<?php
$pageTitle = 'Terms & Conditions - MeeVakeel | Legal Platform Rules';
$metaDescription = 'Read MeeVakeel\'s Terms and Conditions governing the use of our online legal consultation platform for clients, lawyers, and visitors.';
require_once '../includes/config.php';
require_once '../includes/header.php';
$lastUpdated = 'January 1, 2025';
?>

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<section class="page-hero">
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                <li class="breadcrumb-item"><a href="/">Home</a></li>
                <li class="breadcrumb-item active">Terms & Conditions</li>
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        <h1 class="mb-2">Terms & <span style="color:var(--gold);">Conditions</span></h1>
        <p style="color:rgba(255,255,255,0.75);">Last Updated: <?= $lastUpdated ?> &nbsp;|&nbsp; Please read these terms carefully before using MeeVakeel.</p>
    </div>
</section>

<!-- ── IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER BANNER ── -->
<div style="background:rgba(220,53,69,0.06);border-bottom:2px solid rgba(220,53,69,0.2);padding:18px 0;">
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        <div style="display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:14px;max-width:900px;margin:0 auto;">
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                <i class="fas fa-exclamation-triangle"></i>
            </div>
            <div>
                <strong style="color:#c0392b;font-size:0.9rem;">Important Disclaimer:</strong>
                <p style="margin:4px 0 0;font-size:0.85rem;color:var(--text-light);line-height:1.7;">
                    MeeVakeel is a technology platform that connects clients with independent lawyers. We are <strong>not a law firm</strong> and do not provide legal advice directly. Legal advice is provided solely by the individual registered lawyers. Results from legal consultations cannot be guaranteed.
                </p>
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</div>

<!-- ── CONTENT ── -->
<section class="section">
    <div class="container">
        <div class="row g-5">

            <!-- TOC Sidebar -->
            <div class="col-lg-3">
                <div style="position:sticky;top:100px;">
                    <h6 style="font-size:0.78rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.08em;color:var(--text-light);font-weight:700;margin-bottom:14px;">Contents</h6>
                    <?php
                    $toc = [
                        's1'=>'Acceptance of Terms',
                        's2'=>'About MeeVakeel',
                        's3'=>'User Accounts',
                        's4'=>'Client Terms',
                        's5'=>'Lawyer Terms',
                        's6'=>'Consultation Rules',
                        's7'=>'Payments & Refunds',
                        's8'=>'Prohibited Conduct',
                        's9'=>'Intellectual Property',
                        's10'=>'Disclaimers & Liability',
                        's11'=>'Termination',
                        's12'=>'Governing Law',
                        's13'=>'Dispute Resolution',
                        's14'=>'Changes to Terms',
                        's15'=>'Contact',
                    ];
                    foreach($toc as $id => $title): ?>
                    <a href="#<?= $id ?>"
                       style="display:block;padding:8px 12px;border-radius:8px;color:var(--text-light);font-size:0.8rem;text-decoration:none;border-left:3px solid transparent;transition:var(--transition);margin-bottom:2px;"
                       onmouseover="this.style.background='var(--off-white)';this.style.color='var(--primary)';this.style.borderLeftColor='var(--gold)'"
                       onmouseout="this.style.background='';this.style.color='var(--text-light)';this.style.borderLeftColor='transparent'">
                        <?= $title ?>
                    </a>
                    <?php endforeach; ?>

                    <div style="margin-top:24px;background:var(--off-white);border-radius:14px;padding:18px;border:1px solid var(--border);">
                        <p style="font-size:0.78rem;color:var(--text-light);margin-bottom:10px;">Questions about these terms?</p>
                       <a href="<?= SITE_URL ?>/pages/contact.php" style="background:var(--primary);color:white;padding:9px 16px;border-radius:8px;font-size:0.8rem;font-weight:600;text-decoration:none;display:block;text-align:center;">Contact Us</a>
                    </div>
                </div>
            </div>

            <!-- Terms Body -->
            <div class="col-lg-9">
                <div style="background:white;border-radius:20px;padding:44px;box-shadow:var(--shadow);border:1px solid var(--border);">

