Add Bates Numbering to PDFs for Indian Court Submissions (Free Tool)
Bates numbering is the gold standard for evidence identification in litigation. Here's how to apply it to your court filings without Adobe Acrobat or any upload.
What Is Bates Numbering?
Bates numbering (also called Bates stamping) assigns a unique sequential identifier to every page of a document set. Originally used with physical stamps in US litigation, it's now standard practice in Indian arbitration, SEBI proceedings, CCI inquiries, and high-value commercial disputes.
Example format: CASE-2026-0001 through CASE-2026-0847
When Indian Lawyers Need Bates Numbers
SEBI Adjudication & SAT Proceedings
SEBI requires Bates-numbered document bundles for show-cause replies and adjudication hearings.
CCI (Competition Commission) Inquiries
DG investigations under CCI require paginated evidence sets with unique identifiers.
International Arbitration (SIAC, ICC, LCIA)
All major arbitral institutions require Bates-stamped evidence bundles. ICC Rules Art. 3(1).
Domestic Arbitration (A&C Act §31)
For multi-volume proceedings, Bates numbering ensures unambiguous page references in awards.
NCLT — IBC Proceedings
Resolution professional document rooms under IBC §25 require paginated claim docs.
High-Value Commercial Suits
Any suit involving voluminous evidence benefits from Bates-stamped page references during arguments.
Step-by-Step: Add Bates Numbers
Step 1: Open Legal Mode
Go to Legal Mode. This tool is part of the Court Filing Bundle feature designed specifically for Indian advocates.
Step 2: Upload Your Evidence Bundle
Drop the merged PDF or upload individual evidence documents. If uploading multiple files, they'll be combined in the order you specify.
Step 3: Configure Bates Format
Set your preferred Bates numbering format:
CASE-2026-or any identifier (client initials, matter number)0001Zero-padded for consistent widthStep 4: Apply & Download
Click "Apply Bates Numbers" to stamp every page. The tool runs entirely on your device — your evidence documents never leave your machine.
Best Practices for Bates Numbering
- Use a meaningful prefix — Include the case number or client initials (e.g.,
ABCvXYZ-) - Zero-pad consistently — If your bundle has 847 pages, use 4 digits:
0001to0847 - Number across all documents — Don't restart numbering for each annexure
- Create a Bates index — A separate document mapping ranges to documents (e.g., "Annexure A: 0001-0045")
- Don't Bates-number the index itself — The index page is unnumbered in standard practice
Why Not Adobe Acrobat?
Adobe Acrobat Pro can add Bates numbers but costs ₹1,834/month (₹22,008/year). For a junior advocate or small firm that needs this 2-3 times a month, that's absurd.
EverydayPDF's Bates numbering is available in the Pro plan for a one-time payment of ₹999 — no recurring cost, no subscription trap.
Add Bates numbers to your next evidence bundle.
Professional Bates stamping, right in your browser. No Adobe, no upload.