Good drafting habits
- Be specific: use names, dates, amounts and deliverables instead of words like “soon” or “reasonable”.
- Be consistent: use the same term for the same thing every time.
- One idea per sentence: short sentences are harder to misread.
- Think about the dispute: ask how each clause would look to a judge who knows nothing about the deal.
- Check the law: some documents have rules on form, timing or content that you must follow exactly.
Structure guides
Legal notice
- Date, mode of sending, and the names and addresses of sender and recipient
- Subject line stating the matter in one line
- Facts in numbered paragraphs, in date order
- The legal basis: the contract clause or the law relied on
- A clear demand: what must be done, by when
- What you may do if the demand is not met (lawful steps only)
- A reservation of rights, then signature
Where a law sets timelines for a notice (for example, cheque dishonour notices under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, or a notice before suing the government), follow them exactly. Keep proof of sending and delivery.
Plaint or petition outline
- Court and cause title (names of parties)
- Description of the parties
- Facts, in numbered paragraphs, in order
- Statements on jurisdiction and limitation
- Legal grounds
- Prayer: the exact relief sought
- Verification or affidavit, and a list of annexures
Courts have their own formats and rules, so check them before drafting.
RTI application
Under the Right to Information Act, 2005, an application is made in writing to the Public Information Officer of the public authority, with the prescribed fee. The applicant does not have to give a reason (Section 6(2)). Describe the information precisely, for example “copies of the order dated … in file number …”. A reply is generally due within 30 days (Section 7), and a first appeal is available if you are unsatisfied.
Drafting practice: spot the problem
Exercise 1: payment and deliveryReveal＋
Weak clause: “The freelancer will complete the work soon and the client will pay later.”
Problems: no deliverable, no date, no amount and no payment trigger.
Better: “The Freelancer will deliver [deliverable] by [date]. The Client will pay [amount] within [number] days of receiving a valid invoice.”
Exercise 2: ownership of workReveal＋
Weak clause: “The client owns everything.”
Problems: unclear what “everything” covers, when ownership passes, and what the freelancer keeps.
Better: “On receipt of full payment, the Freelancer assigns to the Client the copyright in the final deliverables listed in Schedule 1. The Freelancer keeps ownership of pre-existing tools and may show the work in a portfolio unless the Client objects in writing.”
Check: under Section 19 of the Copyright Act, 1957, an assignment should be in writing and should identify the work, the rights, the duration and the territory.
Exercise 3: disputesReveal＋
Weak clause: “Any dispute will go to court.”
Problems: no governing law, no court or place, and no step before litigation.
Better: “This agreement is governed by the laws of India. The parties will first try to resolve a dispute by discussion for [number] days. If it is not resolved, it will be [referred to arbitration seated at ___ / decided by the courts at ___].”
Exercise 4: a demand letterReveal＋
Weak line: “Pay me immediately or I will destroy you.”
Problems: threatening, vague on the amount, and no deadline. It could also create legal risk for the sender.
Better: “You are required to pay Rs [amount], due under clause [number] of our agreement dated [date], within [number] days of this notice. If you do not, I reserve the right to take appropriate legal steps.”
Practise with the site
Read our guide on freelancers and contracts, then rewrite the weak clauses above in your own words. Compare with the sample answers.