Legal Glossary
Indian law terms explained in plain language
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Ab Initio
Ab initio is a Latin term meaning 'from the beginning,' used in law to describe something that is treated as having been invalid, void, or effective from its very inception rather than from a later date.
Legal MaximsAbatement
Abatement is the termination or suspension of legal proceedings due to the death of a party, failure to substitute legal representatives, or the occurrence of an event that renders the proceedings incapable of continuation.
Civil ProcedureAbetment
Abetment is the act of instigating, conspiring with, or intentionally aiding another person to commit an offence, making the abettor punishable even if the offence is not actually committed.
Criminal LawAbsconder
An absconder is a person who deliberately evades the process of a court or flees to avoid arrest, and against whom a court may issue a proclamation and order the attachment of property under Sections 82-83 of the CrPC.
Criminal LawAccessory
An accessory is a person who assists in the commission of a crime either before or after the fact, without being the principal offender who directly commits the offence.
Criminal LawAccused
An accused is a person against whom a criminal charge has been framed or who is alleged to have committed a criminal offence and is facing prosecution before a court of law.
Criminal LawAcknowledgment
An acknowledgment is a written admission by a debtor or other liable person recognising an existing debt or liability, which under Section 18 of the Limitation Act has the effect of starting a fresh period of limitation.
Civil LawAcquittal
Acquittal is a court judgment declaring the accused not guilty of the charges, thereby freeing them from criminal liability for the alleged offence.
Criminal LawAct of God
An Act of God (vis major) is an extraordinary natural event beyond human control — such as an earthquake, flood, or cyclone — that could not have been foreseen or prevented, and which serves as a defence against liability in tort and contract law.
Tort LawActus Reus
Actus reus is the physical act or unlawful omission that constitutes the external element of a crime, which must be proven alongside the mental element (mens rea) to establish criminal liability.
Criminal LawAdjournment
An adjournment is the postponement of a court hearing or proceeding to a future date, granted by the court either on its own motion or at the request of one or both parties.
Civil ProcedureAdjournment Sine Die
Adjournment sine die is the indefinite postponement of a court hearing, legislative session, or proceeding without fixing a date for the next sitting.
Civil ProcedureAdjudicating Officer
An adjudicating officer is a statutory authority or officer empowered by law to hear disputes, examine evidence, and pass binding orders in regulatory or quasi-judicial proceedings.
Regulatory LawAdjudication
Adjudication is the formal legal process by which a court or tribunal examines the facts and law of a dispute and renders a binding decision or judgment.
LitigationAdministrator
An administrator is a person appointed by the court to manage and distribute the estate of a deceased person who died without leaving a valid will or without naming an executor in their will.
Succession LawAdoption
Adoption is the legal process by which a person takes another's child as their own, creating a permanent parent-child relationship recognised by law, governed in India by the Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act 1956 and the Juvenile Justice Act 2015.
Family LawAdverse Party
An adverse party is the opposing party in a legal proceeding — the person or entity against whom the case is filed or who is on the opposite side of the dispute.
Civil ProcedureAffidavit
An affidavit is a written statement of facts made voluntarily and confirmed by oath or affirmation before a person authorized to administer oaths, used as evidence in legal proceedings.
Civil ProcedureAge of Consent
The age of consent in India is 18 years, meaning any sexual activity with a person below 18 is a criminal offence regardless of consent, as established under the POCSO Act 2012 and Section 375 IPC/BNS.
Criminal LawAgent
An agent is a person employed to do any act for another or to represent another in dealings with third persons, as defined under Section 182 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872.
Contract LawAlibi
An alibi is a defence in criminal law where the accused claims they were present at a location other than the scene of the crime at the time of its commission, making it physically impossible for them to have committed the offence.
Criminal LawAlternative Dispute Resolution
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) refers to methods of resolving legal disputes outside the traditional court system, including arbitration, mediation, conciliation, and Lok Adalats, promoted under Section 89 CPC and the Arbitration and Conciliation Act 1996.
Dispute ResolutionAmicus Brief
An amicus brief (or amicus curiae brief) is a written submission filed in court by a person or organization that is not a party to the case but has expertise or interest in the subject matter and seeks to assist the court in reaching a just decision.
Civil ProcedureAmicus Curiae
Amicus curiae, meaning 'friend of the court,' is a lawyer or expert appointed by a court to assist it in cases involving complex legal questions, public interest, or situations where one of the parties is unrepresented.
Legal ProcedureAmnesty
Amnesty is a government act that pardons or grants immunity to a group or class of persons for past offences, effectively wiping the slate clean for the specified category of violations.
Constitutional LawAnimus Possidendi
Animus possidendi is a Latin term meaning 'intention to possess,' referring to the mental element required to establish possession in law, particularly as a critical component of adverse possession claims.
Property LawAnnulment
Annulment is a legal declaration that a marriage is null and void — either because it was never valid from the beginning or because it is voidable at the option of one of the parties.
Family LawAnticipatory Bail
Anticipatory bail is a direction by the court to release a person on bail even before they are arrested, granted when they have reason to believe they may be arrested for a non-bailable offence.
Criminal LawAnticipatory Breach
Anticipatory breach occurs when a party to a contract clearly indicates, before the performance is due, that they will not perform their obligations under the contract.
Contract LawAppeal
An appeal is a legal proceeding in which a party aggrieved by the decision of a lower court requests a higher court to review and reverse, modify, or uphold that decision.
Civil ProcedureAppeal as of Right
An appeal as of right is an appeal that a party is entitled to file under statute without needing permission from the court, as distinguished from an appeal that requires leave (permission) of the court.
Civil ProcedureAppearance
Appearance in law refers to the act of a party or their advocate coming before a court in response to a summons or notice, signifying their participation in the proceedings.
Civil ProcedureAppellate Court
An appellate court is a court that has the jurisdiction to hear and decide appeals against orders or judgments passed by lower courts or tribunals.
Legal SystemArbitral Award
An arbitral award is the final decision made by an arbitrator or arbitral tribunal to resolve a dispute submitted to arbitration, and it is binding on the parties.
Corporate LawArbitration
Arbitration is a method of alternative dispute resolution where parties agree to have their dispute decided by a private tribunal (arbitrator) instead of going to court.
Corporate LawArraignment
Arraignment is the formal court proceeding in which the charges against the accused are read out and the accused is asked to plead guilty or not guilty.
Criminal LawAssignment
Assignment is the transfer of rights, interests, or benefits under a contract or property from one person (the assignor) to another (the assignee), governed by the Transfer of Property Act and the Indian Contract Act.
Contract LawAttachment
Attachment is a court-ordered process of seizing or freezing a person's property to secure a claim or ensure compliance with a decree or order.
Civil LawAttachment Before Judgment
Attachment before judgment is a provisional remedy under Order 38 of the CPC that allows a court to attach the defendant's property during a pending suit to prevent them from disposing of or removing it to defeat the eventual decree.
Civil ProcedureAttestation
Attestation is the act of witnessing the execution of a document by signing it as a witness to confirm that the document was signed or executed in one's presence.
Property LawAuthentication
Authentication in law is the process of verifying and proving the genuineness of a document, signature, electronic record, or other evidence so that it can be admitted and relied upon in court proceedings.
Evidence LawB
Bail
Bail is the temporary release of an accused person from custody, with or without conditions, pending the conclusion of their trial, upon furnishing a security or bond to the court.
Criminal LawBail Bond
A bail bond is a written undertaking, with or without sureties, executed by or on behalf of an accused person, guaranteeing their appearance before the court on specified dates in exchange for their release from custody.
Criminal LawBailable Offence
A bailable offence is an offence where the accused person has a right to be released on bail, and the police or court must grant bail upon the accused furnishing a bail bond.
Criminal LawBailment
Bailment is the delivery of goods by one person to another for a specific purpose, with the understanding that the goods will be returned or disposed of according to the directions of the person delivering them.
Contract LawBar Council
The Bar Council is the statutory regulatory body for the legal profession in India, established under the Advocates Act 1961, comprising the Bar Council of India (BCI) at the national level and State Bar Councils at the state level.
Legal ProfessionBenami Property
Benami property is property purchased by one person in the name of another person (the benamidar), where the real owner conceals their ownership, and such transactions are prohibited and punishable under the Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act, 1988.
Property LawBench
A bench refers to the composition of judges sitting together to hear a case, ranging from a single judge bench to a Constitution Bench of five or more judges of the Supreme Court.
Judicial SystemBill of Exchange
A bill of exchange is a written instrument containing an unconditional order signed by the maker, directing a certain person to pay a certain sum of money to the order of a certain person or to the bearer.
Commercial LawBinding Precedent
A binding precedent is a legal principle established by a higher court's decision that lower courts are obligated to follow when deciding similar cases, enshrined in Article 141 of the Constitution for Supreme Court declarations.
Constitutional LawBlack Money
Black money refers to income or wealth that has been earned, acquired, or accumulated through illegal means or on which taxes have not been paid as required by law.
Tax LawBona Fide
Bona fide means 'in good faith' — it refers to actions, intentions, or transactions that are genuine, honest, and without any intent to deceive or defraud.
General Legal TermsBona Fide Purchaser
A bona fide purchaser is a person who buys property in good faith, for valuable consideration, and without knowledge or notice of any defect in the seller's title or any competing claim to the property.
Property LawBreach of Contract
Breach of contract occurs when a party to a valid contract fails to perform their obligations under the contract without lawful excuse, entitling the aggrieved party to legal remedies.
Contract LawBrief
A brief is the set of instructions, case papers, and documents given by a client (or a junior advocate) to an advocate to enable them to represent the client's case in court or provide legal advice.
Legal ProfessionBurden of Proof
Burden of proof is the obligation placed on a party in legal proceedings to prove the facts necessary to establish their claim or defence, governed by Sections 101-104 of the Indian Evidence Act.
Evidence LawC
Capital Punishment
Capital punishment is the legally authorised execution of a person as punishment for a crime, imposed in India only in the rarest of rare cases where the alternative of life imprisonment is unquestionably foreclosed.
Criminal LawCase Diary
A case diary is the daily record of investigation maintained by a police officer investigating a criminal case, documenting every step taken during the investigation, as mandated under Section 172 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
Criminal LawCause List
A cause list is the official daily schedule published by a court listing all cases to be heard on a particular date, along with the bench composition, court number, and serial order of hearing.
Civil ProcedureCause of Action
A cause of action is the set of facts or circumstances that gives a person the legal right to seek a remedy or file a lawsuit against another person or entity.
Civil LawCaveat
A caveat is a formal notice filed by a person in court requesting that no order be passed in a matter affecting their interests without first giving them an opportunity to be heard.
Civil ProcedureCaveat Emptor
Caveat emptor is a Latin legal maxim meaning 'let the buyer beware,' which places the responsibility on the buyer to examine and verify the quality and suitability of goods before purchase.
Contract LawCertified Copy
A certified copy is an officially authenticated reproduction of a court order, judgment, decree, or registered document, bearing the seal and signature of the authorised officer, confirming it is a true copy of the original.
Civil ProcedureCertiorari
Certiorari is a prerogative writ issued by a superior court to an inferior court or tribunal, directing it to transmit the record of a case so that the superior court may review and quash the order if it was passed without jurisdiction or in violation of natural justice.
Constitutional LawChallan
A challan (also called a police report or chargesheet) is the formal report filed by the police before a Magistrate under Section 173 of the CrPC upon completion of investigation, presenting the evidence and conclusions of the investigation.
