LawPrep Sprint
Legal Reels
Swipe-style feed for quick legal memory hits.
Actus Reus
The "guilty act." It is the physical component of a crime. No act, no crime!
Mens Rea
The "guilty mind." It is the mental element, the intention to commit a crime.
Ubi Jus Ibi Remedium
A famous maxim meaning "Where there is a right, there is a remedy." The law will provide a way to enforce a right.
Article 14: Equality
The State shall not deny to any person equality before the law or the equal protection of the laws within India.
Article 21: Heart of Rights
No person shall be deprived of their life or personal liberty except according to the procedure established by law.
Preamble Keywords
Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic. Remember the order!
Libel vs. Slander
Libel is written defamation (permanent). Slander is spoken defamation (transient). Both harm reputation!
Vicarious Liability
Holding one person responsible for the actions of another, like an employer for an employee's torts.
What makes a contract?
Offer + Acceptance + Consideration + Intention to create legal relations = A valid contract.
Void vs. Voidable
A void contract is invalid from the start. A voidable contract is valid until one party chooses to cancel it.
Theft vs. Extortion
Theft is taking property without consent. Extortion is getting property by threatening harm.
Writ of Habeas Corpus
A powerful writ that means "You may have the body." It protects against unlawful detention.
Basic Structure Doctrine
Parliament can amend the Constitution, but it cannot alter its "basic structure." A landmark ruling from Kesavananda Bharati case.
Donoghue v Stevenson
The famous "snail in the bottle" case that established the modern concept of negligence and the "neighbour principle".
Res Ipsa Loquitur
A maxim meaning "the thing speaks for itself." Used in torts when negligence is obvious from the facts.
Quid Pro Quo
A Latin phrase meaning "something for something." It's the foundation of consideration in a contract.
Doli Incapax
A presumption in criminal law that a child under a certain age is incapable of having criminal intent.
Federalism in India
India is "quasi-federal," a union of states with a strong central government, combining federal and unitary features.
42nd Amendment
Known as the "Mini-Constitution" for its vast changes, it added "Socialist," "Secular," and "Integrity" to the Preamble.
President vs. Governor Pardon
The President can pardon a death sentence (Article 72), but a Governor cannot (Article 161).
Double Jeopardy
You cannot be tried for the same crime twice. Protected under Article 20(2) of the Constitution.
Right to Privacy
Declared a Fundamental Right under Article 21 by the Supreme Court in the Puttaswamy case.
PIL: Public Interest Litigation
Allows any public-spirited citizen to file a lawsuit on behalf of a group that cannot do so themselves.
Lok Adalat
The "People's Court." A form of alternative dispute resolution where disputes are settled by compromise.
Ordinance Power
The President (Art. 123) and Governor (Art. 213) can issue laws when Parliament/Legislature is not in session.
Nemo judex in causa sua
A key principle of natural justice: "No one should be a judge in their own cause." Rule against bias!
Audi alteram partem
Another principle of natural justice: "Let the other side be heard." Right to a fair hearing.
Bailment
Temporarily transferring possession of goods to another person for a specific purpose (e.g., giving a watch for repair).
Pledge
A type of bailment where goods are delivered as security for a loan. Think "pawn shop".
Contingent Contract
A contract that depends on the happening or non-happening of a future event (e.g., an insurance contract).
Adultery is Not a Crime
The Supreme Court struck down Section 497 of the IPC, decriminalizing adultery. It remains a ground for divorce.
Directive Principles
These are goals and guidelines for the state, but unlike Fundamental Rights, they are not enforceable in court.
First Woman SC Judge
Justice M. Fathima Beevi was the first woman appointed to the Supreme Court of India in 1989.
Joint Sitting of Parliament
Called by the President (Art. 108) to resolve a deadlock on a bill between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
Money Bill
Can only be introduced in the Lok Sabha. The Speaker decides if a bill is a Money Bill or not.
Concurrent List
Subjects on which both the Union and State governments can make laws (e.g., education, forests).
Assault vs. Battery
Assault is the threat of force. Battery is the actual use of force.
Nuisance
Unlawful interference with a person's use or enjoyment of their land.
Absolute Liability
A strict legal standard for hazardous activities. No exceptions if harm occurs!