<?php
function termSection($id, $num, $title, $icon, $content) {
    echo '<div id="'.$id.'" style="margin-bottom:40px;padding-bottom:40px;border-bottom:1px solid var(--border);">';
    echo '<div style="display:flex;align-items:center;gap:14px;margin-bottom:18px;">';
    echo '<div style="width:44px;height:44px;min-width:44px;background:linear-gradient(135deg,var(--primary),#1a3a6b);border-radius:12px;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;color:var(--gold);font-size:1rem;"><i class="'.$icon.'"></i></div>';
    echo '<h2 style="font-size:1.1rem;margin:0;">'.$num.'. '.$title.'</h2>';
    echo '</div>';
    echo '<div style="font-size:0.9rem;color:var(--text);line-height:1.85;">'.$content.'</div>';
    echo '</div>';
}

termSection('s1',1,'Acceptance of Terms','fas fa-handshake','
    <p>By accessing or using the MeeVakeel website (<strong>meevakeel.in</strong>) and its mobile applications, you agree to be legally bound by these Terms and Conditions ("Terms"), our Privacy Policy, and all applicable laws and regulations of India.</p>
    <p>If you do not agree with any part of these Terms, you must immediately discontinue use of our platform. These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and MeeVakeel Technologies Pvt. Ltd.</p>
    <p>By clicking "Register", "Book Consultation", or any similar button, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to these Terms.</p>
');

termSection('s2',2,'About MeeVakeel','fas fa-info-circle','
    <p>MeeVakeel is an online marketplace platform that:</p>
    <ul>
        <li>Connects individuals and businesses ("Clients") with independent legal professionals ("Lawyers").</li>
        <li>Facilitates online consultations via chat, audio, and video.</li>
        <li>Processes payments between Clients and Lawyers.</li>
        <li>Verifies lawyer credentials and maintains platform quality.</li>
    </ul>
    <div style="background:rgba(220,53,69,0.06);border:1px solid rgba(220,53,69,0.2);border-radius:10px;padding:16px;margin-top:14px;">
        <strong style="color:#c0392b;">Important:</strong>
        <p style="font-size:0.85rem;margin:6px 0 0;color:var(--text-light);">MeeVakeel itself is NOT a law firm, advocate, or legal service provider. We do not practice law. All legal advice, opinions, and services are provided solely by the independent lawyers registered on our platform. MeeVakeel bears no responsibility for the legal advice provided by lawyers.</p>
    </div>
');

termSection('s3',3,'User Accounts & Registration','fas fa-user','
    <p>To use certain features, you must create an account. By registering, you agree that:</p>
    <ul>
        <li>You are at least 18 years of age (or have parental consent).</li>
        <li>All information you provide is accurate, current, and complete.</li>
        <li>You will maintain the accuracy of your information and update it as needed.</li>
        <li>You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your password.</li>
        <li>You are responsible for all activities that occur under your account.</li>
        <li>You will notify us immediately at <a href="mailto:security@meevakeel.in">security@meevakeel.in</a> of any unauthorised use of your account.</li>
        <li>One person may not create multiple accounts.</li>
    </ul>
    <p>We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate these Terms, contain false information, or are used for fraudulent purposes.</p>
');

termSection('s4',4,'Client Terms of Use','fas fa-users','
    <p>As a client using MeeVakeel, you agree to:</p>
    <ul>
        <li>Use the platform only for genuine legal queries and consultations.</li>
        <li>Provide accurate and complete information about your legal matter.</li>
        <li>Treat lawyers with respect and professionalism during all interactions.</li>
        <li>Not record consultations without the lawyer\'s explicit consent.</li>
        <li>Pay consultation fees as agreed before or during the booking process.</li>
        <li>Use legal documents and advice received only for lawful purposes.</li>
        <li>Not share your login credentials with any other person.</li>
        <li>Not attempt to contact lawyers outside the platform to circumvent our payment system.</li>
    </ul>
    <p>You acknowledge that legal consultations on MeeVakeel do not create an attorney-client relationship unless both you and the lawyer explicitly agree to enter into one through a formal engagement agreement.</p>
');