Criminal LawChamber Hearing
A chamber hearing (also called an in-chamber hearing) is a judicial proceeding conducted in the judge's private chambers rather than in the open courtroom, typically used for sensitive matters, procedural applications, or preliminary discussions.
Civil ProcedureCharge
A charge is a formal accusation framed by a court against an accused person, specifying the offence they are alleged to have committed and the particulars of the act constituting the offence.
Criminal LawCharge Framing
Charge framing is the judicial process in a criminal trial where the court formally states the specific offence(s) the accused is alleged to have committed, based on the evidence presented during investigation, giving the accused notice of what they must defend against.
Criminal LawChargesheet
A chargesheet is the final report filed by the police before a Magistrate after completing the investigation of a criminal case, detailing the evidence collected and the conclusions reached.
Criminal LawCheque Dishonour
Cheque dishonour (cheque bounce) occurs when a bank refuses to honour a cheque presented for payment, most commonly due to insufficient funds in the drawer's account, and is a criminal offence under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act.
Criminal LawChief Justice
The Chief Justice is the head of a court — the Chief Justice of India (CJI) heads the Supreme Court under Article 124, and the Chief Justice of a High Court heads the respective High Court under Article 217 of the Constitution.
Constitutional LawChose in Action
A chose in action is a right to recover money or property through legal action rather than through physical possession — an intangible right that can only be enforced by suing, such as a debt, insurance claim, or right under a contract.
Property LawCircumstantial Evidence
Circumstantial evidence is indirect evidence that requires the court to draw inferences from a chain of proven facts to establish the guilt or innocence of the accused, rather than directly proving the fact in issue.
Evidence LawCivil Death
Civil death is the loss of a person's civil rights and legal capacity as a consequence of conviction for a serious offence, life imprisonment, or certain other legal events that effectively extinguish their participation in civil society.
Constitutional LawClemency
Clemency is the power of the President of India or the Governor of a State to grant mercy, pardon, reprieve, respite, or remission of punishment to a person convicted of an offence.
Constitutional LawClosure Report
A closure report is a report filed by the police before a Magistrate when, after investigation, they find insufficient evidence or no offence to proceed further, effectively seeking to close the case.
Criminal LawCoercion
Coercion is the act of compelling a person to enter into a contract by threatening to commit an act forbidden by the Indian Penal Code or by unlawfully detaining or threatening to detain property.
Contract LawCognizable Offence
A cognizable offence is an offence in which a police officer can arrest the accused without a warrant and begin investigation without prior permission from a magistrate.
Criminal LawCognizance
Cognizance is the formal act by which a Magistrate takes judicial notice of an offence, marking the initiation of criminal proceedings, and is governed by Section 190 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
Criminal LawCollateral
Collateral is an asset or property pledged by a borrower to a lender as security for a loan, which the lender can seize if the borrower fails to repay.
Banking & Finance LawCollusion
Collusion is a secret agreement or understanding between two or more parties to deceive, defraud, or act dishonestly, particularly relevant in Indian law as a ground for rejecting a divorce petition.
Family LawCommittal
Committal is the judicial process by which a Magistrate transfers a criminal case to the Court of Session for trial when the offence is triable exclusively by the Sessions Court.
Criminal LawCommon Intention
Common intention refers to a shared criminal purpose among two or more persons, where each participant is held equally liable for an offence committed in furtherance of that shared intention under Section 34 IPC.
Criminal LawCommunity Service
Community service is a form of punishment introduced under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 that requires a convicted person to perform unpaid work for the benefit of the community as an alternative to imprisonment.
Criminal LawCommutation
Commutation is the reduction or substitution of a more severe punishment with a less severe one, exercised by the President under Article 72 or the Governor under Article 161 of the Constitution of India.
Constitutional LawCompensation
Compensation is the monetary award or payment ordered by a court or authority to make good a loss, injury, or damage suffered by a person due to the wrongful act or breach of another.
Civil LawComplainant
A complainant is a person who makes a formal complaint to a court or authority alleging that a criminal offence has been committed, thereby initiating criminal proceedings.
Criminal LawCompounding of Offences
Compounding of offences is the process by which the complainant or victim agrees to settle a criminal case with the accused, resulting in the accused being acquitted, and is permitted only for offences listed under Section 320 CrPC.
Criminal LawCompromise Decree
A compromise decree is a court decree passed on the basis of a lawful agreement or settlement reached between the parties to a suit, recorded and made enforceable by the court under Order 23 Rule 3 of the CPC.
Civil ProcedureConciliation
Conciliation is a voluntary dispute resolution process where an independent third party (conciliator) assists the disputing parties in reaching a mutually acceptable settlement.
Dispute ResolutionConditional Pardon
A conditional pardon is a pardon granted to an accomplice in a criminal case on the condition that they make a full and true disclosure of the facts and testify as a prosecution witness against the other accused persons.
Criminal LawConfession
A confession is a statement made by an accused person acknowledging their guilt in the commission of a criminal offence, and its admissibility in court is governed by strict legal safeguards.
Criminal LawConfiscation
Confiscation is the legal seizure and forfeiture of property, goods, or assets by the government without compensation, typically as a penalty for violation of customs, excise, narcotics, or anti-money laundering laws.
Criminal LawConjugal Rights
Conjugal rights are the mutual rights and obligations that arise from the marriage relationship, including the right to cohabitation, companionship, and consortium, with the legal remedy of restitution available under Section 9 of the Hindu Marriage Act.
Family LawConsent
Consent is the voluntary agreement by a person to the terms of a contract, act, or proposal, and under Indian contract law, only 'free consent' — consent given without coercion, undue influence, fraud, misrepresentation, or mistake — makes an agreement enforceable.
Contract LawConsideration
Consideration is something of value — an act, abstinence, or promise — given by one party to a contract in exchange for the promise or performance of the other party, and is essential for a valid contract under Section 2(d) of the Indian Contract Act.
Contract LawConstructive Notice
Constructive notice is a legal doctrine that deems a person to have knowledge of certain facts — particularly registered documents — even if they have no actual knowledge, because the information is publicly available on record.
Property LawConsumer
A consumer is any person who buys goods or hires services for consideration, including online transactions, but does not include a person who obtains goods for resale or commercial purposes.
Consumer LawContempt of Court
Contempt of court is any act or omission that disrespects, disobeys, or undermines the authority, dignity, or functioning of a court, punishable under the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971.
Constitutional LawContempt Proceedings
Contempt proceedings are legal actions initiated under the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971, against a person who disobeys a court order, scandalises the judiciary, or interferes with the administration of justice.
Constitutional LawContributory Negligence
Contributory negligence is a legal defence where the defendant argues that the plaintiff's own negligence contributed to the injury or loss, potentially reducing or barring the plaintiff's claim for damages.
Tort LawConveyance Deed
A conveyance deed is a legal document that transfers the ownership and title of immovable property from one person (the seller or transferor) to another person (the buyer or transferee).
Property LawConviction
Conviction is a formal judgment by a criminal court declaring the accused guilty of the offence charged and imposing a sentence or punishment as prescribed by law.
Criminal LawCoparcenary
A coparcenary is a narrower body within a Hindu Joint Family, consisting of members who acquire a right by birth in the joint family property and can demand partition.
Property LawCopyright
Copyright is an exclusive legal right granted to the creator of an original literary, dramatic, musical, or artistic work to reproduce, distribute, perform, and adapt that work for a specified period.
Intellectual Property LawCorroboration
Corroboration is independent evidence that supports, confirms, or strengthens the testimony of a witness or other evidence already presented in a case, making it more credible and reliable.
Evidence LawCounter-Claim
A counter-claim is a claim made by the defendant against the plaintiff in the same suit, essentially functioning as a cross-suit that is tried alongside the original claim.
Civil ProcedureCourt Fee
Court fee is the statutory fee payable to the government when filing a suit, appeal, application, or other judicial proceeding, as prescribed by the Court Fees Act, 1870, and respective state amendments.
Civil LawCriminal Breach of Trust
Criminal breach of trust is an offence committed when a person entrusted with property or dominion over property dishonestly misappropriates it, converts it to their own use, or disposes of it in violation of the terms of the trust.
Criminal LawCriminal Conspiracy
Criminal conspiracy is an agreement between two or more persons to commit an illegal act or to commit a legal act by illegal means, punishable as a standalone offence even if the planned crime is not carried out.
Criminal LawCross-Examination
Cross-examination is the questioning of a witness by the opposing party after the witness has given their evidence-in-chief, aimed at testing the truthfulness, accuracy, and credibility of the testimony.
Evidence LawCruelty
Cruelty in legal terms encompasses both physical and mental acts of violence, harassment, or conduct by a spouse that endangers the life, limb, or health of the other spouse, or causes reasonable apprehension of such danger.
Family LawCurative Petition
A curative petition is the last and final judicial remedy available in the Indian legal system, filed before the Supreme Court of India to seek reconsideration of its own final judgment after a review petition has been dismissed.
Constitutional LawCurfew
A curfew is a government-imposed restriction on the movement and assembly of people in a specified area during specified hours, typically enforced under Section 144 CrPC to prevent disturbance of public order, peace, and tranquility.
Criminal LawCustody
Custody refers to the legal right and responsibility of a person to care for, control, and make decisions regarding a child, or the state of being held in detention or confinement by law enforcement or judicial authority.
Family LawCyber Crime
Cyber crime refers to any criminal offence committed using a computer, computer network, or the internet, and is primarily governed by the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the Indian Penal Code / Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Criminal LawD
Damages
Damages are the monetary compensation awarded by a court in civil proceedings to a person who has suffered loss, harm, or injury due to the wrongful act or breach of obligation by another party.
Civil LawDamnum Sine Injuria
Damnum sine injuria is a Latin legal maxim meaning 'damage without legal injury,' which holds that actual loss or harm suffered by a person does not give rise to a legal remedy if no legal right has been violated.
Tort LawDe Facto
De facto is a Latin legal term meaning 'in fact' or 'in practice,' used to describe a situation that exists in reality, even if it is not formally or legally recognised.
Legal TerminologyDe Jure
De jure is a Latin legal term meaning 'by right' or 'according to law,' used to describe a situation that exists as a matter of law or legal entitlement, regardless of whether it corresponds to the practical reality.
Legal TerminologyDe Novo
De novo is a Latin term meaning 'anew' or 'from the beginning,' used in law to describe a fresh trial or hearing where the entire case is reconsidered from scratch, as if the previous proceedings had not taken place.
Civil ProcedureDebt Recovery
Debt recovery is the legal process by which a creditor seeks to collect an outstanding debt from a debtor through judicial or quasi-judicial mechanisms, including tribunals, courts, and insolvency proceedings.
Banking and Finance LawDeclaratory Suit
A declaratory suit is a civil suit filed under Section 34 of the Specific Relief Act, 1963, seeking a court declaration that the plaintiff is entitled to a legal character or right to property, without any further consequential relief.
Civil ProcedureDecree
A decree is the formal expression of an adjudication by a civil court which conclusively determines the rights of the parties with regard to all or any of the matters in controversy in the suit.
Civil ProcedureDeemed Decree
A deemed decree is an order or award that, while not passed by a civil court through regular trial, is treated by law as having the same force and effect as a civil court decree — most notably, the award of a Lok Adalat under Section 21 of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.
Civil LawDefamation
Defamation is the publication of a false statement about a person that injures their reputation, actionable as both a criminal offence under the IPC/BNS and a civil tort entitling the aggrieved person to damages.
