Privacy Policy

Effective Date: 2025-05-21

At LegalQuery.in ("we", "our", or "us"), your privacy is of utmost importance to us. We are deeply committed to protecting the personal and sensitive information of all individuals who visit, register on, or otherwise use our website, mobile application, or related digital services (collectively referred to as the "Platform"). Whether you are a Client seeking legal assistance or a Lawyer offering professional services, we want you to feel confident and secure when interacting with our Platform.

This Privacy Policy outlines in clear terms how we collect, use, disclose, store, and safeguard your personal data and the choices available to you with respect to your information. We process your data in accordance with applicable Indian laws, including but not limited to the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the rules prescribed under it regarding reasonable security practices and sensitive personal data or information (SPDI).

We encourage you to read this policy carefully to understand our data handling practices and how they affect your rights. By accessing or using any part of the Platform, you expressly consent to the collection, use, processing, and disclosure of your information as described in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with any part of this Policy, we respectfully advise you to discontinue use of our services.

1. Information We Collect

To provide you with seamless and effective legal services through LegalQuery.in, we collect and process various types of information from our users. This data enables us to personalise your experience, maintain security, and comply with legal obligations. The categories of information we collect include, but are not limited to, the following:

a. Personal Information

This category includes identifiable information that you provide directly or indirectly when registering on the Platform, engaging with our services, or communicating with us. Examples include:

• Your full name, contact telephone number, email address, and physical mailing address.
• For Lawyers, professional identity information such as Bar Council registration numbers, certificates, and related credentials to verify your authorisation to practice law in India.
• Payment information, including transaction details and payment confirmations, is processed securely through third-party payment gateways. Please note that sensitive payment card data is handled exclusively by these third-party services and is not stored on our Platform.
• Account-related information such as usernames, passwords, security questions, and login history that help protect your account and personalise your user experience.
• Records of communications, including emails, chat logs, and call recordings between Clients, Lawyers, and LegalQuery.in's support team, to ensure quality service and effective dispute resolution when necessary.

b. Sensitive Personal Data or Information (SPDI)

Given the nature of our services, we may collect sensitive legal and financial data necessary for delivering comprehensive legal assistance. This includes:

• Copies of legal documents such as agreements, contracts, affidavits, wills, and other case-related materials submitted by Clients or Lawyers during the course of service provision.
• Detailed notes, consultation summaries, and records of advice shared during legal consultations to ensure continuity and accuracy of legal support.
• Information pertaining to property ownership, title deeds, encumbrance certificates, and related financial documents submitted for verification or due diligence purposes. This data is handled with the highest confidentiality and in compliance with applicable privacy laws.

c. Technical and Usage Data

To improve our Platform's performance, security, and user experience, we automatically collect certain technical and behavioural data when you interact with LegalQuery.in:

• Your IP address, device type, browser version, operating system, and other device identifiers that help us diagnose technical issues and optimise functionality.
• Usage metrics such as pages visited, time spent on the Platform, click patterns, referral URLs, and interaction flows. This information assists us in understanding how users engage with the Platform and in tailoring content and services accordingly.
• Cookies, web beacons, analytics data, and session tokens are stored on your device to remember preferences, manage authentication, and support marketing initiatives. You can control cookie preferences through your browser settings; however, disabling cookies may limit certain Platform features.

b. Sensitive Personal Data or Information (SPDI)

• Copies of legal documents such as agreements, contracts, affidavits, wills, etc.
• Detailed notes, consultation summaries, and records of advice shared during legal consultations.
• Information pertaining to property ownership, title deeds, encumbrance certificates, and financial documents.

c. Technical and Usage Data

• Your IP address, device type, browser version, operating system, and other identifiers.
• Usage metrics such as pages visited, time spent, click patterns, referral URLs, etc.
• Cookies, web beacons, analytics data, and session tokens.

2. How We Use Your Information

At LegalQuery.in, we use the information we collect to provide you with seamless access to our legal services, ensure a secure and personalised experience, and meet our legal and operational obligations. Your data helps us function effectively as a digital legal services platform, connecting Clients with verified Lawyers across India.

We begin by using your personal and professional information to register your account, verify your identity or legal credentials (in the case of Lawyers), and maintain accurate records. This allows us to offer reliable and secure connections between Clients and Lawyers based on criteria such as legal need, location, specialisation, and availability.

