Understanding 'May Kindly Be' in Indian Prayer Clauses
In the formal world of Indian legal drafting, certain phrases carry a unique blend of courtesy and convention. If you've ever wondered, what is 'kindly be in prayer'? – or more precisely, the ubiquitous may kindly be – you're not alone. This deferential expression is a staple in prayer clauses of , , and other filed in Indian courts. It serves as a , humbly requesting without altering the substance of the claim.
Far from being mere formality, may kindly be underscores respect for the court, aligning with the cultural emphasis on humility in legal communications. This article delves into its meaning, usage across cases, and best practices, drawing from judicial precedents. Note: This is general information; consult a legal professional for specific advice.
The Meaning and Role of 'May Kindly Be'
The phrase may kindly be (often shorthand as kindly be) prefixes requests for primary reliefs, such as allowing a petition, quashing an order, or issuing directions. It has no substantive legal effect but enhances the courteous tone, making more palatable to judicial benches.
Key characteristics include:- Ubiquitous usage: Found in prayer clauses for core reliefs like quashing impugned orders or granting writs.- Polite deference: Acts as a humble imperative, e.g., This Writ Petition may kindly be allowed.- Versatile application: Spans writs, criminal quashing, compassionate appointments, and . 2013 0 Supreme(Bom) 2393
As seen in numerous judgments, courts accept this phrasing without comment, focusing instead on the merits. For instance, prayers like the dated ... may kindly be set aside maintain a uniform, respectful structure. 2022 0 Supreme(SC) 848
Usage in and Civil Matters
under frequently employ may kindly be to seek restoration or quash orders. Typical examples:- (A) This Writ Petition may kindly be allowed; (B) Record and proceedings may kindly be called for; (C) The order dtd. ... may kindly be quashed and set aside. 2013 0 Supreme(Bom) 2393- The Order and Judgment passed by the Hon. Member, ... may kindly be quashed and set aside. 25-C. The appropriate writ may kindly be issued. 2017 0 Supreme(Bom) 1706
This phrasing frames requests for judicial intervention politely. In service disputes, it appears as: the dated passed by the appellant... may kindly be set aside. 2022 0 Supreme(SC) 848
Additional precedents reinforce this: In a miscellaneous petition, petition, following prayer has been made by the petitioner... may kindly be allowed.
Courts review such prayers on merits, as in cases where limited prayers were made without opposition.
Application in Criminal Proceedings
for post-compromise routinely use the phrase:- This Criminal Application may kindly be allowed and the Crime bearing No. I292/2016 ... may kindly be quashed. 2017 0 Supreme(Bom) 2102- Repeated for multiple crimes: Crime bearing No. I284/2016 ... may kindly be quashed. 2017 0 Supreme(Bom) 2102
In appeals, prayers extend to: the /judgment dated ... may kindly be quashed and set aside and the writ petition filed by the appellant-petitioner may kindly be allowed. 2025 Supreme(RAJ) 976 Here, the court upheld competence despite procedural issues, ignoring phrasing. 2025 Supreme(RAJ) 976
Witness protection cases also note: in each application the prayer is made to provide police protection, highlighting protective prayers. 2017 0 Supreme(Guj) 1587
Employment and Specialized Disputes
In compassionate appointments and validity claims:- the dated ... may kindly be quashed and set aside. 2021 0 Supreme(Bom) 1634- By appropriate writ order... the dated ... may kindly be quashed and set aside. 2021 0 Supreme(Bom) 1634- This Writ petition may kindly be allowed and petitioner may kindly be held and declare as belongs to 'Mannervarlu', Scheduled Tribe. 2021 0 Supreme(Bom) 482
Company law applications seek: The sale of 9 MIG flats... may kindly be considered. 2025 Supreme(Online)(P&H) 3965 Courts confirmed sales, granting directions without phrasing critique. 2025 Supreme(Online)(P&H) 3965
Voluntary retirement pleas include: your honour may graciously be pleased to kindly consider my prayer... on compassionate ground. 2015 0 Supreme(Megh) 91 Suspension challenges post-notice were quashed, affirming acceptance. 2015 0 Supreme(Megh) 91
Disciplinary matters pray: As an ... may kindly be granted. 2020 0 Supreme(Guj) 964 Courts scrutinized procedures, allowing petitions on merits. 2020 0 Supreme(Guj) 964
Exceptions, Limitations, and Court Responses
No restrictions on usage appear; courts never reject prayers for this phrasing. Focus remains on substance:- Prayers may be non-pressed or amended independently. 2021 0 Supreme(Bom) 482- In one case, Learned counsel for the petitioner makes a limited prayer... Petition may kindly be allowed. was unopposed.
Resignation withdrawals note: I do hereby request you to kindly accept my prayer. but hinge on rules like . 2014 0 Supreme(Gau) 1058
Best Practices and Recommendations
To align with convention:- Use in primary prayers: Prefix reliefs like quashed and set aside, allowed, or directed.- Reserve for formal sections: Avoid in arguments; maintain decorum.- Ensure clarity: Pair with specific actions.
Drafting tip: This petition may kindly be allowed mirrors precedents across . 2013 0 Supreme(Bom) 2393
Key Takeaways
- May kindly be is a courteous staple in Indian prayer clauses, promoting judicial respect.
- Ubiquitous yet non-substantive, it spans writs, criminal, and employment matters.
- Courts prioritize merits, accepting phrasing universally.
For litigants and lawyers, mastering such nuances ensures polished . Always tailor to case specifics and seek expert guidance – this overview is for informational purposes only.
References include judgments like 2013 0 Supreme(Bom) 2393, 2022 0 Supreme(SC) 848, 2017 0 Supreme(Bom) 2102, 2017 0 Supreme(Bom) 1706, 2021 0 Supreme(Bom) 1634, 2021 0 Supreme(Bom) 482,
, 2025 Supreme(Online)(P&H) 3965, and others cited inline. #IndianLaw,#LegalDrafting,#PrayerClause
