Writs & Supreme Court

Written Submissions / Synopsis of Arguments

Written Submissions, also called a Synopsis of Arguments, are a concise statement of a party's legal case presented to the court at the final hearing. The document crystallises the arguments by mapping each submission to the issues framed, supported by binding authorities.

This filing is an aid to the court and is governed by Practice Direction VIII of the Supreme Court Rules, 2013, and corresponding High Court Original Side Rules. It is not a fresh pleading and does not introduce new evidence.

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Governing law
SCR 2013 Practice Direction VIII (written submissions); Order XVIII Rule 2 CPC; Delhi HC Rules Chapter X; HC Original Side Rules
Filed before
Supreme Court of India / High Court (any seat)

When this is the right filing

  • When the court directs parties to file a synopsis or written arguments before or during the final hearing.
  • To provide a structured roadmap of the legal submissions, linking each argument to a specific framed issue.
  • When you need to place a list of all authorities (case law and statutes) relied upon before the judge in a single document.
  • Do not use this document to introduce new facts or evidence that are not already on the record of the pleadings.

What the court looks for

  • A clear enumeration of the issues framed by the court or the parties.
  • Precise submissions on each issue, avoiding a mere repetition of the pleadings.
  • A complete table of authorities relied upon, with propositions they support.
  • A specific and unambiguous prayer clause that matches the relief sought in the main petition or appeal.

The structure the court expects

The components of the filed format, in the order they appear. LexPilot fills every one of them from your facts and papers.

  1. 1Cause title
  2. 2Issues framed
  3. 3Submissions
  4. 4Authorities relied upon
  5. 5Prayer
How it opens
In the above-said facts and circumstances, the [party filing role] most respectfully prays that this Hon'ble Court may graciously be pleased to:

Bracketed items are filled from your case.

Frequently asked questions

Is a Synopsis of Arguments the same as a Written Submission?

Yes, in practice the terms are used interchangeably. Both refer to a concise document filed at the final hearing stage that summarises the party's legal arguments, issues, and authorities for the court's assistance.

Can I raise a new legal ground in the Written Submissions that was not in the petition?

You can elaborate on legal grounds already pleaded, but you cannot introduce a completely new case or cause of action. The Written Submissions must remain within the bounds of the existing pleadings and cannot substitute an amendment to the petition.

What is the consequence of not filing Written Submissions when directed?

If the court has specifically directed the filing of Written Submissions, non-compliance may result in the matter not being heard or an adverse inference being drawn. It is a procedural aid that the court relies on to prepare for final arguments.

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