We also use your information to schedule consultations, send booking confirmations, and enable the secure exchange of documents and case-related materials. Sensitive legal data is encrypted and protected to prevent unauthorised access. For ongoing support, your communication records help us deliver efficient customer service, troubleshoot issues, and improve the overall quality of interactions.

In addition, your data enables us to monitor and enhance platform functionality. We analyse usage trends, system performance, and technical diagnostics to:

• Detect and prevent fraudulent or suspicious activity.
• Maintain the security and integrity of user accounts.
• Improve user experience by customising features and services.

We may contact you through email, SMS, or in-app notifications to send service-related communications, such as appointment updates, consultation reminders, payment confirmations, and legal notices. You may also receive alerts about new platform features or legal services, subject to your communication preferences.

Your data may also be used to fulfil legal and regulatory responsibilities. This includes compliance with Know Your Customer (KYC) norms, tax obligations, and cooperation with governmental or judicial authorities when legally mandated.

We do not use your personal information for unrelated commercial purposes, and any data processing is conducted in accordance with Indian data protection laws and industry best practices. At all times, we strive to ensure that your privacy and the confidentiality of your legal matters remain protected.

3. Legal Basis for Processing Your Information

LegalQuery.in processes your personal and sensitive information only when there is a lawful basis to do so, in accordance with applicable data protection regulations, including the Information Technology Act, 2000, and related rules. The lawful bases under which we process your data include:

Consent: We obtain your explicit consent, especially when handling sensitive personal data or information (SPDI), such as legal documents, case details, or financial records. This consent is sought clearly and voluntarily before collecting or using such information. You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time, subject to legal or contractual restrictions, which may affect your use of certain Platform services.

Contractual Necessity: Processing your data is essential for us to fulfil our contractual obligations with you. This includes providing the legal services you request, facilitating communication between you and the Lawyers, scheduling consultations, processing payments, and delivering documents securely. Without processing this information, we would be unable to offer or maintain these services effectively.

Legal Compliance: We process your information to comply with mandatory legal requirements and regulatory obligations. This includes adherence to KYC (Know Your Customer) norms, anti-money laundering laws, tax regulations, and responding to lawful requests from government agencies, courts, or law enforcement authorities. In such cases, we are obligated to disclose certain information as required by law.

Legitimate Interests: LegalQuery.in also processes your information to protect and enhance the operation and security of the Platform. Our legitimate interests include preventing fraud, detecting and mitigating security threats, improving user experience through data analytics, conducting internal audits, and managing disputes or complaints. We carefully balance these interests against your privacy rights and take appropriate safeguards to ensure that your data is handled responsibly.

By using the Platform, you acknowledge and accept that your information may be processed under these lawful bases. We remain committed to transparency in how your data is used and provide options to manage your preferences where applicable.

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

At LegalQuery.in, your privacy is a priority, and we do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for marketing or commercial purposes. However, in the course of operating our Platform and providing services to you, certain data may be shared with trusted entities, but only in limited and lawful circumstances. All such sharing is carried out with strict confidentiality safeguards and data protection protocols in place.

We may share your information in the following scenarios:

With Verified Lawyers: When you engage legal services through the Platform, your relevant information—including personal details, legal queries, and uploaded documents—may be shared with the Lawyer assigned to your case. This enables them to offer accurate legal advice and personalised consultation. Only the minimum necessary information is shared, and Lawyers are bound by confidentiality obligations.

With Trusted Third-Party Service Providers: We work with reputable vendors who support us in delivering and improving our services. This includes:

• Payment gateways to securely process transactions.
• Cloud hosting providers store and manage your data reliably.
• Analytics and performance tools to help us understand how users interact with our Platform.

These partners are contractually obligated to use your information solely for the specified purpose and maintain strong security standards.

With Law Enforcement or Government Authorities: In compliance with applicable laws, regulations, or legal processes, we may be required to disclose your information. This may occur in response to:

• A lawful subpoena or court order,
• A legal investigation,
• A regulatory inquiry, or
• A request from law enforcement or a government agency.

We ensure that any disclosure is made in accordance with legal obligations and only to the extent strictly necessary.

During Business Transfers or Corporate Transactions: In the event of a merger, acquisition, reorganisation, or sale of all or part of our assets, user information may be transferred to the acquiring entity as part of the transaction. In such situations:

• You will be notified before your personal data is transferred or becomes subject to a different privacy policy.
• The new entity will be required to uphold the same level of data protection unless you are informed otherwise and given the opportunity to opt out.

