Legal Terminology

Essential legal terms, maxims, and their meanings for law students and exam aspirants.

civil procedure

Forum Shopping

The unethical practice of deliberately choosing a specific court, judge, or jurisdiction where a litigant believes they are most likely to receive a favorable verdict, rather than filing the suit in the appropriate or natural forum. The Supreme Court of India strongly deprecates forum shopping, viewing it as an abuse of the judicial process.

e.g., The High Court dismissed the petition with heavy costs, noting that the petitioner had engaged in forum shopping by filing multiple identical writs across different benches.

Added: 1 Aug 2026

Functus Officio

A Latin term meaning "having performed his office." In a legal context, it describes an officer, magistrate, judge, or authority whose mandate or legal authority over a specific matter has expired because they have fulfilled their official duty or issued a final judgment, leaving them with no further jurisdiction to alter or reopen that decision.

e.g., Once the arbitrator signed and pronounced the final award, he became functus officio and could no longer modify the terms of the settlement.

Added: 1 Aug 2026

Fiduciary Relationship

A legal or ethical relationship of trust between two or more parties, where one party (the fiduciary) is bound to act with utmost good faith, loyalty, and honesty in the best interest of the other. Common examples include relationships between a lawyer and client, trustee and beneficiary, or doctor and patient.

e.g., As a corporate director, he breached his fiduciary relationship by using confidential company information for personal financial gain.

Added: 1 Aug 2026

Forum Conveniens

A discretionary doctrine where a court declines to exercise its jurisdiction over a dispute because another court or forum is significantly more appropriate, convenient, and effective for trying the matter (considering factors like residence of parties, availability of witnesses, and location of evidence).

e.g., The court applied the doctrine of forum conveniens and directed the parties to litigate in the state where the incident took place and where all key witnesses resided.

Added: 1 Aug 2026

Ex Gratia

A Latin phrase meaning "out of grace" or "as a favor". It refers to a voluntary payment or action made by an individual, corporation, or government without any legal obligation or liability to do so. For instance, governments often grant ex gratia compensation to victims of natural disasters or accidents out of goodwill rather than legal compulsion.

e.g., The government announced an ex gratia payment to the families of the flood victims as an immediate relief measure.

Added: 1 Aug 2026

Easement

A legal right that allows a landowner to use or enjoy another person's land for a specific, limited purpose (such as a right of way, access to light, air, or water drainage) without owning that property. In India, this right is governed by the Indian Easements Act, 1882.

e.g., The farmer successfully claimed a right of easement over his neighbor's land to access the main road, as it was his only passage.

Added: 1 Aug 2026

Ex Parte

A legal proceeding or order done for, on behalf of, or on the application of one party only, without notice to or the presence of the other party. In civil suits, if a defendant fails to appear in court despite receiving a proper summons, the judge may hear the case and issue an "ex parte decree" in favor of the plaintiff.

e.g., When the defendant failed to attend the court hearings despite multiple summons, the judge decided to proceed ex parte and issued an injunction.

Added: 1 Aug 2026

Estoppel

A rule of evidence that prevents a person from denying or going back on a statement, promise, or act they previously made, if another person relied on that statement and changed their position because of it. Under Section 121 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 (formerly Section 115 of the Indian Evidence Act), you cannot claim the exact opposite of what you previously made someone else believe.

e.g., Since the seller had previously assured the buyer that he was the absolute owner of the property and accepted payment, the court applied the doctrine of estoppel to prevent him from later claiming he lacked title.

Added: 1 Aug 2026

Ejusdem Generis

A canon of statutory interpretation meaning "of the same kind or class." It dictates that where general words follow an enumeration of specific or particular words, the general words are construed to embrace only objects or things of the same general nature, class, or kind as those enumerated.

e.g., Applying the rule of ejusdem generis, the court held that the phrase "or other dangerous weapons" in the statute applied only to items similar to guns and knives, excluding blunt wooden sticks.

Added: 28 Jul 2026

Decree

A formal expression of an adjudication by a civil court that conclusively determines the rights of the parties with regard to all or any of the matters in controversy in a suit. It may be either preliminary or final.

e.g., The court passed a decree in favor of the plaintiff, declaring him the rightful owner of the disputed property.

