AP High Court Office Subordinate key terms

The formal termination of a session of a legislature by the head of state or presiding officer. It ends all pending business; bills not passed lapse, except those already referred to a committee or notified.

A temporary law promulgated by the President or a Governor when the legislature is not in session. It has the same force as an Act but must be approved by the legislature within six weeks of reassembly.

The postponement of the sitting of a House to a later hour or day. It does not dissolve the House or end the session; pending business generally survives an adjournment.

The constitutional provision empowering the President to promulgate ordinances during a recess of Parliament. The ordinance must be laid before both Houses and ceases to operate six weeks after Parliament reassembles unless approved.

The constitutional provision allowing a Governor to promulgate ordinances when the State Legislature is not in session. Like a presidential ordinance, it requires legislative approval within six weeks of reassembly.

The power of courts to examine laws and executive actions for conformity with the Constitution and to declare them void if inconsistent. In India, it flows from Articles 13, 32, 226 and related provisions.

The principle that Parliament cannot amend the Constitution in a way that destroys its essential features, such as supremacy of the Constitution, secularism, or judicial review. It was established in Kesavananda Bharati (1973).

A formal change to the Constitution made under Article 368. Depending on the subject, it requires a simple majority, a special majority, or a special majority plus ratification by half the States.

A formal written order of a court directing a person or authority to act or refrain from acting. The five constitutional writs are habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, certiorari, and quo warranto.

A writ requiring that a detained person be brought before a court so the legality of the detention can be examined. It protects personal liberty against arbitrary or unlawful custody.

A writ issued by a superior court commanding a public authority or inferior court to perform a public duty that it has failed or refused to perform. It cannot be issued against a private individual.

A writ by which a higher court quashes an order already passed by an inferior court or tribunal that acted without jurisdiction or in violation of natural justice. It is corrective in nature.

A people's court established under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, to settle disputes by conciliation. Its award is final and binding, and no appeal lies against it.

A written statement of facts sworn or affirmed before an authorised officer, such as a notary or magistrate, and used as evidence in legal proceedings. False statements in it can attract prosecution.

A document by which a party authorises an advocate to appear and act on its behalf in a court. It is signed by the party and the advocate and filed with the court.

The written statement by which a plaintiff initiates a civil suit, setting out the facts, the cause of action, and the relief claimed. It is filed in the court along with the requisite court fee.

The formal expression of an adjudication that conclusively determines the rights of the parties in a civil suit. It may be preliminary or final and is enforceable by execution.

The statement of reasons given by a court for its decision in a case. It sets out the facts, issues, findings, and the relief granted, and forms the basis of the decree.

A notice filed by a person who expects to be affected by a proceeding, requesting that no order be passed without giving him a hearing. It remains in force for ninety days unless extended.

A proceeding conducted in private, with the public excluded, usually to protect confidentiality or sensitive material. The court may record reasons for holding a hearing in camera.

A matter that is currently under consideration by a court and therefore should not be publicly commented on in a way that could prejudice the proceedings. It means 'under a judge'.

The legal principle or rule of law on which a court's decision is based. It is the binding part of a judgment and must be followed by lower courts in similar cases.

Observations made by a judge in a judgment that are not essential to the decision. They are persuasive but not binding on lower courts.

A previous judicial decision that serves as an authority for deciding subsequent cases with similar facts. The doctrine of precedent requires lower courts to follow the ratio of higher courts.

The principle that courts should stand by decided cases and not disturb settled points of law. It promotes certainty and consistency in the legal system.

The systematic control of records throughout their life cycle, from creation and receipt to disposal. It ensures efficiency, accountability, and compliance with legal and administrative requirements.

A register maintained in an office to record the details of files opened, such as file number, subject, and date of opening. It helps in tracking the movement and retrieval of files.

A list or calendar of cases or matters pending before a court, or a register of documents received in an office. It is used to schedule hearings and monitor progress.

A list published by a court showing the cases to be heard on a particular day, along with the court, judge, and time. It informs parties and advocates when their matters will be taken up.

The process of identifying and removing records that are no longer required for administrative, legal, or historical purposes. It is done according to retention schedules and with proper authorisation.

The postponement of the hearing of a case to a later date by a court. It may be granted on the request of a party or by the court on its own motion.

A written statement of facts sworn or affirmed before an authorised officer, such as a notary or magistrate, and used as evidence in legal proceedings. False statements in it can attract prosecution.