Legal Dictionary
Confusing legal terms, translated into plain language.
FIR (First Information Report)
A written document police create when they first learn about a cognizable crime. It's usually the first formal step in a criminal case.
Example
If your phone is stolen, you can walk into any police station and ask them to register an FIR.
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Zero FIR
An FIR that can be filed at any police station, regardless of where the crime happened. It's later transferred to the right station.
Example
If a crime happened in another city, you can still file a Zero FIR at your local station instead of traveling there.
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Affidavit
A written statement of facts that you sign and swear to be true, usually in front of a notary or magistrate.
Example
You might need an affidavit to confirm your address hasn't changed when applying for a new document.
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Bail
Temporary release of a person accused of a crime, usually on conditions, while their case is still being decided.
Example
After arrest, a person can apply for bail so they don't have to stay in custody until the trial ends.
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Anticipatory Bail
Bail sought in advance, before a person is arrested, if they fear arrest in a case.
Example
If someone believes a false complaint might lead to their arrest, they can apply for anticipatory bail beforehand.
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Injunction
A court order that tells someone to do something or stop doing something.
Example
A court might issue an injunction stopping a builder from constructing on disputed land until the case is resolved.
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Stay Order
A court order that pauses an action or proceeding temporarily.
Example
A stay order can pause an eviction until the tenancy dispute is fully heard.
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Legal Notice
A formal letter, often through a lawyer, informing someone of a grievance and demanding action before legal proceedings begin.
Example
Before suing a company for a defective product, you might send them a legal notice giving them a chance to resolve it.
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Complaint
A formal statement describing a wrong done to you, submitted to a police station, forum, or authority.
Example
You can file a complaint with the consumer forum if a company refuses to honor a warranty.
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Cognizable Offence
A serious crime where police can arrest without a warrant and must register an FIR immediately.
Example
Theft and assault are cognizable offences, so police must act on your complaint right away.
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Non-Cognizable Offence
A less serious offence where police need a magistrate's permission before investigating or arresting.
Example
Simple public nuisance is usually treated as a non-cognizable offence.
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Custody
Being held by police or judicial authority, either during investigation or after being sentenced.
Example
A person can be in police custody for questioning before being sent to judicial custody.
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Writ
A formal order from a High Court or Supreme Court directing a person or authority to do or stop doing something, usually to protect fundamental rights.
Example
You can file a writ petition if a government authority denies you a right guaranteed by the Constitution.
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Notary
A government-authorized official who certifies the authenticity of documents and signatures.
Example
You may need a notary to attest your affidavit before submitting it to court.
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Power of Attorney
A legal document that lets you authorize someone else to act on your behalf in specific matters.
Example
If you're abroad, you can give a family member power of attorney to sell your property.
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Mediation
A process where a neutral third person helps two sides reach an agreement without going to trial.
Example
A landlord and tenant might resolve a deposit dispute through mediation instead of court.
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Arbitration
A private dispute resolution process where an arbitrator makes a binding decision outside of court.
Example
Many rental and business agreements include a clause requiring arbitration before litigation.
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Conciliation
A less formal version of mediation where a conciliator actively suggests solutions to help parties settle.
Example
Labour disputes are often first sent to conciliation before going to a tribunal.
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Lok Adalat
A 'people's court' that settles disputes through compromise, quickly and without heavy court fees.
Example
Minor consumer and property disputes are often resolved faster through a Lok Adalat.
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Warranty
A manufacturer's or seller's promise to repair or replace a product if it fails within a set period.
Example
If your appliance breaks within the warranty period, the company must fix or replace it for free.
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Guarantee
A stronger promise than a warranty, sometimes covering full replacement or refund if a product fails.
Example
Some sellers offer a money-back guarantee within 30 days of purchase.
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Deficiency of Service
A legal term for when a service provided falls short of what was promised or reasonably expected.
Example
A phone repair shop that damages your device further can be held liable for deficiency of service.
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Maintenance (Family Law)
Financial support one family member is legally required to pay another, such as a spouse or child.
Example
A court can order maintenance payments to a spouse who has no independent income.
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Alimony
Financial support paid by one spouse to another after separation or divorce.
Example
Alimony can be a lump sum or paid monthly, depending on the court's order.
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Child Custody
Legal determination of which parent a child will live with and who makes decisions about their upbringing.
Example
Courts generally decide custody based on the best interests of the child.
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Encumbrance Certificate
A document confirming a property is free of any legal or financial liabilities, like unpaid loans.
Example
Buyers usually ask for an encumbrance certificate before purchasing land.
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Title Deed
The legal document proving ownership of a property.
Example
You should verify the title deed carefully before buying any land or house.
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Mutation (Property)
The process of updating land revenue records to reflect a change in property ownership.
Example
After buying land, you should apply for mutation so records show you as the new owner.
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POSH Act
A law requiring workplaces to prevent and address sexual harassment, and to set up an Internal Complaints Committee.
Example
Under the POSH Act, any workplace with 10 or more employees must have a committee to handle harassment complaints.
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Internal Complaints Committee (ICC)
A workplace committee required by law to investigate sexual harassment complaints.
Example
You can approach your company's ICC to file a formal harassment complaint confidentially.
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RTI (Right to Information)
A law that lets citizens formally request information from public authorities.
Example
You can file an RTI to ask why your passport application is delayed.
Cheque Bounce
When a cheque is dishonored by the bank, usually due to insufficient funds, which can be a criminal offence.
Example
If a cheque you received bounces, you can send a legal notice before filing a case under the Negotiable Instruments Act.
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Chargesheet
A police report filed in court after investigation, listing evidence and charges against an accused.
Example
Police must file a chargesheet within a set period after arrest if the investigation is complete.
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