Legal Definitions
Understanding legal terminology is the first step to understanding the law.
A written document prepared by police when they receive information about a cognizable offence. It sets the criminal law in motion.
Relevant Laws & Provisions
- Section 154 of CrPC (now Section 173 of BNSS)
- Lalita Kumari v. Govt. of UP - Mandatory registration for cognizable offenses
An offence for which a police officer can arrest without warrant and start investigation without court permission.
Relevant Laws & Provisions
- Schedule I of CrPC
- Examples: Murder, theft, robbery, kidnapping
An offence for which police cannot arrest without warrant and require court permission to investigate.
Relevant Laws & Provisions
- Section 155 CrPC
- Examples: Assault, defamation, cheating
The temporary release of an accused person awaiting trial, sometimes on condition that a sum of money is lodged as security.
Relevant Laws & Provisions
- Section 436-439 CrPC
- Regular Bail, Anticipatory Bail, Interim Bail
A formal written order issued by a court directing a specific action. The five types are: Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Prohibition, Certiorari, and Quo Warranto.
Relevant Laws & Provisions
- Article 32 (Supreme Court)
- Article 226 (High Courts)
A writ requiring a person under arrest to be brought before a judge to determine if their detention is lawful.
Relevant Laws & Provisions
- Article 21 & 22
- ADM Jabalpur v. Shivkant Shukla (later overruled)
A formal notice requesting that no action be taken without informing the person filing it, giving them an opportunity to be heard.
Relevant Laws & Provisions
- Section 148A CPC
- Valid for 90 days
A court order that temporarily stops judicial proceedings or enforcement of a judgment or order.
Relevant Laws & Provisions
- Order 39 CPC (Temporary Injunctions)
- Section 151 CPC
A document by which a litigant authorizes an advocate to represent them in court proceedings.
Relevant Laws & Provisions
- Order III Rule 4 CPC
- Must be signed by both client and advocate
A written statement confirmed by oath or affirmation, for use as evidence in court or for various legal purposes.
Relevant Laws & Provisions
- Order XIX CPC
- Indian Evidence Act
- Must be on stamp paper and notarized
The maximum time after an event within which legal proceedings may be initiated. Beyond this period, the case becomes time-barred.
Relevant Laws & Provisions
- Limitation Act, 1963
- 3 years for civil suits (generally)
- Varies for different types of cases
A matter that has been finally decided by a competent court and cannot be litigated again between the same parties.
Relevant Laws & Provisions
- Section 11 CPC
- Prevents multiplicity of proceedings
Disclaimer: These definitions are simplified for educational purposes. For precise legal interpretations, please consult the actual statutes and relevant case laws, or contact a qualified advocate.
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