Added: 28 Jul 2026

Damnum Sine Injuria

A Latin legal maxim meaning "damage without injury." It refers to a situation where a person suffers actual monetary, physical, or material loss, but no violation of any legal right has occurred. Since there is no infringement of a legal right, no legal action can be maintained in a court of law.

e.g., When a competitor set up a new school nearby, causing a drop in the plaintiff's student admissions, the court dismissed the lawsuit on the principle of damnum sine injuria.

Added: 28 Jul 2026

Coram Non Judice

A Latin phrase meaning "before one who is not a judge." It refers to legal proceedings or orders passed by a court or authority that lacks the inherent jurisdiction or legal power to hear and decide the matter. Any decree passed coram non judice is a complete nullity in the eyes of the law.

e.g., The High Court set aside the order on the ground that the tribunal had acted coram non judice, as it possessed no statutory authority over the matter.

Added: 28 Jul 2026

Contributory Negligence

A defense in tort law where the defendant proves that the plaintiff's own failure to exercise reasonable care contributed to the harm or injury suffered, resulting in a reduction or total denial of damages awarded by the court.

e.g., The court reduced the compensation amount by thirty percent after finding the pedestrian guilty of contributory negligence for jaywalking.

Added: 28 Jul 2026

Cy-près Doctrine

Anglo-French legal principle meaning "as near as possible." It empowers a court to modify the terms of a charitable trust or bequest when the original specific purpose becomes impossible, illegal, or impracticable to perform, directing the funds to a purpose as close as possible to the donor's original intent.

e.g., When the specified school for underprivileged children closed down, the court applied the cy-près doctrine to redirect the trust funds to another local educational charity.

Added: 28 Jul 2026

Cause of Action

A set of essential facts or legal circumstances that give a person the right to seek a legal remedy in court against another party. Without a valid cause of action, a civil suit is liable to be rejected by the court.

e.g., The defendant filed an application under Order 7 Rule 11 of the Civil Procedure Code to reject the plaint, arguing that it failed to disclose any cause of action.

Added: 27 Jul 2026

Bona Fide

A Latin phrase meaning "in good faith." It describes an act done, statement made, or transaction entered into honestly, openly, and without any intention to deceive, defraud, or take unfair advantage of another party.

e.g., The buyer was protected under property law as a bona fide purchaser for value without notice of the prior dispute.

Added: 27 Jul 2026

Bequest

A gift of personal property or assets made to a beneficiary through a valid written will, which takes effect after the death of the testator (the person who made the will).

e.g., Under the terms of the late businessman's will, a generous monetary bequest was allocated to support local legal education funds.

Added: 27 Jul 2026

Adverse Possession

A legal doctrine under property law whereby a person who open, continuously, and hostilely occupies another person's real property for a statutory period (typically 12 years in India) may claim legal ownership over that property, terminating the original owner's title.

e.g., The defendant claimed title to the land through adverse possession, having occupied and cultivated the plot uninterrupted for over fifteen years without any objection from the registered owner.

Added: 27 Jul 2026

Ad Interim

A Latin phrase meaning "in the meantime" or "temporarily." It refers to an order, relief, or injunction granted by a court to maintain the status quo or protect a party's rights until a main application or full hearing takes place.

e.g., The High Court granted an ad interim stay on the demolition notice until the next date of hearing, allowing both sides to present their arguments.

Added: 27 Jul 2026

Averment

A positive, formal statement or allegation of facts made by a party in a legal pleading (such as a plaint or written statement) which the party intends to support and prove with evidence during the trial.

e.g., The defendant specifically denied every averment made in the plaint regarding the breach of contract.

Added: 27 Jul 2026

Ad Valorem

A Latin phrase meaning "according to value." It refers to duties, taxes, or court fees that are assessed, calculated, and levied as a percentage of the total monetary or estimated market value of the property or transaction involved in a lawsuit.

e.g., The plaintiff was required to pay an ad valorem court fee based on the current market valuation of the commercial land claimed in the civil suit.

