Effective Date: June 17, 2024

Please read these Terms and Conditions of Services (“Terms”) carefully before accessing or using the websites https://www.ulpian.in and https://www.ulpian.org (collectively referred to as the “Website”), which are operated under the name “Ulpian Legal.” By accessing, browsing, or otherwise using the Website in any manner, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be legally bound by these Terms, as well as any additional guidelines, policies, or future modifications that may be published on the Website from time to time. If you do not agree to these Terms, you must not access or use the Website.

1. Definitions

For the purposes of these Terms and Conditions of Service (“Terms”), unless the context otherwise requires, the following expressions shall bear the meanings respectively assigned to them hereunder:

• “Ulpian Legal” shall mean and refer to an unincorporated, non-registered, and non-commercial collective initiative, comprising a decentralized network of independent legal professionals (hereinafter referred to as “Advocates”) operating across various jurisdictions within the Republic of India. Ulpian Legal does not possess a distinct legal personality, nor does it function as a law firm, legal entity, partnership, or corporate body within the meaning of applicable laws. Its purpose is strictly facilitative in nature, aimed at promoting legal awareness and access to independent legal practitioners through digital means.

• “User” shall mean and include any natural person, whether acting in an individual or representative capacity, who voluntarily accesses, views, browses, submits queries through, or otherwise interacts with the Website by any means, and shall be deemed to have consented to be bound by these Terms. For the avoidance of doubt, the term “User” includes individuals who seek legal assistance, information, or referrals via the Website regardless of whether they ultimately engage the services of any Advocate.

• “Advocate” shall mean and refer exclusively to an individual who is duly enrolled and qualified to practice as an advocate under the Advocates Act, 1961, and who may, on a wholly independent and non-employee basis, be listed on, referred through, or otherwise connected to Users via the Website. Each Advocate acts in a strictly independent professional capacity, and nothing contained herein shall be construed to imply that such Advocate is a partner, employee, agent, or representative of Ulpian Legal.

• “Services” shall mean and include, without limitation, any form of interaction, consultation, communication, scheduling, transmission of legal queries or responses, or any legal assistance—whether preliminary or substantive in nature—that is enabled, initiated, or facilitated through the Website. For clarity, “Services” shall pertain solely to engagements between Users and Advocates, and Ulpian Legal shall not be construed as the provider, executor, or guarantor of any such Services.

2. Nature of Services and Clarification of Representations and Roles

• Ulpian Legal functions exclusively as an informational and facilitative platform and does not, at any time, offer or purport to offer legal services in its own capacity. 

• The platform’s role is limited to providing general legal information and enabling connections between users and independent legal professionals. 

• All legal advice, services, or representation are provided solely by individual Advocates acting in their personal and independent professional capacity. 

• Ulpian Legal neither participates in nor assumes any responsibility for the legal services rendered, and it does not supervise, manage, or endorse the work or conduct of any such Advocate.

• The User expressly acknowledges and agrees that any reference, whether express or implied, on the Website to services, assistance, functions, or roles described as being offered, performed, or facilitated by “Ulpian Legal” shall, in all instances, be understood to refer solely to services rendered by individual Advocates in their independent professional capacity. 

• Any such service, function, or activity referenced, described, or implied anywhere on the Website, whether in general terms or through specific language indicating capabilities, assistance, support, or deliverables, shall be deemed to be undertaken solely and exclusively by independent legal practitioners duly qualified and acting in their own personal and professional capacity. 

• The User unequivocally understands and agrees that Ulpian Legal, being an informal, non-registered, and non-incorporated collective, does not, either directly or indirectly, offer, promise, undertake, or render any legal services, advisory functions, representational activities, or other regulated professional services within the meaning of applicable laws, including the Advocates Act, 1961. 

• Any and all references to the role, actions, functions, or offerings of “Ulpian Legal” are to be interpreted strictly as denoting a passive, facilitative, and non-executory role, limited to enabling access, facilitating communication, or promoting general legal awareness. 

• Under no circumstance shall such references be construed as implying that Ulpian Legal, in its own right, is the source, provider, or executor of any legal service or professional engagement.

3. No Attorney-Client Relationship

• The User expressly acknowledges, understands, and agrees that mere access to, browsing of, or interaction with the Website—including, but not limited to, the submission of inquiries, exchange of communications, use of contact mechanisms, or any other form of engagement facilitated through the Website—shall not, under any circumstances, be construed as giving rise to, constituting, or evidencing the formation of an attorney-client relationship between the User and 

  • (i) Ulpian Legal, or 

  • (ii) any Advocate whose details, credentials, or profiles may be listed, referenced, or otherwise accessible via the Website. 