termSection('s5',5,'Lawyer Terms of Use','fas fa-user-tie','
    <p>As a lawyer registered on MeeVakeel, you agree that:</p>
    <ul>
        <li>You hold a valid Bar Council enrollment and are in good standing with the Bar Council of your state.</li>
        <li>You have a minimum of 2 years of active legal practice as required for eligibility.</li>
        <li>All information provided during registration is true, accurate, and complete.</li>
        <li>You will not provide legal advice in areas outside your expertise.</li>
        <li>You will maintain client confidentiality in accordance with the Bar Council of India Rules.</li>
        <li>You will attend all confirmed consultations at the scheduled time. Three or more no-shows may result in permanent suspension.</li>
        <li>Lawyers with 2–4 years of experience must offer a mandatory free initial consultation of up to 10 minutes.</li>
        <li>Lawyers with 5+ years of experience may set their own consultation fees, subject to platform guidelines.</li>
        <li>You will not solicit clients to contact you outside the platform or bypass the payment system.</li>
        <li>You will not provide any advice that is illegal, harmful, or contrary to Bar Council Rules.</li>
        <li>MeeVakeel retains the right to remove your profile for misconduct, client complaints, or credential verification failure.</li>
    </ul>
    <h6 style="color:var(--primary);margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:10px;">Commission & Payouts</h6>
    <p>MeeVakeel charges a platform commission of 20% on all paid consultations. The remaining 80% is paid to the lawyer weekly (every Monday) via NEFT/IMPS to the registered bank account. Payouts may be withheld during dispute resolution periods.</p>
');

termSection('s6',6,'Consultation Rules','fas fa-comments','
    <p>The following rules apply to all consultations conducted through MeeVakeel:</p>
    <ul>
        <li>Consultations are for informational and advisory purposes only and do not constitute legal representation.</li>
        <li>Lawyers must disclose any conflict of interest before accepting a consultation.</li>
        <li>No consultation may be used to facilitate illegal activities, money laundering, or fraud.</li>
        <li>Abusive, threatening, or harassing behaviour during consultations will result in immediate account termination.</li>
        <li>Sexual harassment or inappropriate behaviour will be reported to law enforcement.</li>
        <li>Consultations involving matrimonial, custody, or sensitive family matters require both parties\' voluntary participation.</li>
        <li>Documents uploaded for consultation must be authentic and must not contain falsified information.</li>
        <li>Session recordings are prohibited without prior written consent from all participants.</li>
    </ul>
');

termSection('s7',7,'Payments, Fees & Refund Policy','fas fa-credit-card','
    <h6 style="color:var(--primary);margin-bottom:10px;">Payment Terms</h6>
    <ul>
        <li>Consultation fees must be paid in advance to confirm a booking.</li>
        <li>All payments are processed securely through Razorpay. We do not store card details.</li>
        <li>Prices are displayed in Indian Rupees (INR) inclusive of all applicable taxes.</li>
        <li>GST, if applicable, will be displayed separately at checkout.</li>
    </ul>
    <h6 style="color:var(--primary);margin:18px 0 10px;">Refund Policy</h6>
    <div style="overflow-x:auto;margin:10px 0;">
        <table style="width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;font-size:0.85rem;">
            <thead><tr style="background:var(--primary);color:white;"><th style="padding:10px 14px;text-align:left;">Scenario</th><th style="padding:10px 14px;">Refund Amount</th><th style="padding:10px 14px;">Processing Time</th></tr></thead>
            <tbody>
                <tr style="border-bottom:1px solid var(--border);"><td style="padding:10px 14px;">Lawyer no-show</td><td style="padding:10px 14px;color:var(--success);font-weight:600;">100% Refund</td><td style="padding:10px 14px;color:var(--text-light);">3–5 business days</td></tr>
                <tr style="border-bottom:1px solid var(--border);background:var(--off-white);"><td style="padding:10px 14px;">Client cancels 6+ hours before</td><td style="padding:10px 14px;color:var(--success);font-weight:600;">100% Refund</td><td style="padding:10px 14px;color:var(--text-light);">3–5 business days</td></tr>
                <tr style="border-bottom:1px solid var(--border);"><td style="padding:10px 14px;">Client cancels within 6 hours</td><td style="padding:10px 14px;color:var(--warning);font-weight:600;">50% Refund</td><td style="padding:10px 14px;color:var(--text-light);">3–5 business days</td></tr>
                <tr style="border-bottom:1px solid var(--border);background:var(--off-white);"><td style="padding:10px 14px;">Consultation completed</td><td style="padding:10px 14px;color:var(--danger);font-weight:600;">No Refund</td><td style="padding:10px 14px;color:var(--text-light);">N/A</td></tr>
                <tr><td style="padding:10px 14px;">Platform error / technical failure</td><td style="padding:10px 14px;color:var(--success);font-weight:600;">100% Refund</td><td style="padding:10px 14px;color:var(--text-light);">3–5 business days</td></tr>
            </tbody>
        </table>
    </div>
    <p style="font-size:0.85rem;color:var(--text-light);margin-top:10px;">Refund disputes must be raised within 7 days of the consultation date by emailing <a href="mailto:support@meevakeel.in">support@meevakeel.in</a>.</p>
');

