Frequently Asked Questions
How do I fix an appointment?
Telephone the chamber on +91 99882 53186 during office hours — Monday to Friday between 9:30 am and 5:00 pm, or Saturday until 1:00 pm — and a time will be fixed. You may also use the appointment form on this website.
Where is your office?
Chamber No. 32, New Judicial Court Complex, Batala, District Gurdaspur, Punjab 143505. The chamber is inside the court complex, so it is easiest to come on a working day.
What should I bring to the first meeting?
Whatever original papers you already hold: the marriage certificate, a copy of the FIR or complaint, any notice received, the cheque and bank memo in a dishonour matter, or the accident and insurance papers. Bringing them to the first meeting usually saves a second visit.
Which courts do you appear before?
The courts at Batala and Gurdaspur, the District and Sessions Court, the Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal, and the Punjab and Haryana High Court at Chandigarh.
Do you take matters other than family law?
Yes. Although matrimonial and family law is the larger part of the practice, the chamber also accepts criminal matters and bail applications, cheque dishonour complaints under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, motor accident compensation claims, and civil, property, rent and consumer disputes.
How long does a divorce take?
It depends on the ground and on whether the petition is contested. A petition by mutual consent under Section 13-B of the Hindu Marriage Act involves two motions with a statutory interval between them, which a court may in a fit case reduce. A contested petition takes considerably longer, since evidence has to be led. No advocate can promise a date, and you should be wary of one who does.
What is the difference between custody and guardianship?
Custody concerns who the child lives with from day to day. Guardianship concerns who is legally answerable for the child and for the child’s property. A court may place custody with one parent while guardianship rests elsewhere. In every such matter the guiding consideration is the welfare of the child.
Can maintenance be claimed while a case is pending?
Yes. Interim maintenance may be sought while proceedings are pending — under Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code, under Section 24 of the Hindu Marriage Act, or under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, depending on the proceeding.
What happens when a cheque is dishonoured?
A written demand must reach the drawer within thirty days of the bank memo, and the drawer then has fifteen days to pay. If payment is not made, a complaint under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act may be filed within one month of that period expiring. These limitation periods are strict, so the papers should be brought in without delay.
I live abroad. Can my matter still be conducted?
Yes. Matters pending before the courts in Punjab are regularly conducted for clients living overseas. Papers can be exchanged electronically and instructions taken by telephone or video call, although certain steps, such as attesting a power of attorney, must be done through the Indian mission in your country.
Four Advocates
Advocate Kamal Masih Khokhar practises with Harman Singh Gill, Arshdeep Mattu and Navdeep Kaur, Advocates.
Practising Since 2004
Enrolment No. P-1714-2004, Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana.
Office Hours
Monday to Friday, 9:30 am to 5:00 pm. Saturday, 9:30 am to 1:00 pm. Closed on Sunday.