Attorney General of India
The highest law officer in the country, appointed by the President. Has the right to speak in Parliament.
Zero Hour in Parliament
The time immediately following the Question Hour. An Indian parliamentary innovation.
Uniform Civil Code
A DPSP under Article 44, aiming for one law for all citizens in personal matters like marriage and divorce.
Right to Vote
A constitutional right under Article 326. The voting age was lowered from 21 to 18 by the 61st Amendment.
Sources of Law
Primary sources include legislation, precedents (judgments), and customs.
Anticipatory Bail
Bail granted to a person in anticipation of an arrest. A pre-arrest legal remedy.
FIR: First Information Report
Information recorded by the police about a cognizable offence. It sets the criminal law process in motion.
Res Judicata
A legal doctrine meaning "a matter decided." Prevents the same case from being tried again.
What is a "Will"?
A legal document declaring a person's wishes regarding the disposal of their property after death.
Indemnity
A contract to save a party from loss caused by the conduct of the promisor or any other person.
Guarantee
A contract to perform the promise or discharge the liability of a third person in case of their default.
Article 370 Abrogated
Article 370 granted special status to J&K. It was abrogated in August 2019 by a presidential order, making all laws applicable to J&K.
Ombudsman
An official appointed to investigate complaints against an organization or public authority. Lokpal is India's ombudsman.
Sedition (Sec 124A IPC)
Bringing hatred or contempt towards the government. Controversial law often debated for its colonial origins.
GST - One Nation, One Tax
Implemented July 1, 2017. Merged 17+ indirect taxes into one. Constitutional status via 101st Amendment.
Cyber Crime
Hacking, identity theft, phishing are cyber crimes under IT Act, 2000. Section 66 punishes hacking with up to 3 years jail.
Copyright Duration
Copyright lasts for the lifetime of the author plus 60 years. Protects original works like books, music, and art.
NITI Aayog
Replaced Planning Commission in 2015. NITI = National Institution for Transforming India. PM is the Chairperson.
Caveat Emptor
Let the buyer beware! Principle under Sale of Goods Act placing responsibility on buyers to examine before purchase.
Juvenile Justice
Anyone under 18 is a juvenile. Special courts (JJB) handle cases. Focus on rehabilitation, not punishment.
POCSO Act
Protects children from sexual offences. Stringent punishment, gender-neutral, mandatory reporting, special courts.
Cheque Bounce - Sec 138
Dishonor of cheque is a criminal offence! Punishment: up to 2 years jail or fine up to twice the cheque amount.
Right to Privacy
Puttaswamy case (2017): Right to privacy is a Fundamental Right under Article 21. Landmark 9-judge bench ruling!
CAG - The Auditor
Comptroller & Auditor General audits all govt accounts. Appointed by President. Term: 6 years or 65 years age.
Article 356: President's Rule
If constitutional machinery fails in a state, President can impose direct rule. State assembly suspended.
Specific Performance
Court orders a party to perform their contract obligations. Granted when damages aren't enough!
Limitation Period
Time limit to file a case! Generally 3 years for money recovery, 12 years for property possession.
IPC Section 499-500
Defamation: Harming reputation by words (slander) or writing (libel). Punishment: up to 2 years imprisonment.
Doctrine of Severability
If part of a law is unconstitutional, only that part is struck down, not the entire law (if separable).
Arbitrary
Based on random choice, not reason. Arbitrary state action violates Article 14 (Right to Equality).
Writ Jurisdiction
Supreme Court (Art 32) and High Courts (Art 226) can issue 5 types of writs to protect rights.
Money Bill
Deals only with taxation, govt borrowing, or Consolidated Fund. Can only originate in Lok Sabha!
Adjournment Motion
A motion to adjourn House to discuss urgent public importance. Shows lack of confidence if admitted!
Question Hour
First hour of Parliament sitting. MPs ask questions to ministers. Starred questions get oral answers.
CBI
Central Bureau of Investigation - India's premier investigating agency. Set up in 1963.
Anticipatory Bail
Bail before arrest! Section 438 CrPC allows it if you fear arrest. A pre-arrest safeguard.