termSection('s8',8,'Prohibited Conduct','fas fa-ban','
    <p>The following activities are strictly prohibited on MeeVakeel:</p>
    <ul>
        <li>Creating fake accounts or impersonating another person or entity.</li>
        <li>Providing false credentials or forged Bar Council enrollment documents.</li>
        <li>Using the platform to facilitate any illegal activity.</li>
        <li>Circumventing the platform\'s payment system by arranging direct payments.</li>
        <li>Scraping, crawling, or harvesting user data from the platform.</li>
        <li>Uploading malware, viruses, or any harmful code.</li>
        <li>Posting false, misleading, or defamatory reviews.</li>
        <li>Harassing, threatening, or abusing other users.</li>
        <li>Using the platform for spam or unsolicited marketing.</li>
        <li>Attempting to gain unauthorised access to any part of the platform.</li>
    </ul>
    <p>Violation of these prohibitions may result in immediate account suspension, termination, legal action, and/or reporting to relevant authorities.</p>
');

termSection('s9',9,'Intellectual Property','fas fa-copyright','
    <p>All content on the MeeVakeel platform — including but not limited to the website design, logo, text, graphics, icons, user interface, code, and data — is the exclusive property of MeeVakeel Technologies Pvt. Ltd. and is protected by Indian and international intellectual property laws.</p>
    <ul>
        <li>You may not copy, reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works from any platform content without express written permission.</li>
        <li>The MeeVakeel name, logo, and tagline are registered trademarks and may not be used without authorisation.</li>
        <li>Content you submit (reviews, consultation queries) remains yours, but you grant MeeVakeel a non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to use it for platform operations.</li>
        <li>Lawyer profile information belongs to the respective lawyer but may be displayed on the platform as part of our services.</li>
    </ul>
');

termSection('s10',10,'Disclaimers & Limitation of Liability','fas fa-shield-alt','
    <div style="background:rgba(220,53,69,0.06);border:1px solid rgba(220,53,69,0.2);border-radius:10px;padding:16px;margin-bottom:16px;">
        <strong style="color:#c0392b;">Please read this section carefully — it limits our liability to you.</strong>
    </div>
    <ul>
        <li>MeeVakeel provides the platform on an "as is" and "as available" basis without warranties of any kind.</li>
        <li>We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or quality of legal advice provided by lawyers on our platform.</li>
        <li>MeeVakeel is not responsible for any outcome — legal, financial, or otherwise — resulting from a consultation on our platform.</li>
        <li>We do not guarantee uninterrupted, error-free, or secure access to the platform.</li>
        <li>To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, MeeVakeel\'s total liability to you for any claim shall not exceed the amount paid by you for the specific consultation that gave rise to the claim.</li>
        <li>We are not liable for indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages.</li>
        <li>We are not responsible for any technical issues with internet connectivity, devices, or third-party services beyond our control.</li>
    </ul>
');

termSection('s11',11,'Termination','fas fa-times-circle','
    <p><strong>By You:</strong> You may close your account at any time by contacting <a href="mailto:support@meevakeel.in">support@meevakeel.in</a>. Account closure does not entitle you to refunds for completed consultations.</p>
    <p><strong>By Us:</strong> We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your account, with or without notice, for:</p>
    <ul>
        <li>Violation of these Terms or our policies.</li>
        <li>Fraudulent or illegal activity.</li>
        <li>Repeated no-shows (for lawyers).</li>
        <li>Providing false registration information.</li>
        <li>Conduct harmful to other users or the platform.</li>
    </ul>
    <p>Upon termination, your right to use the platform ceases immediately. Provisions that by their nature should survive termination (including intellectual property, disclaimers, and dispute resolution) will remain in effect.</p>
');

