Practical, plain-language answers covering criminal, family, property, RERA, civil, consumer, and business law — updated for the current legal framework in 2026. For guidance specific to your situation, book a consultation.
01 General & Local
General & Local — frequently asked questions
Look for relevant experience in your specific legal matter, transparent fees, clear communication, and a track record before the courts where your case will be heard. Advocate Indrajit Dongre has practised in Pune since 1996 across criminal, family, civil, and property law.
Yes. We regularly represent clients from Kothrud, Hadapsar, Viman Nagar, Baner, Hinjewadi, and most other parts of Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad.
Yes. We offer phone and video consultations for clients who can't travel to our Kasba Peth office right away.
The District & Sessions Court and Family Court in Shivajinagar, the Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Bibwewadi, and the Bombay High Court, along with civil and criminal courts across Pune.
Yes. Our office in Kasba Peth is close to Shivajinagar's court complex and accessible from most parts of the city.
Yes, for matters that reach the Bombay High Court, such as appeals, writ petitions, and certain bail applications, we represent clients from across Maharashtra.
Legal fees depend on the complexity of the case, the court involved, and the stage of proceedings. We discuss fees transparently during your first consultation so there are no surprises later.
Any documents related to your matter — notices, agreements, FIR copies, or correspondence — though we can guide you through exactly what's needed during the call if you're not sure.
We can often accommodate consultations outside standard hours for working professionals — ask when you contact us and we'll do our best to find a convenient time.
We try to schedule an initial consultation within a few days of contact, and sooner for urgent matters like anticipated arrest or an imminent court deadline.
02 Criminal Law & Bail
Criminal Law & Bail — frequently asked questions
As early as possible — ideally as soon as an FIR is filed, you're called for questioning, or you anticipate arrest. Early advice often shapes the entire direction of a case.
Anticipatory bail is sought before an arrest happens, when you have reason to believe you may be arrested. Regular bail is sought after an arrest has already taken place.
In certain circumstances, yes — through a quashing petition before the High Court, typically where the allegations don't disclose an offence or there's a genuine settlement in compoundable matters.
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) replaced the Indian Penal Code (IPC) from July 2024 onward for new cases, with updated definitions and some new offence categories. Older cases registered before the change generally continue under the IPC.
Yes. Offences committed before the new criminal laws took effect are generally investigated and tried under the old IPC, CrPC, and Evidence Act framework, while matters from after that date fall under the BNS, BNSS, and BSA.
Certain categories of FIRs, including e-FIRs and zero FIRs, can now be filed online or at any police station regardless of jurisdiction, under the updated procedural framework. Serious matters should still be discussed with a lawyer promptly.
You're generally entitled to know why you're being questioned and to have legal advice beforehand. We recommend speaking with a lawyer before attending any police questioning related to a serious matter.
Timelines vary significantly based on case complexity, evidence, and court schedules; some matters resolve in months, others take years. We give a realistic estimate after reviewing the specific facts of your case.
Only certain categories of offences are legally compoundable or eligible for settlement; many criminal matters cannot simply be settled privately. We can advise whether your specific matter allows this.
Report it promptly through the national cybercrime portal or your nearest police station, preserve all related messages and transaction records, and consult a lawyer about both the criminal complaint and any recovery options.
03 Family & Divorce
Family & Divorce — frequently asked questions
There is typically a statutory cooling-off period before the second motion, though courts can waive this in certain circumstances. Overall timelines vary by case.
Custody decisions are based primarily on the child's welfare, not automatically on either parent. Each case is assessed on its specific facts.
Yes, including protection orders and related relief under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act.
Yes. Family matters are handled with full discretion and confidentiality at every stage.
Maintenance generally refers to ongoing financial support during or after marital proceedings, while alimony is often used interchangeably, though courts may apply different provisions depending on the personal law and circumstances involved.
In certain circumstances, yes — maintenance provisions under several personal laws and the BNSS (formerly Section 125 CrPC) can apply to either spouse depending on the facts and applicable law.
Indian law does not have a fixed community-property rule; division depends on ownership records, contributions, and any agreement between the parties, often negotiated as part of the overall settlement.
Yes, either party can withdraw consent before the final decree is passed, which is why the law builds in a waiting period between motions.
Courts can grant visitation in appropriate circumstances, generally guided by the child's best interests, though this isn't an automatic entitlement.