Criminal LawDefault
Default is the failure to perform a legal obligation, appear before a court when required, or comply with procedural requirements, which can result in adverse consequences including judgment being passed against the defaulting party.
Civil ProcedureDeponent
A deponent is a person who makes a statement under oath or affirmation, typically in the form of an affidavit or a deposition, providing sworn testimony that can be used as evidence in legal proceedings.
Evidence LawDeposition
A deposition is a formal statement of evidence given by a witness under oath or affirmation, recorded in writing, typically before a court, commission, or authorised officer, for use in legal proceedings.
Evidence LawDesertion
Desertion is the permanent abandonment of one spouse by the other without reasonable cause and without the consent of the aggrieved spouse, constituting a ground for divorce under Indian matrimonial law.
Family LawDetention Order
A detention order is a government order directing the preventive detention of a person without trial, issued under laws like the National Security Act (NSA) or COFEPOSA to prevent them from acting in a manner prejudicial to public order, national security, or essential services.
Constitutional LawDetenue
A detenue is a person who is held in custody under preventive detention laws, without being charged with or convicted of any specific criminal offence.
Constitutional LawDigital Evidence
Digital evidence refers to any information stored or transmitted in electronic form that can be used in a court of law, including emails, electronic records, digital photographs, social media data, and computer-generated documents.
Evidence LawDirective Principles of State Policy
Directive Principles of State Policy are guidelines enshrined in Part IV of the Indian Constitution (Articles 36-51) that direct the State to create social and economic conditions for a just society, though they are not enforceable in any court.
Constitutional LawDisability
Disability, in legal terms, refers to a long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairment that, in interaction with barriers, hinders a person's full and effective participation in society on an equal basis, protected under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
Constitutional LawDischarge
Discharge is a court order releasing an accused person from the charges framed against them, typically at a pre-trial stage when the court finds insufficient grounds to proceed with the trial.
Criminal LawDiscovery
Discovery is a pre-trial legal process under Order 11 of the Code of Civil Procedure that allows parties in a civil suit to obtain disclosure of relevant documents and facts from the opposing side.
Civil LawDisinheritance
Disinheritance is the act of deliberately excluding a legal heir from inheriting one's property, typically through a will or testamentary document.
Property & Succession LawDissenting Opinion
A dissenting opinion is a written opinion by one or more judges of a bench who disagree with the majority decision of the court, setting out their reasons for reaching a different conclusion on the legal issues in the case.
JurisprudenceDistraint
Distraint is the legal seizure of a person's movable property by a government authority or landlord to compel payment of arrears of rent, taxes, revenue, or other dues without having to resort to a court proceeding.
Property LawDocument
A document, under Indian evidence law, is any matter expressed, described, or howsoever recorded upon any substance by means of letters, figures, marks, or any other means, intended to be used or which may be used for the purpose of recording that matter.
Evidence LawDoli Incapax
Doli incapax is a Latin legal maxim meaning 'incapable of crime,' which holds that a child below a certain age cannot be held criminally responsible because they lack the mental capacity to understand the nature and consequences of their actions.
Criminal LawDomestic Inquiry
A domestic inquiry (also called a departmental inquiry) is an internal disciplinary proceeding conducted by an employer against an employee accused of misconduct, following the principles of natural justice, before imposing any punishment including termination.
Labour LawDomicile
Domicile is the permanent home or place of residence of a person, which determines the personal law applicable to them and the jurisdiction of courts for matters such as marriage, divorce, succession, and taxation.
Constitutional and Civil LawDouble Jeopardy
Double jeopardy is a constitutional protection under Article 20(2) of the Indian Constitution that prevents a person from being prosecuted and punished more than once for the same offence.
Constitutional LawDowry
Dowry is any property or valuable security given or agreed to be given, directly or indirectly, by one party to a marriage to the other party, or by parents or relatives of either party, in connection with the marriage.
Family LawDue Process
Due process is the constitutional principle that requires the State to follow fair, just, and reasonable legal procedures before depriving any person of their life or personal liberty.
Constitutional LawDuress
Duress is the unlawful pressure, compulsion, or coercion exerted on a person to force them to act against their free will, rendering any consent obtained thereby involuntary and potentially void or voidable.
Contract LawDying Declaration
A dying declaration is a statement made by a person who is about to die or who has died, concerning the cause of their death or the circumstances of the transaction resulting in their death, admissible as evidence under Section 32(1) of the Indian Evidence Act.
Evidence LawE
Easement
An easement is a right that the owner or occupier of land possesses to use or restrict the use of another person's land for a specific purpose, such as a right of way or right to light, governed by the Indian Easements Act, 1882.
Property LawElection Commission
The Election Commission of India is an autonomous constitutional body established under Article 324 of the Constitution, responsible for superintending, directing, and controlling the preparation of electoral rolls and the conduct of all elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of President and Vice-President.
Constitutional LawElection Petition
An election petition is a legal proceeding filed before the High Court to challenge the result of an election to Parliament or a State Legislature on grounds of corrupt practices, electoral malpractice, or non-compliance with the law.
Constitutional and Election LawEminent Domain
Eminent domain is the inherent power of the state to acquire private property for public purpose, subject to the payment of fair compensation to the affected owner.
Constitutional LawEncroachment
Encroachment is the unauthorized occupation, intrusion upon, or extension into the land, property, or rights of another person or the public without legal permission.
Property LawEncumbrance
An encumbrance is any charge, liability, or claim attached to a property that may reduce its value or restrict its transfer, such as a mortgage, lien, lease, or easement.
Property LawEncumbrance Certificate
An Encumbrance Certificate (EC) is an official document issued by the Sub-Registrar's office that confirms whether a particular property is free from any legal or monetary liabilities such as mortgages, liens, or pending litigation.
Property LawEndorsement
An endorsement is the act of signing on the back of a negotiable instrument, such as a cheque or bill of exchange, to transfer the right to receive payment to another person.
Banking and Commercial LawEquity
Equity is a body of legal principles based on fairness and justice that supplements the strict rules of law, providing remedies where rigid application of the law would lead to unjust outcomes.
JurisprudenceEscheat
Escheat is the legal principle by which the property of a person who dies without any legal heirs reverts to the state as the ultimate owner of all land.
Property LawEstoppel
Estoppel is a legal principle that prevents a person from denying or going back on a representation of fact they previously made, when another person has relied on that representation and acted upon it to their detriment.
Evidence LawEvidence
Evidence is any material — oral testimony, documents, electronic records, or physical objects — presented before a court to prove or disprove facts in a legal proceeding.
Procedural LawEx Gratia
Ex gratia is a payment or benefit given voluntarily as a gesture of goodwill, without any legal obligation or admission of liability on the part of the payer.
General Legal ConceptsEx Parte
Ex parte is a Latin legal term meaning 'from one side only,' referring to a court proceeding or order made at the request of one party without notice to or in the absence of the other party.
Civil ProcedureExamination-in-Chief
Examination-in-chief is the first questioning of a witness by the party who called them, conducted to elicit testimony that supports that party's case.
Procedural LawExecution of Decree
Execution of decree is the legal process by which a court enforces its decree, compelling the judgment debtor to comply with the court's decision by delivering property, paying money, or performing the required act.
Civil ProcedureExecution Petition
An execution petition is a formal application filed in court by a decree-holder to enforce and implement a court decree or order that the judgment-debtor has failed to comply with voluntarily.
Civil ProcedureExecutor
An executor is a person named in a will by the testator to carry out the directions and requests in the will and to administer the estate of the deceased.
Succession LawExemption Clause
An exemption clause is a term in a contract that attempts to exclude or limit the liability of one party for breach of contract, negligence, or other defaults.
Contract LawExpert Witness
An expert witness is a person with specialised knowledge, skill, or experience in a particular field who is called to give opinion evidence in court on matters beyond the understanding of ordinary persons.
Evidence LawExpress Contract
An express contract is a contract in which the terms and conditions are explicitly stated by the parties, either in writing or through spoken words, leaving no room for implication.
Contract LawExtinguishment
Extinguishment is the termination or ending of a legal right, interest, or obligation by operation of law, merger, release, or the happening of a specified event.
General Legal ConceptsExtradition
Extradition is the formal process by which one country surrenders a person accused or convicted of a crime to another country that has jurisdiction to try or punish them, governed in India by the Extradition Act, 1962.
Criminal LawF
Fact in Issue
A fact in issue is any fact that is directly in dispute between the parties in a legal proceeding and upon which the right, liability, or defence depends.
Evidence LawFair Trial
Fair trial is the constitutional right of every person, rooted in Article 21 and the principles of natural justice, to have their case heard impartially with proper opportunity to present their defence.
Constitutional LawFamily Court
A Family Court is a specialised court established under the Family Courts Act, 1984, to handle matrimonial disputes, child custody, maintenance, and other family-related legal matters with a focus on conciliation and speedy resolution.
Family LawFamily Settlement
A family settlement is an amicable arrangement between family members to resolve disputes over property by mutually agreeing on the division or distribution of family assets.
Property LawFederalism
Federalism is the constitutional principle of distributing governmental powers between a central authority and regional units (states), as established by the Seventh Schedule and Article 246 of the Indian Constitution.
Constitutional LawFiduciary
A fiduciary is a person who holds a position of trust and confidence in relation to another and is legally bound to act in the best interest of that other person, placing their interests above their own.
General Legal PrinciplesFine
A fine is a monetary penalty imposed by a court as punishment for an offence, requiring the convicted person to pay a specified sum of money to the state.
Criminal LawFIR (First Information Report)
A First Information Report (FIR) is a written document prepared by the police when they receive information about the commission of a cognizable offence, marking the first step in the criminal investigation process.
Criminal LawFirst Appeal
A first appeal is an appeal filed as a matter of right under Section 96 of the Code of Civil Procedure against an original decree passed by a trial court, allowing a complete re-examination of facts and law.
Civil ProcedureFixture
A fixture is a movable object that has been attached or affixed to immovable property in such a manner that it becomes part of the property and cannot be removed without damage to the property.
Property LawFloating Charge
A floating charge is a security interest created over the changing assets of a company, such as inventory and receivables, which allows the company to deal with those assets in the ordinary course of business until the charge crystallises.
Company LawForce Majeure
Force majeure refers to extraordinary and unforeseeable events beyond the control of contracting parties — such as natural disasters, wars, or pandemics — that make performance of a contract impossible, connected to the doctrine of frustration under Section 56 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872.
Contract LawForeclosure
Foreclosure is the legal process by which a mortgagee (lender) bars the mortgagor (borrower) from redeeming the mortgaged property after default, effectively allowing the lender to take ownership or sell the property to recover the outstanding debt.
Property LawForeign Judgment
A foreign judgment is a judgment or decree passed by a court in a country outside India, which may be recognised and enforced in India subject to conditions specified in Section 13 of the Code of Civil Procedure.
Civil ProcedureForfeiture
Forfeiture is the loss or giving up of a right, property, or privilege as a penalty for breach of an obligation, condition, or law.
General Legal ConceptsForum Shopping
Forum shopping is the practice of a litigant choosing to file a case in a particular court or jurisdiction that they believe is most likely to render a favourable judgment, a practice generally disapproved of by Indian courts.
Civil ProcedureFraud
Fraud is the intentional act of deceiving another person to gain an unfair or unlawful advantage, defined under Section 17 of the Indian Contract Act as including acts committed with the intent to deceive or induce someone to enter into a contract.