Added: 27 Jul 2026

Ad Litem

A legal term used to describe a person or representative appointed by a court solely for the duration and purpose of a specific legal action or lawsuit (e.g., a guardian ad litem appointed to protect the interests of a minor or incapacitated person during litigation).

e.g., Since the heir was a minor, the court appointed an advocate as a guardian ad litem to represent her interests in the property dispute.

Added: 27 Jul 2026

Affirmation

A solemn, legal declaration made in court or in an affidavit by a person who conscientiously declines to take a religious oath. It carries the exact same legal weight and penalties for perjury as a sworn oath.

e.g., Instead of taking a religious oath, the witness made a solemn affirmation before testifying in the witness box.

Added: 27 Jul 2026

Attachment

A legal process ordered by a court to seize, hold, or prohibit the transfer or sale of a debtor's property before or after a judgment. It secures the property so it can be used to satisfy a debt or compel an absconding party to appear before the court.

e.g., When the defendant failed to execute the decree and repay the loan, the court ordered the attachment of his commercial properties.

Added: 27 Jul 2026

Arbitration

An Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process where parties in a contract agree to settle their dispute out of court through one or more neutral third parties called arbitrators, whose legally binding decision is called an arbitral award

e.g., The commercial agreement contained a clause stating that any disagreement between the partners would be resolved through arbitration rather than litigation.

Added: 27 Jul 2026

Affidavit

A written statement of facts voluntarily confirmed by oath or affirmation before an authorized officer, such as a notary public or magistrate, making the signatory legally responsible for its truthfulness.

e.g., The plaintiff submitted a signed affidavit along with the petition to support the claims made regarding the property dispute.

Added: 27 Jul 2026

Admissibility

The quality of being legally acceptable or valid to be introduced as evidence in a court of law. For evidence to be admissible, it must be relevant to the case and comply with established legal rules, ensuring it was not obtained through illegal or unfair means.

e.g., The judge scheduled a separate hearing to determine the admissibility of the digital audio recording before allowing the jury to hear it.

Added: 27 Jul 2026

Adjournment

The act of postponing, suspending, or putting off a court hearing, trial, or legal proceeding to a specific future date and time. It is typically granted by a judge at the request of one of the parties to allow more time for preparing evidence, managing witness availability, or settling procedural issues.

e.g., The defense counsel requested an adjournment from the civil judge because the primary medical expert was unavailable to testify that day.

Added: 29 Jun 2026

criminal

Flagrante Delicto

A Latin legal phrase meaning "in blazing offense." It refers to catching an offender directly in the act of committing a crime, or immediately after its commission while the evidence is fresh. In criminal procedure, arresting an offender caught in flagrante delicto provides immediate justification for law enforcement officers (and in some cases, private citizens) to make an arrest without a warrant.

e.g., The suspect was arrested in flagrante delicto while attempting to break into the jewelry store late at night.

Added: 1 Aug 2026

Forfeiture

The loss or deprivation of property, rights, assets, or money as a penalty or consequence for committing a crime, failing to fulfill a legal obligation, or breaching a contract. Under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 (Section 4(f)) and procedural laws, courts can order the forfeiture of property acquired through criminal activities or used in committing offenses.

e.g., The court ordered the forfeiture of the vehicle that was proven to have been used in smuggling illegal contraband.

Added: 1 Aug 2026

Falsus in Uno, Falsus in Omnibus

A Latin legal maxim meaning "false in one thing, false in everything." It is a rule of evidence suggesting that if a witness intentionally lies about one material fact, their entire testimony should be rejected. However, Indian courts (including the Supreme Court) do not apply this maxim as a mandatory rule of law, choosing instead to separate the truth from falsehood within a witness's statement.

e.g., The Supreme Court reaffirmed that the doctrine of falsus in uno, falsus in omnibus does not strictly apply in India, allowing judges to rely on the truthful portions of a witness's testimony.

Added: 1 Aug 2026

First Information Report

A written document prepared by the police upon receiving initial information about the commission of a cognizable offense (a serious crime where police can arrest without a warrant). Governed under Section 173 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 (formerly Section 154 of the CrPC), it sets the criminal investigation process into motion and now explicitly incorporates provisions for Zero FIR and E-FIR.

e.g., Immediately after the robbery occurred at the bank, the manager rushed to the nearest police station to lodge a First Information Report.