• An attorney-client relationship shall be deemed to come into existence only upon the occurrence of an express, unambiguous, and mutual agreement between the User and an individual Advocate, duly formalized in writing and subject to the terms, scope, conditions, and limitations as may be independently specified and accepted by said Advocate. Such an agreement must arise from a direct and voluntary interaction between the User and the Advocate, without any implied representation, obligation, or involvement on the part of Ulpian Legal. 

• Ulpian Legal, being a non-registered, facilitative collective, is not a party to, nor does it participate in, supervise, monitor, endorse, validate, or control any such engagement, arrangement, or contractual relationship entered into between the User and any Advocate. Ulpian Legal expressly disclaims all liability and responsibility in connection with the existence, validity, terms, performance, or consequences of any professional or legal engagement entered into by the User and any such Advocate, and the User hereby agrees that all such matters lie solely and entirely within the private and independent domain of the parties thereto.

4. Independent Status and Disclaimer of Liability

• Each advocate operates independently and assumes full responsibility for the services they provide. No principal-agent, master-servant, employer-employee, or partnership relationship exists between Ulpian Legal and any Advocate, or among the Advocates themselves.

• Given that all actions, advice, or omissions of the advocates are beyond the control of Ulpian Legal or other advocates, no vicarious liability shall arise. Ulpian Legal and its contributors disclaim any and all liability—joint, several, or otherwise—for services rendered by individual advocates.

• All services are provided on an “as-is” basis, without warranties of any kind, express or implied by Ulpian Legal.

• Ulpian Legal does not charge any fees, commissions, or other forms of compensation for its services and has no financial interest or motive in any matter for which it provides assistance. 

• Any consultation, engagement, or interaction with independent advocates or legal practitioners facilitated or suggested through Ulpian Legal is undertaken at the sole discretion of the client. Ulpian Legal does not control, supervise, or assume responsibility for the conduct, advice, or services provided by such Advocates. All professional relationships and financial arrangements with advocates are solely between the client and the respective advocate.

• The User expressly acknowledges and agrees that any and all discussions, negotiations, agreements, or understandings pertaining to the scope, nature, quantum, structure, or timing of professional fees, costs, disbursements, or any other form of remuneration or consideration whatsoever charged, quoted, or otherwise levied by any Advocate consulted, referred, or otherwise introduced through Ulpian Legal are matters solely and exclusively between the User and such Advocate. Ulpian Legal neither determines nor influences, directly or indirectly, any financial terms, billing practices, retainer arrangements, or service deliverables agreed upon between the User and the Advocate. 

• Ulpian Legal disclaims all responsibility and liability in relation to any disputes, claims, or grievances arising from or in connection with any such monetary or contractual arrangement, and the User irrevocably waives any right to assert any claim, demand, or cause of action against Ulpian Legal in respect thereof. 

• The User further affirms that they are duly aware that Ulpian Legal exercises no supervisory, managerial, or fiduciary control over such Advocates and does not act as an agent, principal, or intermediary in any financial or contractual capacity.

5. Limitation of Liability

• To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, Ulpian Legal, its contributors, members, affiliates, officers, representatives, and agents shall not be liable to any User or third party for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, exemplary, special, or punitive damages whatsoever, including but not limited to loss of profits, loss of business opportunity, loss of data, loss of goodwill, business interruption, or other intangible losses, whether arising in contract, tort (including negligence), strict liability, or otherwise, and irrespective of whether such damages were foreseeable or whether Ulpian Legal was advised of the possibility of such damages.

• This limitation of liability applies without restriction to any and all claims arising from or in connection with: (i) the User’s access to, use of, inability to use, or reliance on the Website or any of its content; (ii) any delays, disruptions, or failures in performance of the Website; (iii) any interactions, communications, advice, opinions, or representations made by or attributed to any Advocate or third party introduced, listed, or referenced through the Website; and (iv) any engagement, legal service, or consultation undertaken independently by the User with such Advocate or third party.

• Ulpian Legal expressly disclaims any and all warranties, representations, or assurances—whether express or implied—regarding the accuracy, completeness, adequacy, reliability, merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or legal sufficiency of any information, assistance, or service accessed through the Website. The User acknowledges and agrees that all such engagements and interactions are undertaken entirely at their own risk and sole discretion, and Ulpian Legal shall bear no liability or responsibility for any consequences resulting therefrom.

6. Disclaimer Regarding Advocates and Legal Services

• The User expressly acknowledges and agrees that Ulpian Legal makes no representations, warranties, assurances, or guarantees, whether express or implied, statutory or otherwise, concerning the qualifications, licensing status, professional competence, ethical conduct, or overall suitability of any individual Advocate who may be listed on, connected through, or otherwise made accessible by means of the Website. 

