Resources
Legal glossary
Plain-language explanations of terms used in court papers and legal notices.
- Affidavit
- A written statement of facts sworn or affirmed before an authorised person.
- Anticipatory bail
- A direction that a person be released on bail if arrested. It is sought before arrest under BNSS Section 482.
- Caveat
- A notice asking a court not to pass an order on an application without first hearing the person who filed the caveat.
- Cause of action
- The set of facts that gives a person the right to sue.
- Cognizance
- When a court formally takes note of an offence in order to proceed with it.
- Decree
- The formal expression of a civil court's decision on the rights of the parties.
- Encumbrance
- A charge or liability on a property, such as a mortgage.
- Ex parte
- A step or order taken in the absence of the other party.
- FIR
- First Information Report, the record of information about a cognizable offence under BNSS Section 173.
- Injunction
- A court order requiring a person to do, or not do, a particular act.
- Interim order
- A temporary order that applies until the court decides the matter or orders otherwise.
- Lok Adalat
- A forum for settling disputes by agreement under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.
- Mandamus
- A writ directing a public authority to perform a legal duty.
- Pattadar passbook
- A revenue document recording a landholder's details and land particulars.
- Plaint
- The written document with which a civil suit begins.
- Quashing
- A High Court order bringing an FIR or criminal proceeding to an end.
- Stay
- An order temporarily halting a proceeding or the effect of an order.
- Vakalatnama
- The document by which a party authorises an advocate to appear on their behalf.
- Writ
- A formal order issued by a High Court or the Supreme Court, such as habeas corpus or certiorari.
- Written statement
- The defendant's formal reply to a plaint in a civil suit.
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