Added: 1 Aug 2026

Extradition

The formal process by which one country surrenders a person accused or convicted of a crime to another country where the crime was committed, so they can face trial or serve their sentence. In India, this process is primarily governed by the Extradition Act, 1962 alongside international treaties.

e.g., The Indian government filed an extradition request to bring the accused fraudster back from abroad to face trial in the domestic courts.

Added: 1 Aug 2026

Embezzlement

The act of secretly stealing or misusing money or property that was lawfully given to you to look after (for example, an employee taking money from their company's bank account for personal use).

e.g., The accountant was arrested for embezzlement after the audit revealed that he had transferred company funds into his personal account.

Added: 28 Jul 2026

Dying Declaration

A statement made by a person, written or verbal, as to the cause of their death or as to any of the circumstances of the transaction which resulted in their death. Under Section 26 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 (formerly Section 32(1) of the Indian Evidence Act), it is admissible as evidence in cases where the cause of that person's death comes into question.

e.g., The doctor recorded the victim's dying declaration in the presence of a magistrate, which later became the pivotal evidence leading to the conviction of the accused.

Added: 28 Jul 2026

Defamation

The act of communicating a false statement about a person—either orally (slander) or in writing/pubished form (libel)—that injures their reputation, character, or good name in the eyes of right-thinking members of society. In Indian law, it is both a civil wrong (tort) and a criminal offense.

e.g., The businessman filed a criminal defamation suit against the news channel for publishing unverified and harmful allegations against his company.

Added: 28 Jul 2026

Corroborative Evidence

Additional evidence that supports, confirms, or strengthens primary testimony or evidence already presented in a case, making a factual claim more believable to the court.

e.g., The forensic report served as crucial corroborative evidence to support the eyewitness testimony during the trial.

Added: 28 Jul 2026

Cross-Examination

The questioning of a witness called by the opposing party in a trial or legal proceeding. Its primary purpose is to test the veracity, accuracy, and credibility of the witness's testimony and extract favorable facts.

e.g., During cross-examination, the defense advocate highlighted several contradictions in the prosecution witness's statement.

Added: 28 Jul 2026

Culpable Homicide

The act of causing the death of a human being by doing an act with the intention of causing death, or with the intention of causing such bodily injury as is likely to cause death, or with the knowledge that the act is likely to cause death. It is the genus of which murder is a species.

e.g., The court held that the accused was guilty of culpable homicide not amounting to murder, as the act occurred during a sudden heat of passion without premeditation.

Added: 28 Jul 2026

Corpus Delicti

A Latin phrase meaning "the body of the crime." It refers to the principle that a crime must be proven to have actually occurred before a person can be convicted of committing it (e.g., proving a death occurred as a result of a criminal act in a murder trial).

e.g., Even without discovering the victim's physical remains, the prosecution established the corpus delicti through overwhelming circumstantial evidence.

Added: 28 Jul 2026

Compoundable Offense

An offense in which the victim or aggrieved party is permitted by law to compromise or settle the dispute with the accused, resulting in the acquittal of the accused without proceeding to a full trial.

e.g., Since assault and defamation are compoundable offenses, both parties successfully filed a compromise petition before the court to settle the matter amicably.

Added: 27 Jul 2026

Cognizable Offense

An offense for which a police officer may arrest the accused without a warrant and initiate an investigation without first seeking the permission or order of a Magistrate (as defined under criminal procedure codes like the BNSS/CrPC).

e.g., Since robbery is a cognizable offense, the police immediately registered a FIR and initiated the investigation without waiting for court directions.

Added: 27 Jul 2026

Burden of Proof

The legal obligation of a party in a court proceeding to produce evidence to prove or disprove a disputed fact. In criminal trials, the burden of proof rests primarily on the prosecution to establish the accused's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

e.g., In criminal law, the burden of proof remains on the prosecution throughout the trial to establish every element of the crime.

