Legal Glossary
Plain-language definitions of legal terms across 13 domains of Indian law. Each term includes the statute reference, new law equivalent, and landmark case.
Abatement — Definition & Legal Meaning in India
Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, Order XXII Rules 1-12
What is abatement under Indian civil law? Learn the legal definition under Order XXII CPC, when a suit abates on death of a party, and how to set aside abatement.
Abduction — Definition & Legal Meaning in India
Indian Penal Code, 1860, Section 362
What is abduction under Indian law? Definition under IPC Section 362 (BNS Section 138), difference from kidnapping, and when abduction becomes punishable.
Abetment — Definition & Legal Meaning in India
Indian Penal Code, 1860, Sections 107-109
What is abetment under Indian law? Legal definition under Section 107-109 IPC / Section 45-47 BNS, three modes of abetment, and punishment for abettors.
Absconder — Definition & Legal Meaning in India
Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, Sections 82 to 86
What is an absconder under Indian law? Legal definition under Section 82 CrPC (Section 84 BNSS), proclaimed offender, property attachment, and trial in absentia.
Abuse of Dominant Position — Definition & Legal Meaning
Competition Act, 2002, Section 4
What is abuse of dominant position under Indian law? Learn the definition under Section 4 of the Competition Act 2002, types of abuse, CCI cases, and Supreme Court rulings.
Acquittal — Definition & Legal Meaning in India
Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, Sections 232 and 235
What is acquittal under Indian law? Legal definition under Section 232/235 CrPC (Section 255/258 BNSS), double jeopardy protection, and landmark Supreme Court cases.
Actionable Claim — Definition & Legal Meaning in India
Transfer of Property Act, 1882, Section 3
What is an actionable claim under Indian law? Learn the definition under Section 3 of the Transfer of Property Act, the assignment rules under Section 130, exclusions, and practical significance.
Actus Reus — Definition & Legal Meaning in India
Indian Penal Code, 1860, Sections 32 and 33
What is actus reus under Indian criminal law? Meaning of the guilty act, acts and omissions under IPC/BNS, and how courts determine criminal conduct.
Ad Interim — Definition & Legal Meaning in India
Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, Order XXXIX Rule 3
What does ad interim mean under Indian law? Learn about ad interim injunctions, interim orders, their scope under Order 39 CPC, and how courts grant urgent short-term relief.
Adjudicating Officer (IT Act) — Definition & Legal Meaning in India
Information Technology Act, 2000, Section 46
What is an Adjudicating Officer under the IT Act? Learn about Section 46 appointment, jurisdiction over Section 43 contraventions, civil court powers, and appeal to TDSAT.
Adoption — Definition & Legal Meaning in India
Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act, 1956, Section 5
What is adoption under Indian law? Learn the legal definition under the Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act 1956 and Juvenile Justice Act 2015, eligibility criteria, and Supreme Court cases.
Adultery (Matrimonial Ground) — Definition & Legal Meaning
Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, Section 13(1)(i)
What is adultery as a ground for divorce in India? Learn the legal definition under Section 13(1)(i) HMA, the Joseph Shine decriminalisation, and its continued relevance in matrimonial law.