Contract LawFree Legal Aid
Free legal aid is the provision of legal services at no cost to persons who cannot afford legal representation, guaranteed under Article 39A of the Indian Constitution and implemented through the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.
Constitutional LawFundamental Duties
Fundamental Duties are the moral and civic obligations of every citizen of India, enshrined under Article 51A of the Constitution, added by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment in 1976.
Constitutional LawG
Garnishee Order
A garnishee order is a court order directing a third party (the garnishee) who owes money to a judgment debtor, or holds money on their behalf, to pay that money directly to the judgment creditor to satisfy a court decree.
Civil LawGazette Notification
A gazette notification is an official announcement published in the Official Gazette of India (or a state gazette) by the government, giving legal effect to laws, rules, appointments, and policy decisions.
Administrative LawGood Faith
Good faith means acting honestly and with genuine intent, defined under Section 3(22) of the General Clauses Act as something done 'honestly, whether it is done negligently or not.'
General Legal PrinciplesGovernment Pleader
A Government Pleader is an advocate appointed by the state government to represent the state in criminal proceedings before the High Court and to conduct prosecution and other legal matters on behalf of the government.
Criminal LawGrievance Redressal
Grievance redressal is the formal mechanism through which citizens, consumers, or employees can lodge complaints against public authorities, service providers, or employers and seek resolution of their grievances.
Administrative LawGrounds for Divorce
Grounds for divorce are the legally recognised reasons based on which a spouse can petition the court to dissolve their marriage, as prescribed under the applicable personal law or statute.
Family LawGuarantee
A guarantee is a contract in which a person (the surety) promises a creditor to perform the obligation or discharge the liability of a third person (the principal debtor) in case of their default, governed by Sections 126-147 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872.
Contract LawGuardian
A guardian is a person who has the legal authority and responsibility to care for the person and/or property of another individual — typically a minor or a person of unsound mind — who is unable to manage their own affairs.
Family LawH
Habeas Corpus
Habeas corpus is a constitutional writ that directs a person detaining another to produce the detained person before the court and justify the lawfulness of their detention.
Constitutional LawHabitual Offender
A habitual offender is a person who has been convicted of criminal offences on multiple occasions and is subject to enhanced punishment, surveillance, or restrictive measures under various central and state laws.
Criminal LawHearing
A hearing is a formal court session in which parties to a case present their arguments, evidence, or submissions before a judge or judicial officer for consideration and decision.
Civil ProcedureHearsay
Hearsay is an out-of-court statement offered in evidence to prove the truth of the matter asserted, which is generally inadmissible because the person who made the original statement cannot be cross-examined.
Evidence LawHiba
Hiba is a gift under Muslim law — a voluntary transfer of property by one person to another without any consideration, requiring declaration by the donor, acceptance by the donee, and delivery of possession.
Muslim Personal LawHigh Court
A High Court is the principal court of a state or Union Territory in India, established under Article 214 of the Constitution, exercising original, appellate, and writ jurisdiction over matters within its territorial limits.
Constitutional LawHolder in Due Course
A holder in due course is a person who acquires a negotiable instrument in good faith, for valuable consideration, before its maturity, and without notice of any defect in the title of the person transferring it.
Banking and Commercial LawHomicide
Homicide is the act of causing the death of a human being by another human being, which may be culpable (criminal) or non-culpable (lawful), as distinguished under Sections 299-304 of the IPC and corresponding provisions of the BNS.
Criminal LawHostile Witness
A hostile witness is a witness who, during examination-in-chief, gives testimony that is unfavourable or contradictory to the case of the party that called them, prompting the court to grant permission to cross-examine their own witness.
Evidence LawHUF - Hindu Undivided Family
A Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) is a legal and tax entity consisting of all persons lineally descended from a common ancestor, including their wives and unmarried daughters, governed by Hindu law and the Mitakshara system of joint family property.
Hindu Law & TaxationHypothecation
Hypothecation is a form of security interest where a borrower pledges movable property as collateral for a loan without transferring physical possession of the property to the lender.
Banking & Finance LawI
Iddat
Iddat is the mandatory waiting period that a Muslim woman must observe after the dissolution of her marriage by divorce or the death of her husband, during which she cannot remarry.
Muslim Personal LawIdentification Parade
An identification parade (test identification parade or TIP) is a pre-trial procedure where witnesses identify the accused from a group of similar-looking persons, used to corroborate identification evidence under Section 9 of the Indian Evidence Act.
Criminal LawImpeachment
Impeachment is the constitutional process for the removal of judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts from office on grounds of proved misbehaviour or incapacity, as provided under Article 124(4) and Article 218 of the Indian Constitution.
Constitutional LawImplied Contract
An implied contract is a contract that is not expressly stated in words but is inferred from the conduct, actions, or circumstances of the parties, as recognised under Section 9 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872.
Contract LawIn Camera
In camera refers to court proceedings conducted in private, away from the public and media, typically ordered to protect the privacy and dignity of parties involved in sensitive cases such as sexual offences, family disputes, and matters involving minors.
Procedural LawIn Personam
In personam is a Latin term meaning 'against a person,' referring to legal rights, actions, or judgments that are directed against a specific individual and bind only that individual, as opposed to rights in rem that apply against the whole world.
General Legal ConceptsIn Rem
In rem is a Latin term meaning 'against the thing,' referring to legal rights, actions, or judgments that relate to property or status and are enforceable against the whole world, not just a specific individual.
General Legal ConceptsIndemnity
Indemnity is a contractual promise by one party to compensate another for any loss or damage suffered, governed by Sections 124 and 125 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872.
Contract LawInformation
Information in legal context refers to knowledge communicated or received, including material held by public authorities under the RTI Act and the report of a cognizable offence to the police under criminal law.
General Legal TermsInherent Powers
Inherent powers are the residual judicial powers vested in courts, beyond those expressly conferred by statute, to do justice, prevent abuse of process, and ensure that the ends of justice are served — primarily codified under Section 151 CPC and Section 482 CrPC.
Procedural LawInjunction
An injunction is a court order that directs a party to do or refrain from doing a specific act, used to preserve rights and prevent irreparable harm during or after litigation.
Civil ProcedureInjuria Sine Damno
Injuria sine damno is a Latin legal maxim meaning 'legal injury without actual damage,' referring to a situation where a person's legal right is violated even though they suffer no actual loss, which is still actionable in law.
Tort LawInnuendo
Innuendo is a legal term in defamation law referring to a hidden or indirect defamatory meaning of a statement that is not apparent on its face but is understood by those with special knowledge of the circumstances.
Tort LawInquest
An inquest is an official inquiry conducted by a police officer or magistrate to ascertain the cause and circumstances of an unnatural, suspicious, or sudden death, as mandated under the Code of Criminal Procedure.
Criminal LawInsolvency
Insolvency is the financial state in which a person or entity is unable to pay their debts as they become due, triggering legal processes for resolution or liquidation under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016.
Corporate & Commercial LawInsurable Interest
Insurable interest is the financial or pecuniary interest that a person must have in the subject matter of an insurance contract, without which the policy is void and unenforceable.
Insurance LawIntellectual Property
Intellectual property refers to legal rights granted over creations of the mind — including inventions, literary and artistic works, designs, symbols, names, and images — that allow creators to control and benefit from their work.
Intellectual Property LawInter Alia
Inter alia is a Latin phrase meaning 'among other things,' commonly used in legal documents, court orders, and judgments to indicate that the items mentioned are part of a larger list that is not exhaustive.
Legal MaximsInter Se
Inter se is a Latin term meaning 'among themselves' or 'between themselves,' used in law to describe rights, obligations, or priorities as between parties who share a common relationship or interest.
Legal MaximsInterim Order
An interim order is a temporary directive issued by a court during the pendency of a case to protect the rights of parties until a final decision is reached.
Civil ProcedureInterlocutory Order
An interlocutory order is an interim order passed by a court during the pendency of a case that does not finally determine the rights of the parties but addresses procedural or temporary matters.
Civil ProcedureInterpleader Suit
An interpleader suit is a legal proceeding under Section 88 and Order 35 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, filed by a person who holds property or money claimed by two or more parties, seeking the court's determination of the rightful claimant.
Civil ProcedureInterrogatories
Interrogatories are a set of formal written questions served by one party in a lawsuit upon the opposing party, who is required to answer them under oath, used as a tool for pre-trial discovery under Order 11 of the Code of Civil Procedure.
Civil ProcedureIntestate Succession
Intestate succession is the legal process by which a deceased person's property is distributed among their heirs when they die without leaving a valid will.
Property LawInvestigation
Investigation in criminal law is the process by which police officers collect evidence regarding a cognizable offence, governed by Sections 156-157 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (Sections 173-175 BNSS), to determine whether charges should be filed.
Criminal LawIpso Facto
Ipso facto is a Latin term meaning 'by the fact itself,' referring to a legal consequence that follows automatically from a particular act or state of affairs without any further action or judicial declaration.
Legal MaximsJ
Joint Family
A joint family in Hindu law is a family unit consisting of all persons lineally descended from a common ancestor, along with their wives and unmarried daughters, who hold property collectively under the Mitakshara coparcenary system.
Family LawJoint Liability
Joint liability is a legal principle where two or more persons are held collectively responsible for the same obligation or wrong, allowing the aggrieved party to recover the entire amount from any one or all of them.
Contract LawJudge
A judge is a public officer appointed by the state to preside over a court of law, hear cases, interpret and apply the law, and deliver judgments, with appointment governed by Articles 124 and 217 of the Constitution of India.
Constitutional LawJudgment
A judgment is the statement given by a judge of the grounds for a decree or order, containing the court's findings on facts, the legal reasoning applied, and the final decision in a case.
Civil ProcedureJudgment Creditor
A judgment creditor is a person in whose favour a court has passed a decree or order, entitling them to receive money, property, or performance of an obligation from the judgment debtor.
Civil ProcedureJudgment Debtor
A judgment debtor is a person against whom a court has passed a decree or order directing them to pay money, deliver property, or perform some obligation in favour of another party.
Civil ProcedureJudicial Review
Judicial review is the power of courts to examine and invalidate legislative enactments and executive actions that violate the Constitution or exceed the authority granted by law.
Constitutional LawJudicial Separation
Judicial separation is a court decree that allows married spouses to live apart without dissolving the marriage, granted under Section 10 of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, and equivalent provisions under other personal laws.
Family LawJurat
A jurat is the certification clause at the end of an affidavit or sworn statement that records when, where, and before whom the oath or affirmation was administered.
Civil ProcedureJurisdiction
Jurisdiction is the authority of a court or tribunal to hear, try, and decide a case based on the subject matter, territorial limits, and monetary value of the dispute.
Civil ProcedureJurisprudence
Jurisprudence is the philosophy, science, and theoretical study of law — it examines what law is, why it exists, and how it should function in society.
Legal TheoryJuvenile
A juvenile, in Indian law, is a person below the age of 18 years who, when alleged to have committed an offence, is referred to as a 'child in conflict with law' and is dealt with under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015.
Criminal LawK
Karta
The Karta is the head and manager of a Hindu Undivided Family (HUF), traditionally the eldest male coparcener, who manages joint family property and represents the family in all legal and financial matters.
Family LawKhap Panchayat
A Khap Panchayat is an informal caste-based assembly, predominantly found in parts of northern India, that claims authority to regulate social conduct within a community, and whose interference in marriages and personal freedoms has been declared illegal by the Supreme Court of India.
