Complete Guide to Legal Documents in India

India's legal system is based on common law inherited from British colonial rule, supplemented by extensive statutory codification. The Indian Contract Act 1872 remains the foundational legislation governing all contractual relationships, with specific acts covering particular types of agreements.

Employment law in India is governed by multiple central and state legislatures. The Industrial Disputes Act 1947 provides protections against unfair dismissal for industrial workers, while the Shops and Establishments Acts regulate working conditions in commercial establishments. The new Labour Codes (2019-2020) aim to consolidate and modernize these laws.

Property law is primarily governed by the Transfer of Property Act 1882, with tenancy regulated by state-specific Rent Control Acts. The Model Tenancy Act 2021 provides a framework for modernizing rental regulations across states.

India's approach to non-compete agreements is unique: Section 27 of the Indian Contract Act 1872 declares agreements in restraint of trade void, making post-employment non-competes generally unenforceable. However, non-solicitation and confidentiality obligations during employment are upheld.

The Information Technology Act 2000 recognizes electronic signatures, and the Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023 (DPDPA) establishes a framework for data protection. Stamp duty requirements vary by state and document type.