Added: 27 Jul 2026

Breach of Trust

The intentional violation of a legal or fiduciary duty, or the misuse/misappropriation of property or funds entrusted to a person's care for their own benefit or for an unauthorized purpose.

e.g., The company director was charged with criminal breach of trust after funds allocated for employee welfare were diverted into a personal account.

Added: 27 Jul 2026

Bailable Offense

An offense classified under the law (such as the Code of Criminal Procedure/Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita) as less serious, where an accused person has a legal right to be released on bail upon fulfilling the necessary conditions and submitting the required security bond.

e.g., Since simple hurt is a bailable offense, the police station master granted bail directly without requiring the accused to approach the Magistrate.

Added: 27 Jul 2026

Bigamy

The act or offense of entering into a second marriage while a previous valid marriage is still subsisting and has not been legally dissolved or annulled by a competent court of law.

e.g., The court penalized the accused for bigamy after it was proven that he solemnized a second marriage without obtaining a divorce from his first spouse.

Added: 27 Jul 2026

Battery

The intentional and direct application of unlawful force or physical contact to another person without their consent or lawful justification, regardless of whether it causes actual physical injury.

e.g., Throwing water directly on someone in anger constitutes the offense of battery under tort and criminal law, even if no physical harm was suffered.

Added: 27 Jul 2026

Bail

The temporary release of an accused person awaiting trial or judgment, upon the execution of a security or personal bond guaranteeing their appearance in court whenever required.

e.g., The Sessions Court granted anticipatory bail to the accused after finding no immediate requirement for custodial interrogation.

Added: 27 Jul 2026

Affray

An offense where two or more persons fight in a public place, thereby disturbing the public peace and causing terror or alarm among the general public.

e.g., The police arrested both individuals for affray after their heated argument erupted into a physical fight in the middle of a crowded market.

Added: 27 Jul 2026

Assault

Making a gesture or preparation that causes another person to reasonably apprehend that criminal force is about to be used against them. Actual physical contact is not required for assault; the threat of imminent physical harm coupled with the present ability to execute it is sufficient.

e.g., Raising a clenched fist and aggressively walking toward someone while shouting threats constitutes an act of assault in criminal law.

Added: 27 Jul 2026

Anticipatory Bail

A direction issued by a Session Court or High Court granting conditional protection from arrest to a person who apprehends that they may be arrested for a non-bailable offense. If arrested thereafter, the person is released on bail immediately.

e.g., Anticipating false charges due to a corporate rivalry, the director approached the High Court to seek anticipatory bail before the police could make an arrest.

Added: 27 Jul 2026

Alibi

A defense used in criminal law where the accused proves that they were at a different physical location at the exact time the alleged offense was committed, making it physically impossible for them to be the perpetrator.

e.g., The accused successfully established an alibi by providing CCTV footage and hotel records proving he was in another city during the robbery.

Added: 27 Jul 2026

Absconding

The act of intentionally hiding, fleeing, or leaving the jurisdiction of a court to evade arrest, legal proceedings, or the execution of a warrant issued by a legal authority.

e.g., The magistrate declared the accused a proclaimed offender under the criminal procedure rules after it was proven that he was absconding to avoid trial.

Added: 29 Jun 2026

contract

Force Majeure

A contractual clause that frees both parties from liability or obligation when an extraordinary event or circumstance beyond their control—such as war, strike, riot, crime, epidemic, or sudden act of God—prevents one or both parties from fulfilling their contractual duties. In Indian contract law, this concept is primarily covered under Section 56 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872 (Doctrine of Frustration).

e.g., The construction firm invoked the force majeure clause to suspend the project without penalty during the severe government-mandated lockdown.

Added: 1 Aug 2026

Fraud

The act of intentionally deceiving someone by making false statements, hiding facts, or breaking promises to induce them into making a decision or entering a contract. Under Section 17 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872, an agreement made through fraud is voidable at the option of the deceived party.

e.g., The buyer sued the seller for fraud after discovering that the vehicle's mileage reading had been intentionally altered before the sale.

