A certified copy of a court judgment, decree, order, or other court document is an official copy issued by the court, bearing the court's seal and the certifying officer's signature. Certified copies are required for filing appeals, revisions, and writs; for executing decrees; for legal proceedings in other courts; and for various administrative and legal purposes. TRW — Tahmidur Rahman Remura Wahid Law Associates assists clients in obtaining certified copies urgently from all courts in Bangladesh.
Legal Basis for Certified Copies
The right to obtain certified copies of court documents is governed by the Code of Civil Procedure 1908 (CPC), the Code of Criminal Procedure 1898 (CrPC), the Court Fees Act 1870, and the rules of each court. Section 76 of the CPC provides that any party to a suit is entitled to obtain a certified copy of any decree or order. The Evidence Act 1872 (Section 65) provides that certified copies are admissible as secondary evidence of the original document. The General Rules and Circular Orders (GRCOs) of the Supreme Court and the subordinate courts prescribe the procedure for applying for certified copies.
When Certified Copies Are Required
Certified copies are required in the following common situations. Filing an appeal against a judgment or decree: the appeal must be accompanied by a certified copy of the judgment and decree appealed against. Filing a revision before a higher court: the revision application must be accompanied by certified copies of the impugned orders. Filing a writ petition before the High Court Division: certified copies of relevant lower court orders are required as annexures. Executing a decree: the decree holder must file a certified copy of the decree in the execution court. Applying for a stay order before the High Court: certified copies of the lower court order are required. Land registration and property transactions: certified copies of court orders affecting title may be required by the Sub-Registrar.
The Process for Obtaining a Certified Copy
The process for obtaining a certified copy in Bangladesh involves the following steps. Step 1 — Application: an application for a certified copy is filed before the relevant court, identifying the document required (judgment, decree, order, FIR, charge sheet, etc.) and the case number. Step 2 — Court fee: the prescribed court fee is paid, calculated based on the number of pages and the type of document. Step 3 — Processing: the court's copying section processes the application. In ordinary course, this takes 7-15 working days. In urgent cases, an application for urgent processing (marked "urgent") can reduce this to 2-3 working days. Step 4 — Collection: TRW collects the certified copy and delivers it to the client or uses it directly in the relevant legal proceedings.
Obtaining Certified Copies from the Supreme Court
Certified copies from the Supreme Court of Bangladesh (Appellate Division and High Court Division) are obtained from the Supreme Court's copying section. The process is similar to that for subordinate courts, but the fees and processing times may differ. TRW's High Court team is experienced in obtaining certified copies from the Supreme Court on an urgent basis, particularly when they are needed for filing appeals before the Appellate Division or for executing High Court orders.
Lower Court Record Coordination
When a matter is pending before the High Court Division, the High Court may call for the lower court record. TRW coordinates the transmission of the lower court record to the High Court, ensuring that all relevant documents are included and that the record is transmitted promptly. TRW also obtains certified copies of specific documents from the lower court record for use in High Court proceedings. See our guide on taking a matter to the High Court in Bangladesh.
How Barrister Tahmidur Rahman Can Help
Barrister Tahmidur Rahman and TRW's court chamber team can obtain certified copies from any court in Bangladesh on an urgent basis. Contact TRW at https://tahmidurrahman.com/contact/.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take to get a certified copy in Bangladesh?
A: Ordinary processing takes 7-15 working days. Urgent processing can take 2-3 working days.
Q: Can anyone apply for a certified copy, or only parties to the case?
A: Generally, only parties to the case can apply for certified copies. However, in some circumstances, third parties with a legitimate interest may also apply.
Q: Are certified copies required for all appeals?
A: Yes, certified copies of the judgment and decree (or order) appealed against are required for filing appeals in Bangladesh courts.
