General Power of Attorney

Last updated: November 19, 2025 Type: Affidavit Format Type: Power of Attorney Fill the Affidavit

Disclaimer: This document is only a sample template and explanatory note for general understanding. Always modify the draft as per actual facts and consult a qualified professional when necessary.

Purpose Of a General Power of Attorney

A General Power of Attorney (GPA) is a legal document where one person (Principal) authorises another (Attorney/Agent) to act on their behalf for broad, multiple purposes—usually property management, sale-related formalities, banking, litigation steps, or government-office work. Think of it as giving someone "proxy superpowers"—but only for the tasks you choose.

Why this GPA is Used

Principal lives abroad or in another city and cannot travel for every signature.
Property-related transactions: managing, selling, renting, collecting payments.
Construction or development activities on property.
Court-related appearances when the principal cannot attend.
Government office follow-ups (municipality, revenue, utilities, etc.).
Financial documentation if the principal is unavailable.
Health-related or age-related limitations in travelling.

When to Make It

NRI wanting brother to sell plot.
Elderly parent authorising a daughter to handle municipal records.
Owner living in Bangalore is giving GPA to a friend in Ludhiana for construction approvals.
Businessperson constantly travelling.

Is Stamp Duty Required?

Yes. GPA must be on stamp paper. Stamp duty differs by State government rules.

Tip: Low stamp value for general authorisations; higher stamp value only if GPA authorises sale of immovable property.

Is Registration Required?

Registration is compulsory if the GPA authorises the transfer of immovable property (sale, gift, exchange, lease over 1 year).
Must be registered at the jurisdictional Sub-Registrar Office (SRO).
Registered GPA is treated as strong evidence in court; an unregistered GPA for property sale is legally useless.

Can a Person Make a GPA without an Advocate?

Yes.

Steps:

Draft the GPA (using your sample as a model).
Print on appropriate stamp paper.
Carry ID proofs of principal and attorney.
Sign in the presence of two witnesses (with their ID).
Register the GPA at the Sub-Registrar Office if it relates to property.
Take certified copies for safekeeping.

What Not To Do (Very Important)

Do NOT use plain paper for a property-related GPA.
Do NOT forget witness signatures.
Do NOT allow the attorney to write any blank spaces later.
Do NOT sign without understanding every clause (especially sale-related rights).
Do NOT rely on an unregistered GPA for selling property—the court will throw it out faster than a broken pen.
Do NOT give broad, unnecessary powers to someone you don't fully trust.

Will the GPA be Valid in Court?

Yes, if:

It is properly stamped.
It is properly executed.
It is registered when required.
The attorney acts only within the powers granted.

Courts accept a GPA as valid authority—but GPA cannot substitute ownership, only authority to act.

Quick FAQs

1. Can a GPA transfer ownership?: No. Only a registered sale deed transfers ownership.
2. Is GPA safer than giving blank signed papers?: Absolutely. Blank papers = legal suicide. GPA = structured authority.
3. Can an NRI execute a GPA abroad?: Yes. Through the Indian Embassy/Consulate on mea.gov.in guidelines.
4. Can GPA be cancelled?: Yes. Execute a Revocation of GPA and notify the attorney and registrar office.
5. Does GPA expire?: No automatic expiry. Valid until revoked or if the principal dies.
6. Can two people be appointed as joint attorneys?: Yes. Individually or collectively.
7. Does GPA allow the attorney to keep the sale money?: Only if the GPA specifically authorises handling of sale consideration.
8. Is Aadhaar mandatory?: Not mandatory, but accepted as ID proof. Registrar may request address proof.
9. Do witnesses need to visit the Sub-Registrar office?: Yes, if the registrar demands. Best to take them along.
10. Can GPA be used for bank loans?: Only if the bank accepts. Many banks want a specific POA, not a general one.

Downloads & Resources

General Power of Attorney (529.89 KB)

Legal Affidavit Document

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS THAT I,
________________________, Date of Birth: ________, S/O / W/O ________________________,
Residing at ____________________________________________________________,
Presently employed ________________________________________

DO HEREBY NOMINATE, APPOINT AND CONSTITUTE
________________________, Date of Birth: ________, S/O / W/O ________________________,
Residing at ____________________________________________________________

AS MY ATTORNEY IN MY NAME AND ON MY BEHALF and empower him/her for the intent and purposes hereinafter set forth.

WHEREAS the Principal herein is the absolute owner of the Property situated at:
______________________________________________________________________

POWERS GRANTED

To manage the said property.
To accept offers and sign acceptance documents.
To negotiate and fix sale consideration; to enter into sale agreements/MOUs for the sale of the property (whole or undivided share); to approve and execute sale deeds; to register them before the competent authority; to sign all required forms; and to hand over possession.
To execute and register ratification/rectification/reconstitution/gift/release/exchange deeds or any related document and present them for registration.
To receive back documents from registration authorities and acknowledge receipt.
To receive sale consideration (advance/full/part) from purchasers in the name of ________________ and issue receipts.
To apply for and obtain copies of documents from any Department, Authority, Court, Tribunal, Municipal Body, etc., relating to the property.
To correspond with any person or authority regarding the property.
To receive letters, summons, and notices (registered or unregistered) relating to the property and acknowledge receipt.
To appoint, substitute, or terminate Advocates/Auditors/Architects/Contractors/Consultants and pay their fees.
To issue legal notices, replies, and rejoinders relating to the property.
To raise funds by mortgage (equitable/registered) of the property for construction or related purposes, execute relevant documents, hand over title deeds, receive loan amounts, and repay the same. The Principal shall not be personally liable for such loans; recovery shall be only against the property and the Attorney, who is solely responsible for repayment.
To inspect Judicial or Public Records relating to the property.
To compromise, compound, or withdraw cases relating to the property and sign necessary papers.
To appear before any Authority/Department/Board/Institution for any matter relating to the property and carry out acts required for such purposes.
To apply for and obtain licences/quotas for construction materials (cement, bricks, steel, etc.) and endorse them in favour of nominees.
To deal with any Government, Revenue, Utility or Competent Authority for any matter relating to the property.
To apply for reconstitution/amalgamation/consolidation or similar actions relating to the property.
To sign and execute all forms, applications, declarations and documents required for any of the above purposes.

SCHEDULE OF PROPERTY

Description of Property (Boundaries):
North: __________________________
East: __________________________
South: __________________________
West: __________________________
Situated at: ____________________________________________________________
Within the jurisdiction of: ______________________________________________

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Principal has signed this General Power of Attorney at ________________ on this _____ day of ________, 20.

WITNESSES PRINCIPAL

Name: ____________________________________