Legal Glossary
23 essential Indian legal terms explained in plain English and Hindi, with official sources.
A
3 termsAffidavitAn affidavit is a written statement of facts affirmed or sworn by its maker for use as evidence where the law or a court permits it. A false statement in an affidavit can carry legal consequences.Anticipatory BailAnticipatory bail is a direction by the High Court or Court of Session that a person apprehending arrest for a non-bailable offence be released on bail if arrested. The court may impose conditions.AppealAn appeal is a statutory proceeding asking a higher court to examine and, where the law allows, confirm, vary or reverse a lower court’s decree, order or judgment. There is no general right of appeal unless legislation provides one.
B
3 termsBailBail is release from custody on a bond or bail bond requiring the accused to appear as directed. Bail is ordinarily available as a right for bailable offences; for non-bailable offences the competent court applies the statutory rules and facts of the case.BarThe Bar commonly means advocates as a professional body, or advocates entitled to practise before a court. Enrolment and the right to practise are governed primarily by the Advocates Act, 1961 and applicable rules.Bona FideBona fide means in good faith or genuinely. Its legal effect depends on the statute and facts—for example, whether an act, belief, purchase or claim was honest and without notice of a defect.
C
3 termsCaveatA caveat is a formal notice lodged by a person who expects an application in a suit or proceeding and claims a right to be heard before the court passes an order on that application. A caveat ordinarily remains in force for ninety days.Cognizable OffenceA cognizable offence is one for which a police officer may arrest without warrant in accordance with the First Schedule of the BNSS or another law in force. Information about such an offence is recorded under Section 173 BNSS.Consumer ForumThe Consumer Protection Act, 2019 establishes District, State and National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions to decide eligible consumer disputes. “Consumer forum” is still commonly used, though the statute calls them Commissions.
D
2 termsDecreeA decree is the formal expression of a civil court adjudication that conclusively determines the rights of parties on all or any matters in controversy in the suit. It may be preliminary or final.DefamationDefamation generally means making or publishing an imputation concerning a person with the intention, knowledge or reason to believe that it will harm that person’s reputation, subject to statutory exceptions. Civil remedies may also be available.
F
1 termH
2 termsHabeas CorpusHabeas corpus is a constitutional writ used to require that a detained person be produced before the court so the legality of detention can be examined. The Supreme Court and High Courts exercise writ jurisdiction under Articles 32 and 226.High CourtA High Court is the constitutional court for a State or group of States or Union territories. It has powers including writ jurisdiction under Article 226 and superintendence over courts and tribunals within its territory under Article 227.
I
1 termL
1 termP
2 termsPower of AttorneyA power of attorney is an instrument authorising a specified person to act for and in the name of the person executing it. Its scope depends on the wording, applicable law, and any registration or stamping requirement.PILPublic Interest Litigation is a judicially developed procedure that relaxes standing in appropriate cases involving public injury or the rights of persons unable to approach the court themselves. It is not a substitute for private or publicity-driven disputes.
R
2 termsRERARERA commonly refers to the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 and the regulatory authorities established under it. The Act regulates covered projects and agents and provides complaint and adjudication mechanisms.RTIThe Right to Information Act, 2005 gives citizens a statutory right to seek information held by or under the control of public authorities, subject to the Act’s exemptions and procedure. An applicant generally need not give reasons for requesting information.
S
2 termsSuo MotuSuo motu means “on its own motion.” It describes a court or authority initiating proceedings without a conventional petition by an affected party, where the Constitution or applicable law permits such action.Stay OrderA stay order temporarily suspends a proceeding, operation of an order, or execution of a decree. Filing an appeal does not by itself stay execution; the competent court must grant a stay under the applicable law.