Lent money to a friend and he is not returning it

What usually matters in this situation, and the papers to keep ready before you meet an advocate or free legal aid (call 15100).

Your situation

A dated list of every amount given and every amount repaid
Your advocate needs the exact balance claimed. Where: Your statements and notes.
Ask your advocate whether to send a written demand or a legal notice
A demand and the reply (or silence) can matter later. Where: —

Transfer records (statement, UPI history, cheque encashment)
Proves payment and the date. Where: Net banking, UPI app.
Borrower's full name and current address
Needed for a notice or a case. Where: Your records.

Signed agreement or promissory note — The clearest proof of a loan.
Complete chat where they accept the debt or promise to repay — Shows the money was a loan and may affect time limits.
Records of any part-payments they made — Part-payment supports the loan and may affect time limits.
The original cheque and the bank's return memo — Needed for a cheque-bounce case.
The cheque (check its date) — Cheques are generally valid for 3 months from their date.
Names and contact details of people present — Can support an oral loan.
Your written demand and any reply — Their response may admit or dispute the debt.
Messages around the time of the payment (them asking for money, saying why they needed it, or promising to return it) — Without a signed paper, the surrounding messages often show the money was a loan and not a gift.

Time limits apply to money claims. A written acknowledgement or part-payment can affect them. Your advocate will check.

General information, not legal advice.