Constitutional LawKidnapping
Kidnapping is the offence of taking or enticing a person away from lawful guardianship (kidnapping from lawful guardianship) or conveying a person beyond the limits of India (kidnapping from India), as defined under the Indian Penal Code and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Criminal LawL
Laches
Laches is an equitable defense based on the unreasonable delay by a person in asserting a legal right, which prejudices the opposing party and may result in the court refusing relief.
Equity and RemediesLand Acquisition
Land acquisition is the process by which the government compulsorily acquires private land for a public purpose, subject to the payment of fair compensation under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013.
Property LawLapse
Lapse is the termination or expiry of a right, privilege, offer, or legal proceeding due to the failure to exercise it within the prescribed time or upon the occurrence of a specified event.
General Legal TermsLease
A lease is a transfer of the right to enjoy immovable property for a specified period or in perpetuity, in consideration of a price paid or promised, as defined under Section 105 of the Transfer of Property Act, 1882.
Property LawLeave to Appeal
Leave to appeal is the permission granted by a court to a party seeking to challenge a judgment or order before a higher court, required in cases where an appeal is not available as of right.
Civil ProcedureLegal Aid Clinic
A legal aid clinic is a facility, typically operated by a law school or a legal services authority, that provides free legal advice, assistance, and awareness to underprivileged and marginalized sections of society.
Access to JusticeLegal Fiction
A legal fiction is an assumption or presumption created by law that treats something as true even though it may be false or non-existent in fact, used to achieve justice or extend the application of a legal rule.
JurisprudenceLegal Heir
A legal heir is a person who is entitled by law to inherit the property and assets of a deceased person under the applicable personal law or succession statute.
Succession and InheritanceLegal Notice
A legal notice is a formal written communication sent by one party to another, demanding specific action or redressal of a grievance, and typically serves as a mandatory pre-litigation step before filing certain lawsuits.
Civil ProcedureLegal Person
A legal person (or juristic person) is any entity — such as a company, Hindu Undivided Family, trust, or even a deity — that the law recognizes as having legal rights, duties, and the capacity to sue and be sued, separate from the natural persons composing it.
JurisprudenceLegal Representative
A legal representative is any person who in law represents the estate of a deceased person, including those upon whom the estate devolves on death, whether as heirs, executors, administrators, or other successors.
Civil ProcedureLegislative Competence
Legislative competence refers to the constitutional authority of a legislature (Parliament or State Legislature) to make laws on a particular subject, as distributed by Articles 245-246 of the Constitution through the Union, State, and Concurrent Lists.
Constitutional LawLetter Rogatory
A letter rogatory is a formal request issued by a court in one country to a court in another country, seeking judicial assistance in obtaining evidence, serving documents, or performing other judicial acts in connection with pending proceedings.
International LawLetters of Administration
Letters of administration is a grant issued by a competent court authorizing a person to administer the estate of a deceased who died without leaving a valid will (intestate).
Succession and InheritanceLevy
A levy is the imposition or collection of a tax, duty, fee, penalty, or other compulsory charge by the government or an authorized authority under the sanction of law.
Tax LawLicense
A license under Section 52 of the Indian Easements Act, 1882, is a permission granted by one person to another to do or continue to do something on the grantor's immovable property that would otherwise be unlawful, without creating an interest or easement in the property.
Property LawLien
A lien is the legal right to retain possession of another person's property until a debt or obligation owed by the property owner is satisfied.
Contract and Property LawLimitation Period
The limitation period is the maximum time allowed by law within which a person must file a lawsuit or legal proceedings, after which the right to sue is extinguished.
Civil ProcedureLiquidated Damages
Liquidated damages are a pre-determined sum of money agreed upon by the parties to a contract at the time of its formation, payable as compensation in the event of a breach, governed by Section 74 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872.
Contract LawLis Pendens
Lis pendens is the legal doctrine that during the pendency of a lawsuit concerning a property, no party to the suit can transfer or deal with that property in a way that would affect the rights of the other party.
Property LawLitigant
A litigant is any person who is a party to a lawsuit or legal proceeding, whether as the plaintiff, defendant, petitioner, respondent, appellant, or in any other capacity as a participant in litigation.
Civil ProcedureLocus Standi
Locus standi is the legal right or standing to bring an action before a court — a person must demonstrate sufficient connection to and harm from the matter in dispute to be entitled to initiate legal proceedings.
Legal MaximsLokayukta
The Lokayukta is a state-level anti-corruption ombudsman institution established by state legislation to investigate complaints of corruption, maladministration, and abuse of power by public servants, including ministers and legislators.
Constitutional LawLokpal
The Lokpal is an independent anti-corruption ombudsman body established under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, empowered to inquire into allegations of corruption against public servants, including the Prime Minister and Members of Parliament.
Constitutional & Administrative LawM
Magistrate
A magistrate is a judicial or executive officer vested with limited criminal jurisdiction, responsible for trying minor offences, conducting preliminary proceedings in serious cases, and maintaining public order, as classified under the Code of Criminal Procedure.
Criminal LawMaintenance
Maintenance is the legal right of a wife, children, or parents to receive financial support from a person who is legally obligated to provide for them.
Family LawMandamus
Mandamus is a constitutional writ issued by a court commanding a public authority, government official, or inferior court to perform a public duty that they are legally bound to perform.
Constitutional LawMartial Law
Martial law is the imposition of direct military control over civilian functions of government, typically declared in times of war, invasion, or extreme civil unrest, replacing ordinary civil administration and legal processes with military authority.
Constitutional LawMaterial Alteration
A material alteration is any change made to a negotiable instrument or legal document after its execution that modifies its character, terms, or legal effect in a way that affects the rights and liabilities of the parties.
Commercial LawMaterial Witness
A material witness is a person whose testimony is considered essential to the outcome of a legal proceeding because they possess direct knowledge of facts central to the case.
Evidence LawMediation
Mediation is a voluntary, confidential process in which a neutral third party (the mediator) helps disputing parties reach a mutually acceptable settlement without imposing a decision.
Alternative Dispute ResolutionMehr (Dower)
Mehr, also known as dower or mahr, is the amount of money, property, or valuables that a Muslim husband is legally obligated to pay to his wife as part of the marriage contract.
Muslim Personal LawMens Rea
Mens rea is a Latin term meaning 'guilty mind,' referring to the mental element or criminal intent required to establish criminal liability — the prosecution must prove that the accused had a culpable state of mind when committing the offence.
Criminal LawMercy Petition
A mercy petition is a formal request addressed to the President of India (under Article 72) or the Governor of a State (under Article 161) seeking pardon, commutation, reprieve, or remission of a sentence, typically filed after all judicial remedies have been exhausted.
Constitutional LawMesne Profits
Mesne profits are the profits or income that a person in wrongful possession of immovable property has received or could have received with ordinary diligence, as defined under Section 2(12) of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908.
Civil ProcedureMinor
A minor is a person who has not completed the age of eighteen years, as defined under the Indian Majority Act, 1875, and who is generally considered legally incapable of entering into contracts or managing their own affairs.
Personal & Contract LawMisrepresentation
Misrepresentation is a false statement of fact made by one party to another before or at the time of entering into a contract, which induces the other party to enter into the contract.
Contract LawMitigation
Mitigation is the legal duty of an injured party to take reasonable steps to minimise the loss or damage resulting from a breach of contract or a wrongful act.
Civil LawModus Operandi
Modus operandi is a Latin term meaning 'method of operating,' used in criminal law to describe the distinctive pattern or technique employed by a criminal in committing offences.
Criminal LawMoratorium
A moratorium is a legally imposed period during which certain actions, proceedings, or obligations are suspended, most notably under Section 14 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016, which halts all proceedings against a corporate debtor during insolvency resolution.
Insolvency LawMortgage
A mortgage is the transfer of an interest in specific immovable property to secure the payment of money advanced as a loan or an existing or future debt.
Property LawMukhtarnama
A mukhtarnama is a legal document under Muslim law that authorizes one person to act on behalf of another in legal, financial, or personal matters — similar to a power of attorney.
Muslim Personal LawN
Natural Justice
Natural justice refers to the fundamental principles of fairness — primarily the right to a fair hearing (audi alteram partem) and the rule against bias (nemo judex in causa sua) — that must be followed by courts, tribunals, and administrative authorities when making decisions affecting a person's rights.
Administrative LawNatural Person
A natural person is a human being recognised by law as having legal rights and obligations, as distinguished from an artificial or juristic person such as a company or corporation.
General Legal ConceptsNegligence
Negligence is a breach of the legal duty of care owed to another person, resulting in damage or injury that would not have occurred but for the breach.
Tort LawNemo Judex in Causa Sua
Nemo judex in causa sua is a Latin maxim meaning 'no one should be a judge in their own cause,' establishing the rule against bias as a fundamental principle of natural justice that requires decision-makers to be free from personal interest in the matter they adjudicate.
Administrative & Constitutional LawNext Friend
A next friend is a person who represents and acts on behalf of a minor or a person of unsound mind in legal proceedings, as the minor or incapacitated person cannot sue in their own name, governed by Order 32 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908.
Civil ProcedureNikah
Nikah is the formal marriage contract under Muslim personal law, constituting a civil contract between a man and a woman that creates mutual rights and obligations including mehr (dower) for the wife.
Muslim Personal LawNisi
Nisi is a Latin term meaning 'unless,' used to describe a court order or decree that takes effect unless the affected party appears and shows cause why it should not be made absolute.
Civil ProcedureNolle Prosequi
Nolle prosequi is the formal act of withdrawing or discontinuing prosecution of a criminal case by the public prosecutor, governed by Section 321 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (Section 360 BNSS), requiring the consent of the court.
Criminal LawNolo Contendere
Nolo contendere is a Latin term meaning 'I do not wish to contend,' referring to a plea in criminal proceedings where the accused neither admits nor denies guilt but accepts the court's punishment — not formally recognised in Indian law but conceptually related to plea bargaining under Chapter XXIA of the CrPC and the BNSS.
Criminal LawNon Obstante Clause
A non obstante clause is a legislative provision beginning with the phrase 'notwithstanding anything contained in,' which gives the provision overriding effect over other laws or provisions that may be inconsistent with it.
Legislative & Statutory InterpretationNon-Bailable Offence
A non-bailable offence is a serious criminal offence where bail is not a matter of right and can only be granted at the discretion of the court.
Criminal LawNon-Cognizable Offence
A non-cognizable offence is a relatively less serious offence where the police cannot arrest the accused without a warrant or investigate without the permission of a magistrate.
Criminal LawNotarization
Notarization is the process of authentication of documents by a notary public — an officer appointed under the Notaries Act, 1952 — who verifies the identity of signatories and attests that the document was executed in their presence.
Legal Process & DocumentationNotary
A notary is a public officer appointed under the Notaries Act, 1952, authorized to administer oaths, attest documents, authenticate transactions, and perform other official acts to give legal validity to instruments.
Legal PracticeNotice to Quit
A notice to quit is a formal written notice given by a landlord to a tenant, or by a tenant to a landlord, expressing the intention to terminate a tenancy, as required under Section 106 of the Transfer of Property Act, 1882.
Property LawNotional Income
Notional income is income that is not actually received but is deemed to exist by law for purposes of taxation, maintenance computation, or assessment of financial capacity.
Tax LawNovation
Novation is the substitution of an existing contract with a new one, either by replacing the terms, the parties, or both, with the mutual consent of all parties involved, governed by Section 62 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872.
Contract LawNuisance
Nuisance is an unlawful interference with a person's use or enjoyment of their property, or with their rights as a member of the public, recognized both as a tort and a criminal offence.