termSection('s12',12,'Governing Law & Jurisdiction','fas fa-gavel','
    <p>These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of India. Any disputes arising from or relating to these Terms or your use of the MeeVakeel platform shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in <strong>Hyderabad, Telangana, India</strong>.</p>
    <p>The following Indian laws apply to your use of this platform:</p>
    <ul>
        <li>Information Technology Act, 2000 and its amendments.</li>
        <li>Indian Contract Act, 1872.</li>
        <li>Consumer Protection Act, 2019.</li>
        <li>Advocates Act, 1961 (for lawyer conduct).</li>
        <li>Bar Council of India Rules (for lawyer ethics).</li>
    </ul>
');

termSection('s13',13,'Dispute Resolution','fas fa-balance-scale','
    <p>In case of any dispute between you and MeeVakeel, the following process applies:</p>
    <ol>
        <li><strong>Step 1 — Informal Resolution:</strong> Contact our support team at <a href="mailto:support@meevakeel.in">support@meevakeel.in</a>. We will attempt to resolve the dispute informally within 30 days.</li>
        <li><strong>Step 2 — Mediation:</strong> If informal resolution fails, both parties agree to attempt mediation through a mutually agreed mediator in Hyderabad.</li>
        <li><strong>Step 3 — Arbitration:</strong> If mediation fails, disputes shall be resolved through binding arbitration under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, with a sole arbitrator appointed by mutual consent. The seat of arbitration shall be Hyderabad, Telangana.</li>
        <li><strong>Step 4 — Courts:</strong> Only if arbitration is inapplicable shall parties resort to courts of competent jurisdiction in Hyderabad.</li>
    </ol>
    <p>Notwithstanding the above, either party may seek injunctive relief from a court of competent jurisdiction for imminent harm.</p>
');

termSection('s14',14,'Changes to These Terms','fas fa-sync','
    <p>We may update these Terms at any time to reflect changes in our services, technology, or legal requirements. When we make material changes:</p>
    <ul>
        <li>We will update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page.</li>
        <li>We will send a notification to your registered email address.</li>
        <li>We will display a prominent banner on our platform for 15 days.</li>
    </ul>
    <p>Your continued use of MeeVakeel after the effective date of revised Terms constitutes your acceptance of the changes. If you do not agree, you must stop using the platform and close your account.</p>
');

termSection('s15',15,'Contact & Grievance Officer','fas fa-envelope','
    <p>For any questions, complaints, or legal notices regarding these Terms:</p>
    <div style="background:var(--off-white);border-radius:14px;padding:24px;">
        <div style="display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:16px;">
            <div><strong style="font-size:0.85rem;color:var(--primary);display:block;margin-bottom:4px;">Company Name</strong><span style="font-size:0.85rem;color:var(--text-light);">MeeVakeel Technologies Pvt. Ltd.</span></div>
            <div><strong style="font-size:0.85rem;color:var(--primary);display:block;margin-bottom:4px;">Grievance Officer</strong><span style="font-size:0.85rem;color:var(--text-light);">Legal & Compliance Team</span></div>
            <div><strong style="font-size:0.85rem;color:var(--primary);display:block;margin-bottom:4px;">Email</strong><a href="mailto:legal@meevakeel.in" style="color:var(--primary);font-size:0.85rem;">legal@meevakeel.in</a></div>
            <div><strong style="font-size:0.85rem;color:var(--primary);display:block;margin-bottom:4px;">Phone</strong><span style="font-size:0.85rem;color:var(--text-light);">+91 9876543210</span></div>
            <div class="col-span-2"><strong style="font-size:0.85rem;color:var(--primary);display:block;margin-bottom:4px;">Address</strong><span style="font-size:0.85rem;color:var(--text-light);">Hyderabad, Telangana – 500001, India</span></div>
        </div>
        <p style="font-size:0.82rem;color:var(--text-light);margin-top:14px;margin-bottom:0;">
            As per the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, our Grievance Officer will acknowledge your complaint within 24 hours and resolve it within 15 days.
        </p>
    </div>
');
?>

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                        <h5 style="color:white;margin-bottom:10px;">By Using MeeVakeel, You Agree to These Terms</h5>
                        <p style="color:rgba(255,255,255,0.65);font-size:0.85rem;margin-bottom:20px;">If you have any questions about these Terms, please contact our legal team before using the platform.</p>
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       Contact Legal Team

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       Read Privacy Policy

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