Documentation Law Videos - Indian Kaanoon - What is Power of Attorney? Difference between GPA & SPA (In Malayalam)

A power of attorney is a legal document giving one person who may be an agent or an attorney the power to act on another person’s behalf who is the principal. The agent can have a vast legal authority or even limited authority to make legal decisions about the principal's property, finances, and even medical care. The power of attorney is commonly used in the event of a medical emergency of the principal, or when the principal cannot be present due to unavailability or emergency to sign the necessary legal documents for financial transactions.
A person appointed as power of attorney is not necessarily an attorney. The person could just be a close family member, friend or even acquaintance. The agent is basically the legal representative of that person.
 
A general power of attorney gives broader authorizations and responsibilities to the agent. The agent may be able to make personal decisions during emergency/ need. For instance, medical, legal, financial and even business-transaction decisions.
 
A special power of attorney restricts what authority the agent has and cannot exercise the broader rights which are available to the general power of attorney. The power is limited by the principal authorizing him to be his agent.