Tort Law and Criminal LawO
Oath
An oath is a solemn declaration, governed by the Oaths Act, 1969, by which a person swears to tell the truth or to faithfully perform a duty, typically invoking a divine being or making an affirmation, and which carries legal consequences for false statements.
Evidence & Court ProcedureObiter Dictum
Obiter dictum (plural: obiter dicta) is a Latin term meaning 'said in passing' — it refers to an incidental remark or observation made by a judge in a judgment that is not essential to the decision and is not legally binding, though it may be persuasive.
Legal MaximsObjection
An objection is a formal protest raised by a party during court proceedings challenging the admissibility of evidence, the propriety of a question, or a procedural irregularity, which the court must rule upon by sustaining or overruling it.
Civil ProcedureObligation
An obligation is a legal duty imposed by law, contract, or equity that binds a person to perform or refrain from performing a specific act, the breach of which gives rise to a legal remedy.
General Legal ConceptsOccupancy Right
An occupancy right is a statutory right conferred on a tenant or cultivator under revenue or tenancy law to continue in possession of agricultural or other land, often with protection against eviction and with heritable and transferable characteristics.
Property LawOfficial Liquidator
An official liquidator is a person appointed by the court to take charge of the assets and affairs of a company being wound up, manage the liquidation process, realize assets, pay creditors, and distribute any surplus among shareholders.
Company LawOmbudsman
An ombudsman is an independent officer or institution appointed to investigate complaints by individuals against government bodies, public authorities, or other organisations, and to recommend corrective action where maladministration is found.
Administrative LawOnus Probandi
Onus probandi (burden of proof) is the legal obligation on a party to prove the facts they assert in a case, failing which the issue will be decided against them.
Evidence LawOperative Part
The operative part of a judgment or order is the specific portion that contains the court's actual decision, directions, and decree — the enforceable part that determines the rights and obligations of the parties.
Civil ProcedureOrder
An order is the formal expression of any decision of a civil court which is not a decree, typically dealing with procedural or interlocutory matters during the course of a suit.
Civil ProcedureOriginal Jurisdiction
Original jurisdiction is the authority of a court to hear and decide a case for the first time, as opposed to appellate jurisdiction where a court reviews a lower court's decision, with the Supreme Court's original jurisdiction defined under Article 131 and High Courts under Article 226 of the Constitution.
Constitutional LawOuster
Ouster is the act of dispossessing a co-owner, co-heir, or co-sharer from joint property by another co-owner who asserts exclusive ownership and denies the other's right to possession.
Property LawOverruling
Overruling is the act by which a higher court reverses or sets aside a legal principle established in a previous decision (precedent) of a lower court or of the same court, declaring the earlier ruling to be incorrect or no longer good law.
JurisprudenceP
Panchayat
A Panchayat is an institution of local self-governance in rural India, established under Article 243 of the Constitution through the 73rd Constitutional Amendment, operating as a three-tier system of elected bodies at the village, intermediate, and district levels.
Constitutional LawParens Patriae
Parens patriae is a Latin doctrine meaning 'parent of the nation,' under which the State assumes the role of protector and guardian of persons who are unable to protect themselves, such as minors, persons of unsound mind, and other vulnerable individuals.
Constitutional & Family LawParole
Parole is the temporary release of a prisoner from jail before the completion of their sentence, granted on specific conditions and for a limited period under state prison rules.
Criminal LawPartition
Partition is the legal process of dividing jointly owned or coparcenary property among co-owners or coparceners, giving each person a separate and defined share.
Property LawParty
A party is any person, entity, or body that is directly involved in a legal proceeding as a plaintiff, defendant, petitioner, respondent, appellant, or intervenor.
Civil ProcedurePassing Off
Passing off is a common law tort that occurs when one person misrepresents their goods, services, or business as those of another, thereby deceiving the public and causing damage to the original owner's goodwill.
Intellectual PropertyPatent
A patent is an exclusive right granted by the government to an inventor for a limited period of 20 years, allowing them to prevent others from making, using, selling, or importing the patented invention without permission.
Intellectual Property LawPecuniary Jurisdiction
Pecuniary jurisdiction refers to the monetary limit within which a court is empowered to hear and decide civil cases, based on the value of the subject matter in dispute.
Civil ProcedurePenalty
A penalty is a sum stipulated in a contract as payable upon breach, which the court may reduce to reasonable compensation under Section 74 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872, as distinguished from genuine pre-estimated damages (liquidated damages).
Contract LawPendente Lite
Pendente Lite is a Latin term meaning 'during the pendency of litigation,' referring to actions, orders, or arrangements that take effect while a legal case is ongoing.
Civil LawPerjury
Perjury is the criminal offence of intentionally giving false evidence or making a false statement under oath in a judicial proceeding, punishable under Sections 191-193 of the IPC (Sections 229-232 of the BNS).
Criminal LawPerpetual Injunction
A perpetual injunction is a final court order permanently prohibiting a party from doing a specified act, or requiring them to perform one, granted after a full trial under Section 38 of the Specific Relief Act, 1963.
Civil RemedyPerson Aggrieved
A person aggrieved is an individual or entity whose legal rights have been directly and adversely affected by an order, decision, or action, giving them standing to challenge or appeal against it.
General Legal ConceptsPersonal Law
Personal law refers to the body of law that governs individuals in matters of marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption, and succession based on their religious identity, rather than a single uniform code applicable to all citizens.
Family LawPetitioner
A petitioner is the person who files a petition or writ before a court, tribunal, or authority, seeking judicial relief, enforcement of a right, or redressal of a grievance.
Legal TerminologyPlaint
A plaint is the written statement filed by the plaintiff in a civil court to initiate a suit, setting out the facts of the case, the cause of action, and the relief sought.
Civil ProcedurePlea
A plea is the formal response of an accused person to the charges framed against them in a criminal case, typically stating whether they plead guilty or not guilty.
Criminal LawPlea Bargaining
Plea bargaining is a legal process under Chapter XXIA of the Code of Criminal Procedure where an accused person negotiates with the prosecution to plead guilty to a lesser charge or for a reduced sentence, thereby avoiding a full trial.
Criminal LawPledge
A pledge is a form of bailment in which goods are delivered by a debtor (pledgor) to a creditor (pledgee) as security for the repayment of a debt or performance of a promise.
Contract LawPolice Custody
Police custody is the detention of an accused person in the physical custody of the police for the purpose of investigation, permitted by a Magistrate for a maximum of fifteen days under Section 167 of the CrPC.
Criminal LawPost Mortem
A post mortem (autopsy) is a medical examination of a dead body conducted to determine the cause, manner, and time of death, carried out under Section 174 CrPC (Section 194 BNSS) during investigation of unnatural or suspicious deaths.
Criminal LawPower of Attorney
A power of attorney is a legal document by which one person (the principal) authorizes another person (the agent or attorney) to act on their behalf in specified legal, financial, or personal matters.
Property LawPower of Sale
Power of sale is the legal right of a mortgagee or secured creditor to sell the mortgaged or secured property without court intervention upon the borrower's default.
Property LawPrecedent
A precedent is a previous court decision that serves as an authoritative rule or guide for deciding subsequent cases involving similar legal issues or facts.
Constitutional LawPreemption
Preemption is a legal right that allows a co-sharer, co-owner, or adjoining property owner to purchase immovable property being sold to an outsider, by stepping into the shoes of the buyer on the same terms of sale.
Property LawPreferential Transaction
A preferential transaction is a transfer of property or payment made by a debtor to a particular creditor, surety, or guarantor within the look-back period before insolvency, giving that party an unfair preference over other creditors, and is avoidable under Section 43 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016.
Insolvency LawPreliminary Decree
A preliminary decree is an intermediate court order that adjudicates the rights of the parties but does not completely dispose of the suit, requiring further proceedings before a final decree can be passed.
Civil ProcedurePrescription
Prescription is the legal principle by which a person acquires easement rights — such as the right of way, light, or water — over another person's property through long, continuous, and uninterrupted use for a prescribed period, typically twenty years.
Property LawPresumption
A presumption in law is an inference that a court is permitted or required to draw from a proven fact, classified under the Indian Evidence Act as 'may presume,' 'shall presume,' or 'conclusive proof.'
Evidence LawPreventive Detention
Preventive detention is the detention of a person by the State without trial, not as punishment for a past offence but to prevent them from committing a future act that may prejudice public order, security, or essential services.
Constitutional LawPrima Facie
Prima facie is a Latin legal term meaning 'on the face of it' or 'at first sight,' referring to evidence or a case that appears sufficient to establish a fact or raise a presumption unless rebutted by contrary evidence.
Legal MaximsPrincipal
A principal is a person who employs an agent to act on their behalf and whose acts the agent is authorised to perform, as defined under Section 182 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872.
Contract LawPrivate Complaint
A private complaint is a written or oral allegation made by a person directly to a Magistrate under Section 200 of the CrPC, setting forth the facts that constitute an offence, without involving the police.
Criminal LawPrivilege
Privilege in law refers to a special right or exemption that protects certain communications or information from compulsory disclosure in court proceedings, including legal professional privilege, spousal privilege, and state privilege.
Evidence LawPrivileged Communication
A privileged communication is a confidential statement made within a legally protected relationship — such as lawyer-client or husband-wife — that cannot be compelled to be disclosed as evidence in court.
Evidence LawPrivity of Contract
Privity of contract is the legal principle that only the parties to a contract can enforce its terms or be bound by its obligations, and a stranger to the contract generally cannot sue or be sued under it.
Contract LawPro Bono
Pro bono refers to legal services provided voluntarily and without charge, as a professional and ethical obligation to ensure access to justice for those who cannot afford legal representation.
Legal ProfessionProbate
Probate is the legal process by which a court certifies the validity of a will and authorises the executor named in the will to administer the estate of the deceased, governed by Section 213 of the Indian Succession Act, 1925.
Succession LawProbation
Probation is the release of a convicted offender by the court without imposing a sentence of imprisonment, subject to conditions of good behaviour and supervision, as provided under the Probation of Offenders Act, 1958.
Criminal LawProclamation
A proclamation is a formal public announcement issued by a court directing an absconding accused or a person whose attendance is required to appear before the court within a specified time.
Criminal LawProclamation Sale
A proclamation sale is a court-ordered public auction of attached property conducted to satisfy a decree, following a formal proclamation under Order 21 of the Code of Civil Procedure.
Civil LawProhibition
Prohibition is a prerogative writ issued by a superior court under Articles 226 or 32 of the Constitution, directing an inferior court, tribunal, or quasi-judicial body to stop proceedings that exceed its jurisdiction, issued before the final order is passed.
Constitutional LawPromissory Estoppel
Promissory estoppel is an equitable doctrine that prevents a party — including the government — from going back on a promise if another person has relied on that promise to their detriment.
Constitutional LawPromissory Note
A promissory note is a written, signed, unconditional promise by one person (the maker) to pay a definite sum of money to another person (the payee) on demand or at a specified future date.
Commercial LawProportionality
Proportionality is a legal principle requiring that the punishment imposed on an offender or the action taken by the state must be proportionate to the gravity of the offence or the objective sought to be achieved.
Constitutional LawProsecution
Prosecution is the legal process by which the State initiates and conducts criminal proceedings against a person accused of committing an offence, seeking to prove their guilt before a court of law.
Criminal LawProviso
A proviso is a clause in a statute or legal document that introduces an exception, condition, or qualification to the main provision it follows.