We require all third parties with whom your data is shared to:

• Enter into binding agreements.
• Maintain confidentiality and security.
• Use the data only for legitimate, agreed-upon purposes.
• Comply with applicable data protection laws.

Your information is never shared for advertising purposes without your explicit consent, and we do not allow unauthorised access to user data under any circumstances.

5. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

To enhance your experience on LegalQuery.in, we use cookies and similar tracking technologies. These small data files are stored on your device when you visit or interact with our Platform. They help us recognise you, remember your preferences, and optimise both functionality and performance across devices and sessions.

Cookies are essential to ensure the smooth operation of the Platform and to personalise your experience. We use them for various purposes, including but not limited to:

• Maintaining User Sessions: Cookies help keep you logged in securely as you navigate through the Platform, eliminating the need to log in repeatedly during a single session.
• Tracking User Preferences: We remember your language settings, location (if permitted), and selected filters to provide a customised and efficient user experience.
• Improving Navigation and User Flow: Cookies assist in identifying navigation issues, broken links, or commonly visited pages, helping us improve the platform's usability.
• Analysing Traffic and Usage Patterns: With the help of cookies and third-party analytics tools (such as Google Analytics), we gather data on how users interact with the Platform, which pages are most visited, how long users stay on the site, and from where they access it. This insight allows us to refine our content, design, and functionality.

You have control over your cookie preferences. Most web browsers allow you to manage or disable cookies through the browser settings. However, please note:

• Disabling or blocking cookies may impact certain features of the Platform, such as session persistence, login functionality, and overall user experience.

We do not use cookies to collect sensitive personal information without your explicit consent, and we do not share cookie data with unauthorised third parties.

For more information on how we use cookies and your options for managing them, please refer to our Cookie Policy (if applicable).

6. Data Storage and Security

At LegalQuery.in, the security of your personal and sensitive data is a top priority. We implement robust administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your information from unauthorised access, disclosure, misuse, loss, or alteration—whether during transmission or while at rest. These security measures are designed in accordance with industry best practices and applicable Indian data protection regulations.

We store your data on secure servers hosted in data centres that meet international standards for data security and compliance. To further ensure data integrity and confidentiality, we use encrypted channels and secure protocols whenever data is exchanged between users, lawyers, and the platform.

Some of the key security practices we follow include:

• Use of Secure Servers and Encryption: All communications between your browser and our servers are protected by Secure Socket Layer (SSL)/Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocols (i.e., HTTPS), helping to ensure that data transmitted is encrypted and protected from interception.
• Role-Based Access Controls (RBAC): Access to user data is granted only to authorised personnel, based on their job responsibilities. Lawyers, support staff, and internal teams have limited, permission-based access to ensure data is only available to those who need it.
• Regular Security Audits and Monitoring: We routinely monitor our systems for vulnerabilities and conduct periodic security audits to detect and address any potential threats or weaknesses.
• Restricted Access to Legal Content: Any sensitive legal documents, contracts, or personal case-related materials uploaded by users are accessible only to the Lawyer(s) involved in the matter and authorised support staff, strictly on a need-to-know basis.
• Data Minimisation and Retention Practices: We collect and retain only the data necessary for service delivery and compliance purposes. Data is stored for as long as required to fulfil contractual obligations or comply with legal retention mandates, after which it is securely deleted or anonymised.

While no system can guarantee complete security, we are committed to continuously enhancing our security posture. Users are also encouraged to adopt good security practices such as using strong passwords, logging out after use, and reporting any suspicious activity promptly.

If you believe that your data has been compromised or you have concerns about the security of your account, please contact our support team immediately at contact@legalquery.in.

7. Data Retention

LegalQuery.in retains personal and sensitive information only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected or as required to comply with legal, regulatory, contractual, or operational obligations.

We follow a clear data retention policy to ensure that your data is not held longer than needed. The duration for which we retain information depends on several factors, including:

• Nature of the Service Provided: We retain your account and consultation history as long as your account remains active and for a limited period thereafter to allow for record-keeping, legal follow-up, or re-engagement.
• Legal and Regulatory Requirements: Certain laws, such as those relating to financial transactions or legal documentation, may require us to retain data for specified periods (e.g., 5–7 years).
• Dispute Resolution and Enforcement: Data may be retained longer where necessary to resolve disputes, enforce agreements, or protect our legal rights.
• Business Continuity and Backups: Backup copies of your data may be retained for a limited period to ensure business continuity and system integrity, even after you delete your account or request data erasure.

