Star Indian cricketer Virat Kohli has once again made headlines — but this time, it’s not for his on-field heroics. Kohli recently handed over the General Power of Attorney (GPA) for his lavish Rs 80-crore bungalow in Gurugram to his elder brother Vikas Kohli. The decision, though personal, has sparked immense curiosity about what a Power of Attorney is and how it works — especially among those owning property in India while residing abroad.
Let’s dive deeper into this real-life example of how Power of Attorney functions and why it’s often used by high-profile individuals and NRIs.
Virat Kohli’s Rs 80-Crore Gurugram Mansion
Virat Kohli’s property in DLF City Phase-1, Gurugram, is one of the most luxurious residences in the Delhi-NCR region. Estimated at nearly Rs 80 crore, the bungalow is a symbol of elegance, featuring state-of-the-art interiors, vast living spaces, landscaped lawns, and modern architecture.
However, since Kohli and his wife Anushka Sharma have been residing in London along with their two children, managing such a massive property in India could be challenging. From maintenance issues to legal paperwork and administrative approvals — someone needs to be physically present to handle these matters.
To solve this, Kohli executed a General Power of Attorney (GPA) in favor of his brother Vikas Kohli, allowing him to legally manage and make decisions related to the property on his behalf.
⚖️ What Is a Power of Attorney (PoA)?
A Power of Attorney (PoA) is a legal authorization document that allows one person (called the principal) to appoint another person (called the agent or attorney) to act on their behalf in various matters — financial, legal, or property-related.
Simply put, it’s like giving someone trusted the authority to represent you officially — whether it’s to sign papers, manage assets, or complete transactions.
For example:
- If you live abroad but own property in India, you can issue a PoA to a family member or lawyer in India to handle sales, leasing, or other property matters.
- If you are unable to attend a legal proceeding, your attorney can appear on your behalf using the authority granted through PoA.
Every action done under a valid PoA carries the same legal effect as if performed by the principal themselves.
🧾 Types of Power of Attorney
There are mainly two types of Power of Attorney used in India:
1. General Power of Attorney (GPA)
A GPA grants broad powers to the agent, allowing them to handle all matters related to property, finance, and legal decisions.
For example:
- Managing bank accounts
- Paying taxes
- Maintaining or renting out property
- Signing contracts or agreements
In Virat Kohli’s case, the GPA allows his brother to manage, maintain, or even transact the Gurugram bungalow while he’s abroad.
2. Special Power of Attorney (SPA)
An SPA is limited to a specific act or transaction.
For example:
- Selling or leasing a particular property
- Representing someone in one court case
- Handling one business transaction
Once the specific task is completed, the SPA automatically expires.
🧑⚖️ Why Celebrities and NRIs Use Power of Attorney
People living abroad, celebrities, and business owners often use Power of Attorney to ensure their local affairs are handled efficiently.
Here are some common reasons why PoA is beneficial:
- Convenience:
It saves time and travel — especially for NRIs who can’t be physically present in India for every legal or property-related task. - Trust and Control:
The principal can choose a trusted relative or lawyer to act on their behalf while maintaining full legal control. - Legal Validity:
A properly executed PoA (especially one registered before a notary or sub-registrar) has full legal standing under Indian law. - Flexibility:
The principal can revoke or limit the PoA anytime if needed.
🪪 How to Create a Power of Attorney in India
Creating a Power of Attorney is a straightforward legal process but must be handled carefully to ensure its validity. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
Step 1: Draft the PoA Document
Prepare the document clearly stating:
- The names and addresses of both principal and agent
- The powers granted (general or specific)
- The purpose and duration of authority
It’s always best to have it drafted by a lawyer to ensure legal accuracy.
Step 2: Sign in Presence of Witnesses
Both parties should sign the document in front of two witnesses, who also sign to confirm authenticity.
Step 3: Notarization or Registration
Depending on the type of PoA:
- A General PoA for property matters should be registered with the sub-registrar office.
- For NRIs, the document must be notarized at the Indian Embassy or Consulate abroad and later adjudicated in India.
Step 4: Safe Custody and Use
Keep multiple copies — one with the agent and another securely stored by the principal. The agent can present the PoA when handling official transactions.
💡 Legal Precautions Before Issuing PoA
While a PoA is convenient, it must be used wisely.
Here are a few safety measures to consider:
- Choose your agent carefully. Only give authority to someone completely trustworthy.
- Define clear boundaries. Specify exactly what the agent can and cannot do.
- Register the document. A registered PoA holds stronger legal standing and reduces misuse.
- Keep the option to revoke. Always retain the right to cancel the PoA if misused.
🔍 Virat Kohli’s Case: A Smart Legal Move
Virat Kohli’s decision to grant a General Power of Attorney to his brother Vikas reflects a strategic and practical approach to property management.
Living in London, it would be difficult for Kohli to handle local formalities related to his Gurugram bungalow — whether it’s taxes, maintenance, or possible leasing.
By executing a GPA, Kohli ensures that:
- His property remains legally and financially managed.
- Administrative or legal tasks don’t face unnecessary delays.
- A trusted family member can make authorized decisions in his absence.
This move highlights how even India’s biggest stars rely on proper legal frameworks to handle their assets smoothly.
🏁 Final Thoughts
The Power of Attorney is more than just a legal document — it’s a powerful tool for trust, control, and convenience, especially for those managing assets across locations or countries.
Virat Kohli’s example showcases how a well-structured Power of Attorney helps simplify property management while ensuring legal safety and peace of mind.
Whether you’re an NRI, a property owner abroad, or simply someone managing multiple assets, understanding and using a Power of Attorney wisely can save time, prevent disputes, and secure your interests effectively.