Statutory InterpretationPublic Nuisance
Public nuisance is an act or omission that causes common injury, danger, or annoyance to the general public, punishable as an offence under Section 268 of the Indian Penal Code and actionable as a civil wrong.
Criminal LawPublic Prosecutor
A Public Prosecutor is a government-appointed lawyer who represents the State in criminal proceedings, conducting the prosecution of accused persons in Sessions Courts and High Courts.
Criminal LawPunitive Damages
Punitive damages are monetary compensation awarded by a court over and above actual losses, intended to punish the wrongdoer for egregious conduct and to deter similar behaviour in the future.
Civil LawQ
Quantum
Quantum refers to the amount or measure of something in legal proceedings, most commonly the amount of damages, compensation, or the length and severity of a sentence.
Civil LawQuashing
Quashing is the act of a High Court using its inherent powers under Section 482 CrPC to nullify or set aside an FIR, charge sheet, or criminal proceedings that are found to be frivolous, vexatious, an abuse of process, or unsustainable in law.
Criminal LawQuasi-Judicial
A quasi-judicial body is an authority or tribunal that has the power to hear disputes, determine facts, and make binding decisions affecting the rights of parties, similar to a court, but is not a regular court of law.
Administrative LawQuid Pro Quo
Quid pro quo is a Latin term meaning 'something for something,' referring to an exchange where one thing is given in return for another, relevant in contract law as consideration and in sexual harassment law as coercive demands.
General Legal TermsQuo Warranto
Quo warranto is a constitutional writ that questions the legal authority of a person holding a public office, demanding they show by what right they occupy that position.
Constitutional LawQuorum
A quorum is the minimum number of members who must be present at a meeting for the proceedings and decisions taken therein to be valid and legally binding.
Corporate LawR
Ratification
Ratification is the act by which a principal retroactively approves and adopts an act done on their behalf by an agent without prior authority, governed by Section 196 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872.
Contract LawRatio Decidendi
Ratio decidendi is the legal principle or reasoning that forms the basis of a court's decision and serves as a binding precedent for future cases involving similar facts and legal questions.
Legal TheoryReceiver
A receiver is a person appointed by a court under Order 40 of the CPC to take custody of, manage, and preserve disputed property during the pendency of a suit, acting as an officer of the court.
Civil LawRecklessness
Recklessness is a state of mind in which a person consciously disregards a substantial and unjustifiable risk that their conduct will cause a particular harmful result, falling between intention and negligence on the spectrum of culpability.
Criminal LawRecognizance
A recognizance is a formal undertaking or bond, recorded before a court or magistrate, by which a person pledges to appear in court on a specified date, maintain peace, or perform a specified act, with a penalty for failure.
Criminal LawRecrimination
Recrimination is a legal defence in divorce proceedings where the respondent spouse makes a counter-charge against the petitioner, alleging that the petitioner is also guilty of a matrimonial offence.
Family LawRegistration
Registration is the process of recording a document with the Sub-Registrar's office under the Registration Act, 1908, making it part of the public record and conferring it legal validity for the transfer of immovable property.
Property LawRegulation
A regulation is a form of delegated or subordinate legislation made by an authority empowered by a parent statute, commonly issued by bodies like SEBI, RBI, and TRAI to govern specific sectors.
Administrative LawRejection of Plaint
Rejection of plaint is the dismissal of a civil suit at the threshold stage under Order VII Rule 11 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, when the plaint discloses no cause of action or is otherwise defective beyond cure.
Civil ProcedureRelevant Fact
A relevant fact is any fact that is connected with the fact in issue in such a way that it makes the existence or non-existence of the fact in issue more probable, as defined under Sections 5-55 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872.
Evidence LawRemand
Remand is the judicial order by a Magistrate sending an accused person to police custody or judicial custody during the investigation of a criminal case, governed by Section 167 CrPC.
Criminal LawRemedy
A remedy is the legal means by which a court enforces a right, redresses a wrong, or compensates for a loss, including damages, injunctions, specific performance, and restitution.
Legal TerminologyRepeal
Repeal is the legislative act of revoking or annulling an existing law, either wholly or in part, by a subsequent enactment, with the effect governed by Section 6 of the General Clauses Act, 1897.
Legislative LawReplevin
Replevin is a legal remedy that allows a person to recover specific movable property that has been wrongfully taken or detained by another person.
Civil LawRes Gestae
Res gestae refers to facts that form part of the same transaction as the fact in issue and are admissible in evidence under Section 6 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, as spontaneous statements or acts closely connected to the event.
Evidence LawRes Judicata
Res judicata is the legal doctrine that a matter which has been adjudicated by a competent court on merits cannot be re-litigated between the same parties, preventing endless litigation over the same issue.
Civil LawRespondent
A respondent is the party against whom an appeal, petition, or application is filed in a court of law.
Civil ProcedureRestitution
Restitution is the legal principle requiring the restoration of any benefit received under a court decree that is subsequently reversed or varied on appeal, ensuring that no party is unjustly enriched.
Civil LawRetrospective Law
A retrospective law is a law that applies to events, transactions, or offences that occurred before the law was enacted, effectively changing the legal consequences of past actions.
Constitutional LawReview
A review is a legal remedy through which the same court that passed a decree or order re-examines its own decision to correct an error apparent on the face of the record, consider newly discovered evidence, or address any other sufficient reason.
Civil ProcedureRevision
Revision is a supervisory jurisdiction exercised by the High Court to examine the legality and correctness of orders passed by subordinate courts where no appeal lies, ensuring they act within the bounds of their authority.
Civil ProcedureRight of Private Defence
The right of private defence is a legal right allowing a person to use reasonable force to protect their body or property against an unlawful aggressor.
Criminal LawRight of Way
A right of way is an easementary right that allows a person to pass over another person's land for access purposes.
Property LawRight to Equality
The Right to Equality is a fundamental right guaranteed under Articles 14 to 18 of the Indian Constitution that ensures every person is treated equally before the law and prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.
Constitutional LawRight to Freedom
The Right to Freedom is a fundamental right under Articles 19 to 22 of the Indian Constitution that guarantees citizens six essential freedoms including speech, assembly, movement, and profession, subject to reasonable restrictions imposed by the State.
Constitutional LawRight to Life
The Right to Life and Personal Liberty under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution guarantees that no person shall be deprived of their life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law, and has been expansively interpreted to include the right to livelihood, dignity, privacy, health, clean environment, and fair trial.
Constitutional LawRight to Privacy
The right to privacy is a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, recognised by the Supreme Court in the landmark K.S. Puttaswamy judgment as an intrinsic part of the right to life and personal liberty.
Constitutional LawRule of Law
The rule of law is a constitutional principle that requires all persons and institutions, including the government, to be accountable to laws that are publicly promulgated, equally enforced, and independently adjudicated.
Constitutional LawS
Sale Deed
A sale deed is a registered legal document that transfers the ownership of immovable property from the seller to the buyer, serving as the primary evidence of the buyer's title to the property.
Property LawSanction
Sanction is the prior approval or permission required from a competent authority before a court can take cognizance of certain offences, particularly those involving public servants.
Criminal LawSearch Warrant
A search warrant is a written order issued by a court authorizing police or other officers to enter and search specified premises for evidence of a crime, stolen property, or other items relevant to an investigation.
Criminal LawSecond Appeal
A second appeal is an appeal filed before the High Court against the decision of the first appellate court, maintainable only when a substantial question of law is involved.
Civil LawSedition
Sedition was a criminal offence under Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code that punished speech or actions intended to bring hatred or contempt against the government; it has been repealed and replaced by Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
Criminal LawSelf-Incrimination
Self-incrimination is the act of exposing oneself to criminal prosecution through one's own testimony or evidence, protection against which is a fundamental right under Indian law.
Constitutional LawSentence
A sentence is the punishment imposed by a criminal court upon a person convicted of an offence, which may include imprisonment, fine, or both.
Criminal LawSeparation of Powers
Separation of powers is the constitutional principle that divides government authority among three distinct organs — the legislature, the executive, and the judiciary — to prevent concentration of power and protect individual liberty.
Constitutional LawSet Aside
To set aside means to revoke, cancel, or annul a court order or judgment, rendering it without legal effect.
Civil LawSet-Off
Set-off is a legal right of the defendant in a civil suit to claim a monetary amount due from the plaintiff, thereby reducing or extinguishing the plaintiff's claim, governed by Order VIII Rule 6 of the Code of Civil Procedure.
Civil LawSettlement
A settlement is a voluntary agreement reached between disputing parties — either inside or outside court — to resolve their dispute on mutually acceptable terms without proceeding to a full trial and judgment.
Civil LawSeverability
Severability is the legal doctrine that allows courts to strike down the unconstitutional parts of a statute while preserving the valid portions that can operate independently.
Constitutional LawShow Cause Notice
A show cause notice is a formal document issued by an authority requiring a person to explain or justify why a proposed action should not be taken against them.
Administrative LawSlander
Slander is a form of defamation consisting of spoken or transitory words that harm a person's reputation, as distinguished from libel which involves written or permanent form defamation.
Tort LawSovereign Immunity
Sovereign immunity is a legal doctrine that protects the government from being sued for acts performed in the exercise of its sovereign functions, rooted in Article 300 of the Indian Constitution.
Constitutional LawSpecial Leave Petition
A Special Leave Petition (SLP) is a petition filed under Article 136 of the Constitution seeking the Supreme Court's discretionary leave to appeal against any judgment or order of any court or tribunal in India.
Constitutional LawSpecific Performance
Specific performance is an equitable remedy where the court orders a party to a contract to actually perform their obligations under the contract, rather than merely paying damages for breach.
Civil ProcedureSpecific Relief
Specific relief is a legal remedy under the Specific Relief Act, 1963 that compels the actual performance of an obligation or the doing of a specific act, as opposed to awarding monetary compensation for breach.
Civil LawStamp Duty
Stamp duty is a tax levied by the government on legal documents — especially those related to property transactions — to make them legally valid and admissible as evidence in court.
Property LawStare Decisis
Stare decisis is a Latin legal doctrine meaning 'to stand by things decided,' which requires courts to follow the legal principles established in previous decisions of higher or coordinate courts when deciding similar cases.
Legal MaximsStatus Quo
Status quo is a Latin term meaning the existing state of affairs, commonly used in legal proceedings when a court orders parties to maintain the current position of things and not alter circumstances until the dispute is resolved.
Civil LawStatus Report
A status report is a written report filed in court by the police, an investigating agency, or a government authority, informing the court about the current status of an investigation, compliance with court orders, or progress of a matter.
Criminal LawStatutory Bail
Statutory bail, also known as default bail, is the indefeasible right of an accused person to be released on bail when the investigating agency fails to file the chargesheet or challan within the time prescribed under Section 167(2) of the CrPC.
Criminal LawStay Order
A stay order is a court directive that temporarily suspends or halts the execution of a decree, order, or legal proceeding, maintaining the status quo until the court decides the matter further.
Civil ProcedureStipulation
A stipulation is a specific condition, requirement, or term agreed upon by the parties in a contract or imposed by a court in legal proceedings.
Contract LawStrict Liability
Strict liability is a legal principle that holds a person liable for harm caused by a dangerous activity or substance on their land, regardless of fault or negligence.
Tort LawSub Judice
Sub judice is a Latin term meaning 'under judgment' or 'under consideration by a court,' referring to a matter that is currently pending before a court and therefore should not be publicly discussed or commented upon in a way that may prejudice the proceedings.
