In India, there is no administrative document legally termed a “Divorce Certificate.” When a couple legally separates, the final order passed by the Family Court is known as a “Divorce Decree.” This decree acts as your sole, legally valid proof of divorce.
Today, through the government’s eCourts Services Portal, citizens can easily track their divorce case status online, download a free PDF of the judgment, and even apply for a legally valid Certified Copy (e-Copy).
Divorce Certificate (Divorce Decree): Online Apply, Status, eCourts Download & Complete Guide
The eCourts Mission Mode Project is operated by the eCommittee of the Supreme Court of India in collaboration with the Department of Justice. All District Courts and Family Courts across the country are integrated into this portal. Citizens can access case hearing dates, court orders, and final divorce decrees online from the comfort of their homes.
Key Information
| Information | Details |
| Service/Portal | eCourts Services / e-Copy Portal |
| Department | eCommittee, Supreme Court of India & Dept of Justice |
| Applicable State | All over India (All District & Family Courts) |
| Document Name | Divorce Decree / Final Judgment |
| Official Website | https://ecourts.gov.in/ |
| Primary Uses | Remarriage, Passport Update, Visa Application, Property records |
Important Services
| Service | Purpose | Official Link |
| Case Status Search | Track the current status and hearing dates of your divorce case | services.ecourts.gov.in |
| Judgment Search | Search and download free PDF copies of court orders | judgments.ecourts.gov.in |
| Certified Copy (e-Copy) | Apply online for a legally authenticated Divorce Decree | districts.ecourts.gov.in |
| ePay (Court Fees) | Pay online court copying charges or legal fees | pay.ecourts.gov.in |
Information Required to Search / Apply
You do not need to upload personal identification documents to search for your case on the eCourts portal. However, you will need the following case-specific information:
| Required Information | Purpose / Notes |
| CNR Number | Most Important: A unique 16-digit Case Number Record assigned when the case is initially filed. |
| Party Name | If you do not have the CNR, you can search using the Husband’s or Wife’s name. |
| Case Number & Year | The case type (e.g., HMA, Matrimonial Suit), case number, and the year of filing. |
| Court Details | The specific State, District, and Court Complex/Judge where the case was heard. |
| Applicant ID Proof | Physical ID (Aadhaar, Voter ID) is required when physically collecting a Certified Copy. |
Copying Fee & Processing Time
To obtain a “Certified Copy” from the court, you must pay Copying Charges. This fee varies based on state-specific court rules and is generally calculated per page.
| Application Type | Estimated Court Fee | Processing Time |
| Free Judgment Download | ₹0 (Free) | Instant (Online Web Copy) |
| Certified Copy (Ordinary) | ₹2 to ₹5 per page + Folio charges | 7 to 15 Days |
| Certified Copy (Urgent) | ₹10 to ₹20 per page (Approx) | 2 to 5 Days |
Apply / Access / Track / Download
| User Need | Official Link |
| Apply / Access (e-Copy) | State-specific portals via districts.ecourts.gov.in |
| Track Case Status | services.ecourts.gov.in/ecourtindia_v6 |
| Download Document (Free PDF) | judgments.ecourts.gov.in/pdfsearch |
| Fee Payment | pay.ecourts.gov.in |
How to Track Case Status & Find Your Case
If your divorce case is ongoing or recently concluded, you can check its status online:
- Visit the eCourts Services portal at services.ecourts.gov.in.
- If you know your 16-digit CNR Number, enter it directly into the CNR search box on the homepage and click ‘Search’.
- If you do not have the CNR number, click on “Case Status” in the menu.
- Select your State, District, and Court Complex.
- You can now search using alternative options: Party Name (Husband or Wife), Case Number, or Advocate Name.
- Enter the details, fill in the Captcha, and hit search.
- The complete history of your case, the next hearing date, and the current status (Pending or Disposed) will be displayed on the screen.
How to Download a Divorce Decree (Free Web Copy)
Once a case is marked as Disposed, you can download a free PDF copy of the judgment:
- Visit judgments.ecourts.gov.in.
- Enter your CNR Number or search by Party Name.
- Locate the “Final Judgment” or “Order” in the search results.
- Click on the View or Download icon.
- The Divorce Decree will download as a PDF file. (Important Note: This PDF does not contain an official court seal and signature. It is a “Web Copy” strictly for personal reference and information.)
How to Apply for a “Certified Copy” (Legally Valid Decree)
For official procedures like applying for a passport, securing a visa, or remarrying, authorities will strictly demand a Certified Copy bearing the official court seal and an authorized physical/digital signature. There are two ways to obtain this:
Method 1: Online Application (e-Copy)
Certain district courts in states like Delhi, Maharashtra, and Punjab have introduced online e-Copy services.
- Go to your respective district court website via districts.ecourts.gov.in.
- Click on the “Online Certified Copy (e-Copy)” link.
- Enter your CNR number and select the document (Decree/Judgment) you need.
- Pay the required Copying Fee online via the integrated ePay gateway.
- Once the copy is ready, you will receive an SMS. You can either download the digitally signed copy or collect a physically stamped copy from the court counter.
Method 2: Offline Application (Copying Branch)
If the e-Copy portal is not yet operational in your district:
- Visit the “Copying Agency” (CA Branch) located within your district court premises (your lawyer can also assist you).
- Fill out a Certified Copy Application Form with your case number, date of decision, and the Judge’s name.
- Affix the required Court Fee Stamps and submit the form.
- If you need the document immediately, submit an “Urgent Application” (which carries a higher per-page fee).
- Return on the specified date to collect your officially stamped and signed Certified Divorce Decree.
Common Problems and Solutions
- Judgment not uploaded: If your case is marked as “Disposed” but the portal says “Judgment/Order not uploaded,” it means the court staff has not yet scanned and uploaded the file to the central server. You will need to contact the court’s Copying Branch directly.
- Lost CNR Number: If you forget your 16-digit CNR, use the eCourts mobile app or website to search by your name (Party Name) or your lawyer’s name (Advocate Name) under your specific district.
- Can a CSC VLE help? Yes, Common Service Centre (CSC) operators are authorized to provide eCourts services. They can assist rural citizens in checking case statuses, downloading free web copies, and making fee payments via the ePay portal.
Services for VLEs / CSC Operators
Common Service Centres (CSCs) are authorized to provide eCourts services to citizens who lack digital literacy.
- Service Access: Operators can help citizens find their 16-digit CNR (Case Number Record) and check case status via the Digital Seva Portal.
- Application Processing: VLEs assist in downloading free judgment PDFs and navigating state-specific e-Copy portals to apply for the final decree.
- Fee Payment: Operators can facilitate the payment of copying fees and court charges through the ePay gateway.
Help & Grievance
Technical support and grievances regarding delayed certified copies must be addressed directly to the copying branch of the specific District Court or Family Court where the case was finalized. General portal navigation help is available via the eCourts Help video and manual section.
Other Important Links:
- How to apply for widow certificate online?
- How to get a single status in India?
- Solvency Certificate eDistrict Guide
Important Note
- Terminology: You must apply for a Certified Copy of the Divorce Decree. This is the only document legally accepted for remarriage, passport updates, or visa applications.
- Legal Validity: The free PDF downloaded from the eCourts judgment search is for reference only. Only a stamped “Certified Copy” issued by the court registry holds evidentiary value.
- State Availability: The online Certified Copy module is not yet available in all districts. In many jurisdictions, a physical offline application at the court’s copying branch is still strictly required.