Added: 1 Aug 2026

Free Consent

An agreement where two or more persons agree upon the same thing in the same sense without any pressure or deception. Under Section 14 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872, consent is considered "free" only when it is not caused by coercion, undue influence, fraud, misrepresentation, or mistake.

e.g., The court declared the property agreement null and void because the plaintiff's signature was obtained under threat, proving a lack of free consent.

Added: 1 Aug 2026

Consensus ad Idem

A Latin phrase meaning "meeting of the minds." It refers to the fundamental condition where all parties involved in a contract understand and agree to the exact same terms in the exact same sense at the same time, forming a essential element of a valid contract.

e.g., The agreement was declared null and void because there was no consensus ad idem between the buyer and seller regarding the specific property being sold.

Added: 28 Jul 2026

Coercion

The committing, or threatening to commit, any act forbidden by law, or the unlawful detaining or threatening to detain any property, with the intention of causing any person to enter into an agreement. Consent obtained through coercion makes the contract voidable at the option of the aggrieved party.

e.g., The court declared the property agreement voidable because the land owner's signature was obtained under coercion.

Added: 27 Jul 2026

Caveat Emptor

A Latin legal maxim meaning "let the buyer beware." It lays down the fundamental principle in contract and commercial law that the buyer alone is responsible for checking the quality, condition, and suitability of goods before making a purchase.

e.g., Unless there is an express warranty or fraudulent concealment by the seller, the rule of caveat emptor applies to sale transactions.

Added: 27 Jul 2026

Bailment

The delivery of goods by one person (the bailor) to another (the bailee) for a specific purpose, upon a contract that the goods shall, when the purpose is accomplished, be returned or otherwise disposed of according to the directions of the person delivering them.

e.g., When Rahul handed over his car to the service center for repairs, a contract of bailment was created, making the service center responsible for taking reasonable care of the vehicle.

Added: 27 Jul 2026

Ad Idem

A Latin phrase meaning "agreeing to the same thing in the same sense" (Consensus Ad Idem). It is an essential element of a valid contract, requiring that all parties involved have a complete and identical understanding of the core terms and subject matter of the agreement.

e.g., The contract was declared void because the buyer and seller were not ad idem regarding which of the two cars was actually being sold.

Added: 27 Jul 2026

Accord and Satisfaction

A method of discharging or settling an existing contract or claim, where both parties agree to substitute the original obligation with a new performance or consideration ("accord"), and the actual execution of that new agreement discharges the previous liability ("satisfaction").

e.g., When the debtor offered to transfer his car instead of paying the cash debt, and the creditor accepted the vehicle, the loan was settled by accord and satisfaction.

Added: 27 Jul 2026

Abetment

The act of encouraging, instigating, provoking, or intentionally aiding another person to commit a crime or an unlawful act. Even if the person doesn't commit the physical act themselves, they are held legally liable for initiating or helping it happen.

e.g., The driver was charged with abetment of theft because he intentionally left the warehouse gates unlocked to help the robbers escape.

Added: 29 Jun 2026

constitutional

Equal Protection of the Laws

A fundamental right under Article 14 of the Indian Constitution (borrowed from the US Constitution) which guarantees that equals must be treated equally in similar circumstances. Unlike "equality before law", this doctrine permits reasonable classification by the state to give affirmative support or benefits to underprivileged or weaker sections of society.

e.g., The doctrine of equal protection of the laws justifies welfare schemes designed specifically to uplift disadvantaged communities.

Added: 1 Aug 2026

Equality Before Law

A fundamental rule under Article 14 of the Indian Constitution (borrowed from English Common Law) which mandates that no individual is above the law, and every person, regardless of rank, status, or position, is subject to the ordinary jurisdiction of the courts.

e.g., The court reiterated that equality before law ensures that public officials and private citizens are judged by the exact same legal standards.

Added: 1 Aug 2026

Ex Post Facto Law

A law that retroactively changes the legal consequences of actions committed before the law was passed. Under Article 20(1) of the Indian Constitution, the government cannot pass a law that punishes a person for an act that was completely legal at the time it was committed, nor can it increase the penalty for a past crime.

e.g., The court declared the new penalty clause invalid against the accused, ruling that it acted as an unconstitutional ex post facto law.

