Can power of attorney be revoked in India?

Asked by: Clemmie Hills  |  Last update: October 1, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (24 votes)

An Indian power of attorney can be cancelled at any time, as long as the grantor or principal still has mental capacity. Even though no definitive law governs the same, the procedure for such revocation has been drawn from the Indian Contract Act 1872.

How long is power of attorney valid in India?

A POA is valid only during the lifetime of the principal. However, the principal can revoke/cancel it anytime, if required.

What are the limitations of power of attorney in India?

The POA cannot act outside of the Principal's best interest. The POA cannot make decisions before the document comes into effect -- conditions will be outlined with approval of the Agent and Principal. The POA cannot be officially nominated unless the Principal is of sound body and mind.

Who has the power to revoke a power of attorney?

revoke the document. This can be done by you or by another person acting under your direction and in your presence. You must be mentally competent and not incapacitated at the time of the destruction of your Power of Attorney; or 3. By any method you may have provided for in your Power of Attorney.

Can you sell a house with power of attorney in India?

Yes, a notarized power of attorney is valid in India. However, for certain transactions, such as those involving immovable property, it is advisable to have the power of attorney registered with the appropriate sub-registrar to ensure its legality and enforceability.

Format of Cancellation of Power of Attorney in India

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Who can override a power of attorney in India?

The person who assigns power of attorney is known as the principal, and the person to whom the principal gives POA is the agent. The principal — that is, the person who assigned POA to someone (an agent) on their behalf — can revoke it.

Can a power of attorney sell property and keep money?

Someone who is designated as your agent in a power of attorney has a fiduciary duty to you. That means they cannot make financial decisions or take actions with your money or accounts that aren't in your best interest.

What three decisions cannot be made by a legal power of attorney?

When someone makes you the agent in their power of attorney, you cannot:
  • Write a will for them, nor can you edit their current will.
  • Take money directly from their bank accounts.
  • Make decisions after the person you are representing dies.
  • Give away your role as agent in the power of attorney.

Is power of attorney more powerful than spouse?

In California, a person can appoint anyone as their agent through a POA, including a spouse, friend, or attorney. However, issues can arise when the decisions made by the POA conflict with the wishes of the spouse.

How much does it cost to change a power of attorney?

A General Power of Attorney typically costs between $150 and $300 when arranged through an attorney. This type of POA covers broad decision-making authority, including legal and financial matters, which may require attorney customization. Online templates, while less comprehensive, cost around $20 to $50.

Can we cancel power of attorney in India?

Breach of Contract

The principal can revoke a POA when there is gross mismanagement on the agent's part, the agent breaches the contract terms, or acts beyond his/her scope of powers. In such cases, even an irrevocable POA can be revoked by issuing a revocation notice.

What are the negatives of a power of attorney?

A Power of Attorney Could Leave You Vulnerable to Abuse

The agent you select has a fiduciary duty to act in your best interests, but there is essentially limited or no oversight unless it becomes clear that the agent is abusing his or her authority and legal action is taken.

Can two siblings have power of attorney?

Legal frameworks typically permit multiple agents, including siblings, to hold power of attorney jointly. However, specific requirements and limitations vary by jurisdiction. It's essential for siblings to draft a clear POA document, outlining their roles and responsibilities.

Is US Power of Attorney valid in India?

Yes, US citizens can grant Power of Attorney for use in India. However, the document must be notarized in the US, attested by the Indian consulate, and comply with Indian laws to be legally valid.

What are the four types of Power of Attorney?

A power of attorney (POA) is an estate planning document that grants another person, called the agent or attorney-in-fact, the authority to act on your behalf. In California, there are four main types of POAs, each offering a specific scope of decision-making power: general, durable, limited, and medical.

Is Power of Attorney valid without notary India?

—The Court shall presume that every document purporting to be a power-of-attorney, and to have been executed before, and authenticated by, a Notary Public, or any Court, Judge, Magistrate, Indian Consul or Vice-Consul, or representative of the Central Government, was so executed and authenticated.”

Can power of attorney override a will?

So long as a will is valid, a power of attorney cannot change it or rewrite it. This is not within their scope of authority even if the grantee specifically says otherwise in their power of attorney assignment. Any will written by a power of attorney is invalid on its face.

Who has more power a lawyer or an attorney?

Is an attorney more powerful than a lawyer? Not necessarily. While attorneys specifically represent clients in court, both lawyers and attorneys have the same level of legal education and training. The distinction is more about their role, rather than their power or authority.

Can a power of attorney transfer money to themselves?

An agent can only transfer money to themselves if the POA document explicitly allows it. Self-transfers without explicit authorization are generally considered a breach of fiduciary duty and can lead to legal consequences.

What voids a power of attorney?

For example, for power of attorney to be durable in California, it must contain specific language to that effect. Power of attorney documents must also either be notarized or signed by two witnesses. These errors and others can render the power of attorney void.

Can a POA keep family from visiting?

The question was then posed: Can a person who has been given Power of Attorney keep family members and/or friends from visiting the patient? The answer lies in determining what is in the person's best interest. When it comes to their health, this decision could mean keeping certain family members or friends away.

What is the latest judgement on power of attorney?

Introduction to the Power of Attorney
  • On June 6, 2023, the Supreme Court of India delivered a landmark judgment in the case of Ghanshyam v. ...
  • The Court also observed that the non-execution of any document by the power of attorney holder consequent to the POA renders the said POA useless.

Can a POA withdraw money from a bank account?

Through the use of a valid Power of Attorney, an Agent can sign checks for the Principal, withdraw and deposit funds from the Principal's financial accounts, change or create beneficiary designations for financial assets, and perform many other financial transactions.

What are the risks of being a power of attorney?

The principal could sue you if you did not act in their best interest. A POA could be held responsible if they sign an agreement that could hold them financially liable. This can occur, for example, if you co-sign on debts. You could also be liable if you jointly own bank accounts or other accounts with the principal.

Can power of attorney spend your money?

This type of financial exploitation is illegal and punishable under California laws and federal laws. If you believe an elder is a victim of elder abuse, every county in California has an Adult Protective Services agency.