Where data is no longer required, we take steps to either securely delete it or anonymise it so that it can no longer be linked to an identifiable individual.

Users may request deletion of their data at any time by contacting us at contact@legalquery.in. However, please note that certain data may be retained as required by law or for legitimate business purposes, even after a deletion request is processed.

8. Your Rights and Choices

At LegalQuery.in, we believe in transparency and empowering users to have control over their personal data. Depending on applicable data protection laws, particularly under the Information Technology (Reasonable Security Practices and Procedures and Sensitive Personal Data or Information) Rules, 2011, and other relevant legal frameworks, you may have the following rights regarding your information:

• Right to Access: You have the right to request access to the personal information we hold about you, including details on how and why it is being used.
• Right to Rectification: If you believe that any of your information is inaccurate, outdated, or incomplete, you may request correction or updates to ensure it is accurate and up-to-date.
• Right to Withdraw Consent: If you have previously provided consent for the collection or processing of your sensitive personal data, you may withdraw such consent at any time. However, doing so may affect your ability to use certain features or services on the Platform.
• Right to Erasure: You may request that we delete your personal data from our systems. Please note that certain information may be retained for legal, regulatory, or operational purposes.
• Right to Object to Processing: In certain cases, you may object to the processing of your data if you believe your rights outweigh our legitimate interests or if the data is being used for direct marketing.
• Right to Data Portability: Subject to applicable laws, you may request a copy of your personal data in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format to transfer to another service provider, where feasible.
• Right to File a Complaint: If you believe your data protection rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with the appropriate data protection authority or with us directly at contact@legalquery.in.

You may exercise any of these rights by writing to us at the contact details provided in the Contact Us section. We may need to verify your identity before fulfilling certain requests, especially those involving sensitive or confidential information.

Please note that while we will make reasonable efforts to accommodate your requests, there may be limitations due to legal, technical, or contractual obligations.

9. Third-Party Links and Services

The LegalQuery.in Platform may contain links to third-party websites, applications, or services that are not operated or controlled by us. These external services may include, but are not limited to, payment gateways, cloud storage providers, communication tools, analytics platforms, and legal research databases. When you choose to interact with these third-party services—either by clicking on a link, making a payment, or accessing an integrated tool—you may be subject to their own privacy policies and terms of service, which are independent of ours.

We do not have control over the content, practices, or security measures of these third-party platforms, nor do we endorse or make any representations about them. Any data you share directly with a third-party service provider is governed solely by their respective policies, and we encourage you to review those policies carefully before providing any personal information. For example, when you make payments through a third-party payment gateway, your financial information is collected and processed directly by that provider and not stored on our servers.

While we may integrate with certain trusted service providers to improve platform functionality or to facilitate service delivery, we ensure that such providers are contractually obligated to follow strict confidentiality and data protection standards. However, LegalQuery.in shall not be held responsible for any misuse, breach, or failure on the part of these third-party entities.

Your interaction with any such third-party service is entirely at your discretion and risk. We recommend using caution and applying the same diligence you would when sharing information on any online platform.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We are committed to keeping your personal data protected and ensuring transparency about how we handle your information. As our Platform evolves and as legal or regulatory requirements change, we may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. These updates may reflect changes in our practices, technological advancements, or new legal obligations. When we make significant changes to this Privacy Policy, we will post the revised version on this page along with an updated "Effective Date" to keep you informed. It is your responsibility to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay aware of any modifications. By continuing to use the Platform after such updates are published, you acknowledge and accept the updated terms and practices outlined in the revised Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with the changes, we encourage you to discontinue use of our services.

11. Contact Us

Your privacy is important to us, and we welcome any questions, concerns, or requests you may have regarding this Privacy Policy or how your personal data is managed. Our dedicated support team is available to assist you and provide timely responses to your inquiries. Whether you want to exercise your data protection rights, request access or correction of your data, or simply seek clarification about our privacy practices, please feel free to reach out to us through any of the following channels:

• Email: contact@legalquery.in — Ideal for detailed questions or formal requests
• Website: https://legalquery.in — Visit our Contact Us page for additional resources and support options

We strive to respond to all communications within 2–3 business days and are committed to addressing your concerns with professionalism and care. For formal legal notices or compliance-related communications, please include "Legal Notice – Attention: Compliance Team" in your subject line to ensure it reaches the appropriate department promptly.