• Ulpian Legal does not conduct any form of certification, vetting, verification, background check, or regulatory oversight of such Advocates, nor does it purport to act as an agent, principal, or intermediary for them in any professional or legal capacity. Further, Ulpian Legal expressly disclaims any and all responsibility for the accuracy, quality, reliability, adequacy, timeliness, effectiveness, or anticipated or actual outcome of any legal advice, assistance, or professional services that may be rendered by any such Advocate to any User, whether pursuant to a formal engagement or otherwise. No warranty is made as to the resolution of any legal matter, nor as to the appropriateness of the legal approach adopted by such Advocates, and the User is advised to exercise their own independent judgment and due diligence before entering into any professional engagement. Any such engagement, interaction, or reliance upon the services of an Advocate shall be undertaken entirely at the User’s own volition, discretion, and risk. 

• Ulpian Legal shall not, under any circumstances, be liable for any acts or omissions, including but not limited to professional negligence, misrepresentation, breach of duty, contractual breach, or other tortious or wrongful conduct arising out of or related to the legal services rendered by any Advocate, whether in contract, tort, equity, negligence, or otherwise in law. 

• The User hereby waives and releases Ulpian Legal from any and all claims, liabilities, damages, costs, or consequences arising directly or indirectly from such professional engagements.

7. User Responsibilities and Prohibited Conduct

By accessing, browsing, or otherwise using the Website, each User expressly acknowledges, affirms, and agrees to comply with the following responsibilities and conduct requirements. The User shall refrain from engaging in any activity, conduct, or omission that is contrary to the letter or spirit of these Terms, and shall not, under any circumstances:

• Misrepresent, falsify, or otherwise provide inaccurate or misleading information regarding their identity, background, affiliation, or the nature, purpose, or intent of any communication, query, or interaction conducted through or facilitated by the Website;

• Imply, assert, suggest, or otherwise convey, whether expressly or by implication, the existence of any formal partnership, agency, endorsement, legal representation, or contractual affiliation with Ulpian Legal, its contributors, or any individual Advocate associated with or accessible through the Website. The User unequivocally acknowledges that Ulpian Legal is a non-registered, non-commercial, and informal collective initiative that operates solely in a facilitative and informational capacity for the advancement of access to legal assistance and justice, and does not act as a legal service provider or intermediary;

• Utilize the Website, including any associated communication mechanisms, forms, or contact details, for any purpose that is unlawful, abusive, harassing, defamatory, offensive, obscene, deceptive, misleading, fraudulent, or otherwise in violation of applicable laws or regulations. This includes, without limitation, the use of the Website to pursue or facilitate any activity that may be construed as unethical or improper under prevailing professional or legal standards.

The User further understands and agrees that any breach or violation of the foregoing obligations shall constitute a material violation of these Terms, and may, at the sole discretion of Ulpian Legal, result in the immediate suspension, limitation, or permanent termination of the User’s access to the Website and its associated functionalities. Ulpian Legal also reserves the right to report any such conduct to appropriate governmental, regulatory, or law enforcement authorities, and to cooperate fully in any resulting investigation or proceeding as may be required under law.

8. Confidentiality and Data Privacy

• Unless and until a formal written engagement is executed between the User and a specific Advocate, any and all communications transmitted through the Website, including but not limited to messages, queries, or preliminary consultations, shall not be deemed to constitute privileged or confidential communications under applicable law. 

• The User expressly acknowledges that such communications do not give rise to any duty of confidentiality, legal privilege, or fiduciary obligation on the part of Ulpian Legal or any Advocate unless and until a formal attorney-client relationship is established in writing with an individual Advocate. 

• All personal data or information collected through the Website shall be processed, stored, and used strictly in accordance in compliance with the provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000 and applicable rules thereunder, including any subsequent amendments and relevant data protection regulations in force in India.

9. Intellectual Property

All content made available on the Website, including but not limited to text, graphics, logos, icons, images, audio or video clips, design elements, page layout, underlying code, and software, is the exclusive intellectual property of Ulpian Legal or its duly credited contributors and licensors. Such content is protected under applicable intellectual property laws, including but not limited to the Copyright Act, 1957, the Trademarks Act, 1999, and international conventions to which India is a party. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, modification, publication, uploading, posting, transmission, or distribution of any material from the Website, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of Ulpian Legal, is strictly prohibited and may result in civil and/or criminal liability. Users are advised to consult the detailed Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Warning available on the Website for further information regarding permitted usage and enforcement provisions.