Legal TerminologySub-Lease
A sub-lease is an arrangement where a tenant (lessee) transfers a part of their leasehold interest to a third party (sub-lessee) while retaining the original lease with the landlord.
Property LawSubordinate Court
A subordinate court is any court below the High Court in the judicial hierarchy, including district courts, civil courts, and magistrate courts, established and supervised under Articles 233-237 of the Constitution.
Constitutional LawSubpoena
A subpoena is a court order that compels a person to appear before a court as a witness and/or to produce specific documents or evidence relevant to a legal proceeding.
Procedural LawSubstantive Law
Substantive law is the body of law that creates, defines, and regulates the rights, duties, and obligations of persons, as distinguished from procedural law which governs the method of enforcing those rights.
JurisprudenceSubstituted Service
Substituted service is an alternative mode of serving court summons or notices on a party when ordinary service has failed or is not practicable.
Civil LawSuccession
Succession is the legal process by which the rights, property, and obligations of a deceased person are transferred to their legal heirs, either according to a will (testamentary succession) or according to the applicable personal law or statute (intestate succession).
Property LawSuit for Possession
A suit for possession is a civil action filed by a person claiming ownership or a right to possess immovable property, seeking a court decree to recover physical possession from the person in occupation.
Property LawSummary Trial
A summary trial is an expedited criminal trial procedure under Chapter XXI of the Code of Criminal Procedure for petty offences punishable with imprisonment up to two years, designed to dispose of minor cases quickly with simplified procedures and shorter judgments.
Criminal LawSummon Case
A summon case is a criminal case relating to an offence punishable with imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, where the accused is called to court through a summons rather than a warrant.
Criminal LawSummons
A summons is a formal court order requiring a person to appear before the court on a specified date and time, or directing a party to respond to a legal proceeding initiated against them.
Civil ProcedureSuo Motu
Suo motu (also spelled suo moto) is a Latin term meaning 'on its own motion,' referring to a court taking cognizance of a matter and initiating proceedings without any petition or complaint being filed by a party.
Legal MaximsSurety
A surety is a person who guarantees the performance of another person's obligation, promising to fulfil that obligation if the principal debtor fails to do so, as defined under Section 126 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872.
Contract LawSuretyship
Suretyship is a contractual arrangement under which a third person (the surety) guarantees the performance of another person's obligation (the principal debtor) to the creditor, and undertakes to fulfil that obligation if the principal debtor defaults.
Contract LawSurrender
Surrender is the voluntary appearance of an accused person before a court of law, submitting themselves to the jurisdiction of the court.
Criminal LawSurvivorship
Survivorship is the right by which a surviving coparcener in a Hindu joint family inherits the share of a deceased coparcener in the joint family property.
Property LawT
Taxation
Taxation is the compulsory levy imposed by the government on individuals, businesses, and transactions to raise revenue for public purposes, governed by the constitutional mandate under Article 265 that no tax shall be levied or collected except by authority of law.
Constitutional LawTender
In contract law, a tender is an offer of performance by one party to a contract, where the promisor presents themselves ready and willing to perform their obligation, governed by Section 38 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872.
Contract LawTerritorial Jurisdiction
Territorial jurisdiction is the geographical area within which a court has the authority to hear and decide cases, governed by Sections 16 to 20 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908.
Civil ProcedureTestamentary Capacity
Testamentary capacity is the legal competence of a person to make a valid will, requiring that the testator be of sound mind, understand the nature of the act, know the extent of their property, and comprehend the claims of those being included or excluded.
Succession LawTestamentary Succession
Testamentary succession is the legal process by which a person's property and assets are distributed after their death according to the terms of a valid will (testament) executed by them during their lifetime.
Property LawTestator
A testator is a person who makes a will, as defined under Section 2(h) of the Indian Succession Act, 1925, directing the distribution of their property after death.
Succession LawThird Party
A third party is a person or entity who is not a direct party to a legal transaction, contract, or court proceeding but whose rights or interests may be affected by it.
Civil LawTime-Barred
A claim is time-barred when it cannot be pursued in court because the limitation period prescribed by the Limitation Act, 1963 has expired, extinguishing the right to sue.
Civil ProcedureTitle
In property law, title refers to the legal right of ownership over property — the bundle of rights that allows a person to possess, use, enjoy, and dispose of property, and to exclude others from it.
Property LawTitle Deed
A title deed is a legal document that serves as proof of ownership of a property, recording the transfer of title from one person to another.
Property LawTort
A tort is a civil wrong — other than a breach of contract — committed by one person against another, for which the injured party can claim compensation in the form of unliquidated damages.
Civil LawTortfeasor
A tortfeasor is a person who commits a tort — a civil wrong that causes harm or loss to another person, making them liable for damages.
Civil LawTrade Secret
A trade secret is confidential business information that derives economic value from not being generally known and is subject to reasonable efforts by its owner to maintain its secrecy.
Intellectual PropertyTrademark
A trademark is a distinctive sign, symbol, word, logo, or combination thereof that identifies and distinguishes the goods or services of one business from those of others, and is protectable under the Trade Marks Act, 1999.
Intellectual Property LawTransfer of Property
Transfer of property is the act by which a living person conveys property to one or more other living persons, governed by the Transfer of Property Act, 1882, which prescribes the modes — sale, mortgage, lease, gift, and exchange — and the legal requirements for each.
Property LawTransfer Petition
A transfer petition is an application filed before the Supreme Court under Article 139A of the Constitution seeking the transfer of a case from one High Court or subordinate court to another for the ends of justice.
Constitutional LawTrespass
Trespass is the unauthorized entry onto, or interference with, another person's property without their permission or legal right, actionable both as a criminal offence under the Indian Penal Code (Sections 441-462) and as a civil tort.
Property LawTribunal
A tribunal is a specialized adjudicatory body established by statute, typically under Articles 323A and 323B of the Indian Constitution, to hear and decide disputes in specific subject areas such as taxation, company law, labour, and administrative matters, functioning as an alternative to regular courts.
Legal TerminologyTrust
A trust is a legal arrangement under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882 where one person (the trustee) holds and manages property for the benefit of another person (the beneficiary), based on a fiduciary obligation created by the author of the trust.
Property LawU
Ultra Petita
Ultra petita is a Latin legal term meaning 'beyond what is asked,' referring to a situation where a court grants relief that exceeds or goes beyond what was prayed for by the parties in their pleadings.
Civil ProcedureUltra Vires
Ultra vires is a Latin term meaning 'beyond the powers,' used to describe an act performed by an authority, corporation, or official that exceeds the legal power or authority granted to them by law.
Legal MaximsUnconstitutional
A law, executive action, or order is unconstitutional when it violates any provision of the Constitution of India and is declared void under Article 13 by a competent court.
Constitutional LawUndertrial
An undertrial is a person who has been accused of an offence and is detained in judicial custody while awaiting the completion of their trial, without having been convicted or acquitted.
Criminal LawUndue Influence
Undue influence occurs when one party uses a position of dominance to obtain an unfair advantage in a contract by dominating the will of the other party, rendering the contract voidable under Section 16 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872.
Contract LawUnjust Enrichment
Unjust enrichment is a legal principle that prevents one person from unfairly benefiting at the expense of another without a valid legal basis, requiring the enriched party to make restitution — codified in Sections 68 to 72 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872 under the heading of quasi-contracts.
Contract LawUnliquidated Damages
Unliquidated damages are damages whose amount has not been pre-determined or agreed upon by the parties and must be assessed and quantified by the court based on the facts and evidence of the case.
Contract LawUsufruct
Usufruct is a legal right to use and enjoy the benefits (fruits) of another person's property without damaging or diminishing the property itself.
Property LawV
Vakalatnama
A vakalatnama is a formal document of authority executed by a litigant authorizing an advocate to appear, plead, and act on their behalf in court proceedings.
Legal PracticeVendee
A vendee is the buyer or purchaser in a sale transaction, being the person who acquires ownership of property or goods by paying the agreed consideration.
Property LawVendor
A vendor is the seller in a sale transaction, being the person who transfers ownership of property or goods to the buyer in exchange for an agreed price.
Property LawVenue
Venue is the specific geographical place or court where a legal case is filed and heard, determined by rules of territorial jurisdiction under the Code of Civil Procedure and the Code of Criminal Procedure.
Civil ProcedureVerdict
A verdict is the formal decision or finding made by a court or jury on the questions of fact and law submitted to it, determining the outcome of a case.
LitigationVested Interest
A vested interest is a present right to the future enjoyment of property that is not subject to any condition precedent, and which takes effect from the date the transfer is made, as defined under Section 19 of the Transfer of Property Act, 1882.
Property LawVested Right
A vested right is a legal right that has completely and definitively come into existence, belonging absolutely to a person, and which cannot ordinarily be taken away or defeated by subsequent legislation or executive action.
Constitutional LawVeto
Veto is the constitutional power of the President (or Governor) to withhold assent to a bill passed by the legislature, thereby preventing it from becoming law.
Constitutional LawVicarious Liability
Vicarious liability is a legal doctrine under which one person is held liable for the wrongful acts of another, most commonly an employer being held responsible for the tortious acts of their employee committed during the course of employment.
Civil LawVoid Contract
A void contract is an agreement that is not enforceable by law from the very beginning or becomes unenforceable due to changed circumstances, as defined under Section 2(j) of the Indian Contract Act, 1872.
Contract LawVoidable Contract
A voidable contract is an agreement that is enforceable by law at the option of one or more of the parties, but not at the option of the other, as defined under Section 2(i) of the Indian Contract Act, 1872.
Contract LawW
Waiver
A waiver is the voluntary and intentional relinquishment or abandonment of a known legal right, claim, or privilege by a person.
General Legal PrinciplesWakf
A wakf is the permanent dedication of property by a Muslim for religious, charitable, or pious purposes, where the ownership is transferred to God and the property can never be sold, gifted, or inherited.
Muslim Personal LawWarrant
A warrant is a written order issued by a court or magistrate authorizing law enforcement to carry out a specific action, such as arresting a person, searching a premises, or seizing property.
Criminal LawWill
A will (or testament) is a legal document by which a person declares how their property shall be distributed after their death, taking effect only upon the testator's death.
Succession LawWinding Up
Winding up is the legal process by which a company's operations are terminated, its assets are liquidated, its debts are paid off, and the remaining surplus (if any) is distributed among its members, leading to the dissolution of the company.
Corporate LawWitness
A witness is a person who gives evidence before a court or other legal authority, either by testifying about facts they have personally observed or by producing documents relevant to the case.
Evidence LawWrit
A writ is a formal written order issued by a High Court or the Supreme Court of India directing a government authority, body, or person to perform or refrain from performing a specific act, serving as a constitutional remedy for enforcement of fundamental rights.
Constitutional LawWrit of Execution
A writ of execution is a court order directing the enforcement of a decree or judgment, authorising officers to recover money, deliver property, or compel compliance with the court's decision.
Civil ProcedureWritten Statement
A written statement is the formal reply filed by the defendant in a civil suit in response to the plaintiff's plaint, addressing each allegation and presenting the defence.
Civil ProcedureWrongful Confinement
Wrongful confinement is the illegal restraint of a person in such a manner as to prevent them from moving beyond certain circumscribed limits, effectively trapping them in a defined space.
Criminal LawWrongful Restraint
Wrongful restraint is the offence of voluntarily obstructing a person so as to prevent them from proceeding in any direction in which they have a legal right to move.
Criminal Law500 legal terms defined