Adoption in India is primarily governed by CARA (Central Adoption Resource Authority) procedures and applicable personal laws; we can guide you through the specific legal steps involved.
04 Property & RERA
Property & RERA — frequently asked questions
A title search confirms the seller's legal right to sell and reveals any existing claims, mortgages, or disputes on the property — catching problems before they become yours.
You may be entitled to compensation or interest under RERA, depending on your agreement and the project's registered timeline.
Yes — we regularly handle matters involving property in Baner, Hinjewadi, Wakad, Kharadi, and other parts of Pune.
You can search the project name on the MahaRERA portal, which lists registration details, promised timelines, and any complaints filed against it.
Most residential projects above a certain size are legally required to register; an unregistered project that should have been registered can itself be grounds for action.
In cases of serious delay or default by the builder, RERA allows buyers to seek a full refund along with interest, depending on the specific facts.
Title deed, property tax receipts, encumbrance certificate, society NOC where applicable, and confirmation that there are no pending dues or litigation on the property.
Registration itself is typically completed within a day once documents are in order, though preparing and verifying documentation beforehand can take longer.
You can technically file it yourself, but legal assistance significantly improves how clearly the complaint is framed and supported, which affects the outcome.
Stamp duty and registration charges are set by the Maharashtra government and can change; we recommend confirming current rates with us or the Sub-Registrar's office at the time of your transaction.
Timelines vary significantly depending on case complexity, evidence, and court schedules. We give a realistic estimate after reviewing your specific matter.
Often, yes. We pursue negotiation or mediation where it serves your interests, while preparing fully for trial if a settlement isn't reached.
Don't ignore it. There's a statutory window to respond, and how you respond can affect the outcome significantly. Speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.
Yes. Many cheque bounce matters are resolved through settlement, after which the case can be compounded.
There are specific statutory timelines for issuing a demand notice and filing a complaint after a cheque is dishonoured; we can confirm the applicable deadline for your situation.
A complaint is filed before the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Bibwewadi, supported by evidence of the purchase and the deficiency or defect.
Yes, complaints generally need to be filed within two years of the cause of action, though exceptions can apply in certain circumstances.
Typically a formal legal notice demanding payment within a set period. If that doesn't resolve the matter, a recovery suit can be filed before the appropriate civil court.
A decree can be enforced through execution proceedings, which can include attachment of property or bank accounts to satisfy the judgment.
Yes, consumer protection law covers online purchases, and you can file a complaint against the seller or platform depending on the circumstances of the defect or service failure.
06 Business, Will & Succession
Business, Will & Succession — frequently asked questions
A partnership can be dissolved by mutual agreement or, where there's disagreement, through a formal dissolution process that settles accounts and divides assets fairly.
While not always legally required, a written agreement significantly reduces the risk and cost of disputes later, and we strongly recommend it.
Yes, provided it meets the legal requirements for a valid will, including being signed and properly attested as required by law.
The estate is distributed according to the applicable succession law based on religion and family structure, often requiring a succession certificate to formally establish heirs.
Yes, a will can be contested on grounds such as lack of capacity, undue influence, or improper execution, through a probate proceeding.
Will registration is optional but recommended, as it adds a layer of authenticity and makes the document harder to dispute later.
A will takes effect after death and goes through probate, while a trust can take effect during your lifetime and generally avoids probate for the assets placed in it.
07 Marriage Registration & Bombay High Court
Marriage Registration & Bombay High Court — frequently asked questions
Under the Special Marriage Act, there's a statutory notice period before registration, typically followed by the registration itself once documentation is complete.
Yes, delayed registration is possible and is a common requirement for visa or passport applications. We can guide you through the specific documentation needed.
Yes — marriage under the Special Marriage Act is a civil, legally binding ceremony that doesn't require a religious rite.
Yes. We represent clients from across Maharashtra — including Mumbai, Nashik, and other cities — for matters before the Bombay High Court, particularly appeals and writs arising from Pune-based proceedings.
The District Court handles most first-instance civil and criminal matters. The High Court hears appeals, writ petitions, and matters of constitutional or jurisdictional significance.
Yes — advocates enrolled with the Bar Council can appear before the Bombay High Court regardless of which Maharashtra city they're based in.
08 Get Started
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