to present a document for registration when you are abroad or unavailable
Allowing someone to sign and file applications or appear before an authority in one specific matter
Permitting collection of documents, refunds or receipts on your behalf with a valid discharge
Any situation where you need a defined act done in your name without handing over general control of your affairs

Key clauses and what they do

Executant & attorney identification: Establishes exactly who is granting the power and who will exercise it.
Recital of purpose: Records why the power is being given — the context a verifying authority looks for.
Enumerated powers: Lists the specific acts authorised; anything outside this list is not covered.
Incidental-acts clause: Covers minor lawful steps necessary to complete the listed acts.
Ratification clause: Binds the executant to lawful acts done by the attorney under the POA.
Duration & revocation: Limits the POA in time and preserves the executant's right to revoke it in writing.
Attestation & notarisation: Signature before witnesses and a notary — registration where property is involved.

The format

Replace every [BRACKETED] detail with your own before use.

Power of Attorney Format — plain text

SPECIAL POWER OF ATTORNEY

TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, [FULL NAME OF
EXECUTANT], son/daughter/wife of [FATHER'S / HUSBAND'S NAME], aged
[AGE] years, residing at [FULL ADDRESS], holder of [PAN / PASSPORT
NO.] (the "Executant"), SEND GREETINGS:

WHEREAS I am unable to personally attend to the matter described
below by reason of [REASON — e.g. residence abroad / professional
commitments / health], and I wish to appoint a fit and proper person
to act for me in that matter;

NOW KNOW ALL AND THESE PRESENTS WITNESS that I hereby nominate,
constitute and appoint [FULL NAME OF ATTORNEY], son/daughter/wife of
[NAME], aged [AGE] years, residing at [FULL ADDRESS] (the
"Attorney"), as my true and lawful attorney, to do the following
acts, deeds and things in my name and on my behalf in respect of
[DESCRIBE THE SPECIFIC MATTER — e.g. the flat bearing No. [  ]
situated at [ADDRESS] / application No. [  ] pending before
[AUTHORITY]]:

1. To [FIRST SPECIFIC POWER — e.g. appear before the Sub-Registrar
   of Assurances at [PLACE] and present for registration the
   (document) executed by me in respect of the said matter].

2. To [SECOND SPECIFIC POWER — e.g. sign, verify and submit
   applications, declarations, affidavits and forms] relating to
   the said matter.

3. To [THIRD SPECIFIC POWER — e.g. receive documents, receipts,
   certificates and refunds] arising out of the said matter and to
   give a valid discharge for the same.

4. To do all other lawful acts and things incidental and necessary
   for the purposes aforesaid, even if not expressly stated herein.

AND I hereby agree to ratify and confirm all acts, deeds and things
lawfully done by the Attorney by virtue of these presents, as if the
same were done by me personally.

This Power of Attorney is limited to the matter stated above and
shall remain in force until [DATE / COMPLETION OF THE SAID MATTER],
unless earlier revoked by me in writing.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have signed this Special Power of Attorney at
[PLACE] on this [DAY] day of [MONTH], [YEAR].

EXECUTANT
Signature: ______________________
Name: [FULL NAME OF EXECUTANT]

ACCEPTED BY THE ATTORNEY
Signature: ______________________
Name: [FULL NAME OF ATTORNEY]

WITNESSES
1. Name: ______________ Address: ______________ Signature: _________
2. Name: ______________ Address: ______________ Signature: _________

[To be executed on stamp paper of the value applicable in the state
and notarised. Where the power relates to immovable property or to
presenting documents for registration, execution/attestation
requirements and stamp duty under the state's Stamp Act apply —
verify before execution.]

General format for reference — get it professionally drafted for your specific case.

Stamp duty on a power of attorney varies sharply by state and by what the power covers; POAs concerning immovable property often need registration, and POAs executed abroad need attestation by the Indian consulate plus adjudication in India. Take advice for your specific use before executing.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a general and a special power of attorney?

A special POA authorises defined acts in one matter and dies with that matter; a general POA hands over broad management of the executant's affairs. Authorities scrutinise general POAs far more closely — grant the narrowest power that gets the job done.

Does a power of attorney need registration?

Notarisation is the baseline for most uses. Where the POA authorises dealings with immovable property — especially presenting documents for registration — state law commonly requires the POA itself to be registered or specially attested. Check the requirement in the state where it will be used.

Can I revoke a power of attorney after signing it?

Yes — an ordinary POA is revocable by a written revocation communicated to the attorney (and to parties dealing with the attorney), and it ends automatically on the executant's death. A registered POA is best revoked by a registered deed of revocation.

I live abroad — how do I execute this?

Sign it before the Indian embassy or consulate (or a notary of that country, followed by apostille where applicable). On receipt in India it must be stamped/adjudicated within the statutory window before it can be acted upon.

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