Added: 1 Aug 2026

De Jure

A Latin phrase meaning "by right" or "according to law." It describes a state of affairs, authority, or position that is legally recognized and established by law, regardless of whether it exists in actual practice (as opposed to 'de facto').

e.g., In a parliamentary system of government, the President is the de jure head of state, while the Prime Minister holds the executive power in practice.

Added: 28 Jul 2026

De Facto

A Latin phrase meaning "in fact" or "in reality." It refers to a state of affairs, authority, or status that exists in practice, regardless of whether it is officially or legally recognized by law (as opposed to 'de jure').

e.g., Although the board had not formally appointed him as the director, he acted as the de facto head of the company for over a year.

Added: 28 Jul 2026

Contempt of Court

An act of disrespect, disobedience, or disregard toward the authority, dignity, or orders of a court of law. It can be civil (willful disobedience of court orders) or criminal (scandalizing or lowering the authority of the court).

e.g., The High Court initiated contempt of court proceedings against the officer for repeatedly failing to comply with its explicit directions.

Added: 27 Jul 2026

Bye-Law

A rule or regulation established by a local authority, statutory body, or private corporation under the authority of a enabling act of legislature to govern its internal management or matters within its specific jurisdiction.

e.g., The municipal corporation enacted new bye-laws to regulate commercial waste management and penalize illegal dumping across the city.

Added: 27 Jul 2026

Bench

A body of judges presiding over a court, or the specific location where the judges sit. In constitutional and judicial procedure, it refers to a panel formed by one or more judges to hear and decide a specific case or class of cases (e.g., Division Bench, Constitution Bench).

e.g., The Chief Justice referred the petition regarding fundamental rights to a three-judge Constitution Bench for a binding precedent.

Added: 27 Jul 2026

Ad Hoc

A Latin phrase meaning "for this specific purpose." In a legal or official context, it refers to a committee, judge, tribunal, or arrangement formed temporarily to address a specific situation or duty, rather than being permanent.

e.g., When the court experienced a sudden backlog of cases, an ad hoc judge was appointed temporarily under Article 127 of the Constitution to assist the Supreme Court.

Added: 27 Jul 2026

Audi Alteram Partem

A fundamental principle of Natural Justice which dictates that no person should be condemned, penalized, or judged without being given a fair opportunity of being heard and presenting their defense before an impartial court or tribunal.

e.g., The High Court quashed the administrative order removing the government officer because the department failed to observe audi alteram partem by not giving him a chance to respond to the allegations.

Added: 27 Jul 2026

Autrefois Acquit / Autrefois Convict

Fundamental legal pleas based on the principle of double jeopardy (Article 20(2) of the Indian Constitution). Autrefois acquit means a person cannot be tried again for an offense for which they have already been acquitted. Autrefois convict means a person cannot be tried or punished again for an offense for which they have already been convicted by a competent court.

e.g., The defense attorney raised the plea of autrefois acquit, demonstrating that the trial court had previously acquitted his client of the exact same charges based on the same set of facts.

Added: 27 Jul 2026

Amicus Curiae

A neutral, independent legal expert or organization appointed by the court (or allowed to intervene) to offer assistance, unbiased legal expertise, or insights on complex matters of public interest involved in a case.

e.g., The High Court appointed a senior advocate as amicus curiae to advise on constitutional questions regarding environmental protection regulations.

Added: 27 Jul 2026

general

Double Jeopardy

A constitutional protection enshrined in Article 20(2) of the Indian Constitution (and Section 337 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023) which guarantees that no person shall be prosecuted and punished for the same offense more than once.

e.g., The defense attorney invoked the doctrine of double jeopardy, arguing that his client could not be tried again since he had already been acquitted of the exact same charges.

Added: 28 Jul 2026

Certiorari

One of the five prerogative writs (under Article 32 and 226 in India) issued by a superior court to a lower court, tribunal, or quasi-judicial authority, directing it to transfer the records of a case for review, or to quash a decision made without jurisdiction or in violation of the principles of natural justice.

e.g., The Supreme Court issued a writ of certiorari to quash the lower tribunal's order, as it was passed without granting the petitioner a fair hearing.

Added: 27 Jul 2026