10. Third-Party Links

The Website may contain hyperlinks or references to third-party websites, platforms, or online resources that are not owned, operated, or controlled by Ulpian Legal. Such links are provided solely for the convenience of the User and do not constitute or imply any endorsement, sponsorship, or recommendation by Ulpian Legal of the content, products, services, or viewpoints expressed therein. Ulpian Legal makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, reliability, legality, or appropriateness of any content, policies, or practices of such third-party websites. Access to and use of such third-party sites is entirely at the User’s own risk, and the User is advised to review the applicable terms of use and privacy policies of any external site before engaging with its content or services. Ulpian Legal expressly disclaims any and all liability arising from or related to the use of any third-party website linked from the Website.

11. Modification of Terms 

Ulpian Legal hereby reserves the absolute, unconditional, and unilateral right, exercisable at its sole and exclusive discretion, to revise, amend, modify, alter, restate, or update these Terms of Use, in whole or in part, at any time and without the requirement of prior notice, consent, or communication to the User. Any such revision or modification shall become immediately effective and binding upon its publication or posting on the Website, regardless of whether the User has reviewed or become aware of such changes. It shall be the sole, continuous, and non-delegable responsibility of the User to periodically review the Terms for any amendments, and to remain informed of any changes made thereto. The User’s continued access to, browsing of, or use of the Website or any part thereof after the effective date of such modifications shall constitute clear, express, and binding acceptance of the revised Terms, and the User shall be conclusively deemed to have agreed to be legally bound by the same. Ulpian Legal disclaims any and all liability for any loss, damage, claim, or inconvenience that may arise due to the User’s failure to review, acquaint themselves with, or act upon any such revised or updated Terms, and no rights shall accrue to the User in respect of any prior version of these Terms once revised.

12. Governing Law and Jurisdiction 

These Terms, and any dispute, controversy, claim, or cause of action arising out of, in connection with, or relating to the interpretation, validity, performance, breach, enforcement, or termination of these Terms; the use, operation, or functioning of the Website; or any services, content, communications, or interactions facilitated thereby, shall be governed by, construed, and enforced in strict accordance with the laws in force in the Republic of India, without giving effect to any principles of conflict of laws that would require the application of the laws of any other jurisdiction. The User hereby irrevocably agrees that all such disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the appropriate civil courts located in New Delhi, India, and further agrees and submits unconditionally and irrevocably to the personal and subject matter jurisdiction of such courts. The User expressly waives any right to object to such jurisdiction on grounds of inconvenient forum, lack of personal jurisdiction, or any other ground whatsoever, and further waives any claim that legal proceedings brought in such courts have been instituted in an improper or inconvenient forum.

13. Severability 

In the event that any provision, clause, sub-clause, or part thereof contained in these Terms is adjudged or otherwise determined by a court of competent jurisdiction, tribunal, or other authority vested with legal competence, or pursuant to applicable laws, rules, or regulations, to be invalid, illegal, void, or unenforceable in whole or in part, such finding shall not affect, impair, or render unenforceable the remaining provisions, clauses, or parts of these Terms, all of which shall remain in full force and effect and shall be construed and enforced as if such invalid, illegal, or unenforceable portion had never been included herein. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any such invalid, illegal, or unenforceable provision shall be deemed to be severed from these Terms and, where possible, shall be replaced or substituted by a valid and enforceable provision which most closely approximates the original intent, meaning, and economic effect of the provision so severed, without materially altering the substance or balance of these Terms.

14. Entirety of Agreement

These Terms and Conditions of Service (hereinafter referred to as the "Terms") constitute the full, final, complete, and exclusive understanding and agreement between the User and Ulpian Legal with respect to the subject matter herein, specifically relating to the access to, interaction with, and use of the Website, including all content, features, and services facilitated thereby. These Terms supersede and extinguish any and all prior or contemporaneous negotiations, discussions, representations, warranties, assurances, communications, arrangements, or agreements—whether oral, written, implied, express, informal, or formal—that may have been made, exchanged, or relied upon by the parties with respect to the matters governed herein. No oral statement, comment, clarification, or explanation made by either party—whether before or after the execution of these Terms—shall be deemed to modify, interpret, supplement, or alter the meaning, scope, or application of any provision contained herein. The User expressly acknowledges that they have not relied upon any representation, promise, or assurance not expressly set forth in these Terms in determining to access or use the Website. Any modification, variation, amendment, waiver, or deviation from any provision of these Terms shall be valid and binding only if reduced to writing and duly executed by an authorized representative of Ulpian Legal. No failure or delay on the part of Ulpian Legal in exercising any right, remedy, or privilege under these Terms shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of such right preclude any further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right or remedy.

End of Terms and Conditions of Services