Can a foreigner file a suit in India?

Asked by: Dr. Caleb Kunde DVM  |  Last update: January 10, 2026
Score: 4.1/5 (68 votes)

Filing Civil Suit for Recovery of Money & Claiming Compensation & Damages: Foreign individuals and companies can file a civil suit in the appropriate Indian court seeking a money judgment against the Indian debtor.

Can a foreigner file a civil suit in India?

NRIs can file civil suits in India, provided they adhere to the jurisdictional requirements and procedural norms. It is advisable for NRIs to: Ensure they have a valid address in India for service of process.

Can a US citizen file a case in India?

Yes you can, be it usa or any other country you can always file a civil case by virtue of explanation to s. 10 of civil procedure code,1908 which says that nothing precludes Indian courts from instituting a civil suit in an Indian court provided the parties and cause of action are same.

Can a foreigner file a lawsuit?

Yes, immigrants, permanent residents, and tourists can sue in the United States. The legal system generally allows anyone within U.S. jurisdiction to bring a lawsuit, regardless of their immigration status.

Can a foreigner file a complaint in India?

Filing a Criminal Complaint under Section 200:NRIs can also file a criminal complaint under Section 200 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. This section outlines the procedure for Magistrates to take cognizance of an offense upon a complaint.

Enforcing a Foreign Court Judgment in India.

28 related questions found

Can NRI file a consumer complaint in India?

NRI GRIEVANCE. Grievance Redressal system is the platform based on web technology which primarily aims to enable submission of grievances by the aggrieved citizens from anywhere and anytime to State Departments who scrutinize and take action for speedy and favorable redress of these grievances.

How do I file a case against someone in India?

To file a criminal complaint in India, you will need to gather the following information:
  1. The name of the person you are accusing of a crime.
  2. Your contact information.
  3. The time and date of the alleged crime.
  4. A description of what happened.
  5. Any physical evidence that may exist about the crime.

How do I file a lawsuit against someone in another country?

  1. Consult with a Lawyer in Your Home Country.
  2. Find a Local Lawyer in the Country Where the Injury Occurred.
  3. Understand the Applicable Laws.
  4. Determine Jurisdiction.
  5. Gather and Prepare Documentation.
  6. File Your Lawsuit.
  7. Consider the Statute of Limitations.
  8. Prepare for a Possible Settlement.

Can you sue someone who doesn't live in your country?

You must prove that the law of the country where you are suing them is similar to yours. You may be able to sue someone for legal disputes abroad if you have witnesses that can testify in the case.

Can anyone file a lawsuit against anyone?

Anyone can file a lawsuit, with or without the help of an attorney, but only those lawsuits where a plaintiff has standing will be heard by the courts. Standing has become a complicated question and is used by the courts to ensure that civil cases heard are being pursued by those with tangible and particular injuries.

Can I file a case without a lawyer in India?

Yes, you can file a civil suit without a lawyer in India, as individuals have the right to represent themselves in court. However, to understand how to file a civil suit in India, it is often advisable to seek legal assistance to ensure proper handling of the case and to increase the likelihood of a favourable outcome.

Can a foreigner be prosecuted in India?

1(3) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita or “BNS”) extends its applicability to “every person” within India for any act or omission contrary to the Code. The Code seeks to prosecute a foreign national in the same manner as a person residing in India; however, the provisions do not seem to be in alignment with the aim.

How do I file a case against a person in the USA that is from India and block his passport?

Else you can file a case against this person in an Indian court in such a way that he has to surrender his passport to the Indian court. That will achieve your goal as well - at least temporarily. But to do any of the above legally you need to consult an attorney at law - in USA and/or in India.

Who can file a suit in India?

(1) Any two or more persons claiming or being liable as partners and carrying on business in, 1[India] may sue or be sued in the name of the firm (if any) of which such persons were partners at the time of the accruing of the cause of action, and any party to a suit may in such case apply to the Court for a statement ...

How to enforce foreign judgments in India?

A certified copy of the decree and a certificate from the Superior Court of the foreign country stating the amount that has been satisfied under the decree must also be submitted. Following the application, the executing Court will call on the judgment debtor to show cause against the execution of the decree.

Can a foreigner file a writ petition in India?

Union of India'3, the Hon'ble Supreme Court upheld the right of foreign national to take recourse to Writ Jurisdiction for enforcement of the Fundamental Rights.

Can I be sued if I live abroad?

Possibly, yes. It depends on the terms of the website say about jurisdiction. Typically, a contract or a website will have terms that say that if you use their services that you can be sued in a certain state or location. If those said that they can sue you in California, then you could be sued in California.

How to sue a company in India?

Understanding the Legal Process to Sue a Company in India
  1. Identify the Cause of Action. The cause of action is the reason behind your decision to sue the company. ...
  2. Gather Evidence. ...
  3. Consult with a Lawyer. ...
  4. Send a Legal Notice. ...
  5. File a Lawsuit. ...
  6. Engage in Legal Proceedings. ...
  7. Obtain a Judgment.

What happens if you sue someone and they leave the country?

Generally, legal claims can be filed in state courts in the United States against individuals who have left the state and/or country. If the person being sued does not appear in court to defend themselves, they risk receiving a default judgment.

Can a non US citizen file a lawsuit?

In short, the answer is yes - the American justice system is open for everyone. The accident lawyers at Wolfson & Leon started helping personal injury victims in 1963.

Can you file a complaint against someone in another country?

Even if the crime you wish to report is international in nature, you should still approach your local police. Investigations and arrests are always carried out by national and local police forces. Our role is to help your national police to communicate with police in other countries to solve international crimes.

What kind of lawyer do I need if I want to sue someone?

Civil litigation lawyers often go to court to represent their clients, including for personal injury claims, contract disputes, and other common civil matters. Likewise, criminal defense attorneys frequently defend their clients in court.

Can a foreigner file case in India?

Filing Civil Suit for Recovery of Money & Claiming Compensation & Damages: Foreign individuals and companies can file a civil suit in the appropriate Indian court seeking a money judgment against the Indian debtor.

How to sue someone in India?

Filing the Case: Submit the plaint or petition along with the affidavit and court fees to the appropriate court's filing counter. Once submitted and accepted, note down the Reg No of your case and ask them when it will appear in front of a judge, it comes on the same day, and some days the next day (District courts).