Special Leave Petition Format India — Free Templates & Samples

A Special Leave Petition (SLP) is a residual power vested in the Supreme Court of India to grant special leave to appeal against any judgment, decree, determination, sentence, or order passed by any court or tribunal in India. This extraordinary jurisdiction is enshrined in Article 136 of the Constitution of India. Unlike a statutory appeal, which is a right provided under specific laws like the Code of Civil Procedure or the Code of Criminal Procedure, an SLP is a privilege. The Supreme Court has absolute discretion to grant or refuse leave, and no party has a vested right to appeal under this article.

The Court generally exercises this power only when a substantial question of law of general public importance is involved, or when there has been a grave miscarriage of justice, or when the lower court or tribunal has acted beyond its jurisdiction. Article 136(2) explicitly bars the Supreme Court from entertaining SLPs against decisions of the Armed Forces Tribunal or court-martial proceedings, except in exceptional circumstances.

Any aggrieved person—whether a plaintiff, defendant, accused, or even a third party affected by a ruling—can file an SLP. The petition must be accompanied by a concise synopsis and a list of dates, along with a sworn affidavit. Understanding what is Special Leave Petition in Indian law is crucial, as it is often the last judicial resort available to litigants in the country.

Challenging High Court Orders: When a High Court dismisses an appeal or passes an adverse order, and no further statutory appeal is available, an SLP is the only remedy.

Tribunal Decisions: When a tribunal (like the NCLT, ITAT, or CAT) passes an order that is legally flawed, and the statute does not provide for a direct appeal to the Supreme Court.

Interlocutory Orders: When a High Court or tribunal grants an injunction or stays proceedings in a manner causing irreparable harm, an SLP can be filed against the interim order.

Acute Injustice: When there is a glaring miscarriage of justice or violation of fundamental rights that demands immediate intervention by the highest court.