In the criminal justice system, simply being granted bail doesn’t mean you are “free” from the case. One of the most critical conditions of bail is the requirement to appear before the court on every scheduled hearing date. The Hajira Petition is the formal mechanism used to record this presence.
Derived from the word “Hajir” (meaning “present”), this petition is a daily attendance sheet for the accused.
What is a Hajira Petition?
A Hajira is a short, formal application submitted by the defense lawyer to the court clerk or the Magistrate on the day of the hearing. It serves as official proof that the accused has complied with the court’s order to appear.
Why is it mandatory?
If a case is called and neither the accused nor a Hajira petition is present, the court may assume the accused has absconded (fled). This can lead to:
- Cancellation of Bail: The court may revoke your freedom immediately.
- Warrant of Arrest (W.A.): The judge may issue a non-bailable warrant to bring you to court by force.
- Forfeiture of Bond: The money pledged in your bail bond may be seized by the state.
The Procedure in Court
- Arrival: The accused must reach the court premises before the proceedings begin (usually by 10:00 AM or 10:30 AM).
- Signing: The accused signs the Hajira petition prepared by their lawyer.
- Submission: The lawyer’s clerk or the lawyer submits the petition to the court’s “Bench Officer” or “Peshkar.”
- The Call: When the case is called (the “Hazira” call), the lawyer informs the court that the accused is present and the petition has been filed.
What if you can’t attend?
If the accused is genuinely unable to attend due to illness or an emergency, a Hajira cannot be filed (as it would be a false statement). Instead, the lawyer must file a Petition for Representation (Section 205 or 540A CrPC) or a Time Petition, explaining the absence and requesting the court to excuse the physical presence for that specific day.
Draft Template: Hajira Petition
IN THE COURT OF THE [NAME OF THE COURT], [CITY] Case No. ____ of 2026
In the matter of: The State … Prosecution -Versus- [Accused Name] and others … Accused-Petitioners
Subject: HAJIRA (ATTENDANCE) PETITION
Most Respectfully Showeth:
That the Accused-Petitioner(s) mentioned below is/are present in Court today and is/are represented by the undersigned Advocate.
It is, therefore, prayed that your Honor would be pleased to accept the Hajira (Attendance) of the Accused-Petitioner(s) and record the same in the case file.
Name(s) of the Accused present today:
[Full Name of Accused 1] — [Signature/LTI]
[Full Name of Accused 2] — [Signature/LTI]
Filed by:
[Signature of Advocate] Advocate for the Accused Date: [Current Date]