Power Of Attorney

What is a Power of Attorney (POA)?

A Power of Attorney is a formal legal document that allows a person (called the Principal) to give another person (known as the Agent or Attorney-in-fact) the authority to act on their behalf. This legal arrangement is governed in India by the Powers of Attorney Act, 1888.

The person who grants the power is essentially trusting someone else to make decisions or carry out tasks for them, which may involve financial transactions, legal matters, property management, or even medical decisions, depending on the type of POA created.

🔑 Key Features of a Power of Attorney

• Principal: The person who authorizes someone to act for them

• Agent / POA Holder: The person who is given the power to act

• Scope: Can be limited to specific tasks or broad enough to cover major responsibilities

• Legal Validity: Must be signed and, in many cases, notarized or registered

📘 Types of Power of Attorney

1. General Power of Attorney (GPA)
   Grants broad powers to the agent to act in multiple areas such as finances, property, or legal matters.

2. Special or Specific Power of Attorney
   Allows the agent to perform only specific tasks (e.g., selling a property, signing a contract).

3. Durable Power of Attorney
   Stays in effect even if the principal becomes mentally or physically incapacitated.

4. Medical Power of Attorney
   Enables the agent to take healthcare-related decisions when the principal is unable to do so.

🧾 When Is a POA Useful?

• When a person is living abroad and needs someone to manage property or finances in India

• In case of illness, disability, or old age, where handling day-to-day tasks becomes difficult

• During legal transactions where the principal cannot be present in person

• For business or real estate dealings requiring representation

✅ Conclusion

A Power of Attorney is a valuable legal tool that helps manage your affairs when you're unable to do so yourself. Whether it's temporary or long-term, giving someone trustworthy the power to act on your behalf ensures your work continues smoothly—even in your absence.