Cognizable Offence
Police can arrest WITHOUT a warrant. Serious crimes like murder, rape, theft over ₹50 are cognizable.
FIR - First Information Report
The first step in criminal law! Police register FIR for cognizable offences. Starts the investigation.
Constituent Assembly
Drafted our Constitution. First met on Dec 9, 1946. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar chaired the Drafting Committee.
Concurrent List
Both Union and State can make laws on 52 subjects like education, forests, marriage. But Union law prevails!
Anti-Defection Law
Tenth Schedule. If an MP/MLA defects, they can be disqualified. Strengthens party discipline!
Collegium System
Judges appoint judges! SC collegium (CJI + 4 senior judges) recommends judicial appointments to President.
PILs
Public Interest Litigation - anyone can file for public cause. No need to be personally affected! Justice for all.
Torts - Rylands v Fletcher
Bring dangerous stuff on your land at your own risk! If it escapes and causes harm, you're liable.
Force Majeure
Act of God! Unforeseeable events (earthquake, war) that prevent contract performance. Excuse from liability.
Limitation Act
File your case on time! Generally 3 years for most civil suits. Time starts from when right to sue arises.
Patent Protection
Protects inventions for 20 years. Must be novel, non-obvious, and useful. No patents for math methods!
Trademark
Protects brand identity - logos, names, symbols. Can be renewed indefinitely. ® means registered!
GI Tag
Geographical Indication identifies products from specific regions. E.g., Darjeeling Tea, Basmati Rice.
Hindu Succession Act 2005
Daughters are now equal coparceners! Same rights as sons in ancestral property. A historic change!
Benami Property
Property held in one name but paid for by another. Illegal! 2016 law allows confiscation + 7 years jail.
Arbitration
Dispute resolution outside courts. Parties appoint arbitrators. Award is binding like a court decree.
Mediation
A neutral mediator helps parties reach settlement. Non-binding process. Saves time and money!
Section 377 IPC
Once criminalized homosexuality. Partly struck down in Navtej Johar case (2018). Historic victory for LGBTQ+ rights!
Triple Talaq
Instant triple talaq declared unconstitutional in 2017. Criminalized in 2019. Protection for Muslim women.
Domestic Violence Act 2005
Protects women from domestic abuse. Includes physical, mental, sexual, economic violence. Get protection orders!
Dowry Prohibition
Dowry is illegal! Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961. Taking or giving dowry = up to 5 years jail + fine.
Right to Information
RTI Act, 2005 gives citizens right to seek information from govt. Reply within 30 days. Transparency tool!
NHRC
National Human Rights Commission protects human rights. Can recommend but not enforce. Set up in 1993.
Environmental Laws
Article 48A (DPSP) and 51A(g) (Duty) mandate environmental protection. EPA 1986 is umbrella legislation.
NGT
National Green Tribunal handles environmental cases. Fast-track justice for environmental issues. Established 2010.
Consumer Rights
Right to safety, information, choice, be heard, redress, and consumer education. Consumer Protection Act 2019.
E-Commerce Rules 2020
Regulates online marketplaces. No mis-selling, clear return policy, protect consumer data. Fair play online!
Data Protection Act 2023
India's privacy law! Regulates personal data processing. Rights to access, correct, erase data. Heavy penalties!
Aadhaar Verdict
SC upheld Aadhaar (2018) but with safeguards. Mandatory only for PAN, welfare schemes, and filing IT returns.
Electoral Bonds
Anonymous political funding. Struck down by SC in 2024 as violating right to information!
NOTA
None of the Above option in elections since 2013. Shows disapproval but doesn't affect results.
EVM
Electronic Voting Machines used since 2000. VVPAT (paper trail) added for transparency.
Model Code of Conduct
Election Commission's guidelines for fair elections. Parties must follow during campaign period.
Proxy Voting
Armed forces and certain govt employees can vote via proxy if posted away. Ensures their participation!
Postal Ballot
Voting by post for those on election duty, seniors 85+, PwD, COVID patients. Vote from home!
Separation of Powers
Three organs: Legislature makes law, Executive implements law, Judiciary interprets law. Checks & balances!
Rule of Law
No one is above the law. Equality before law applies to PM, President & common citizen equally!
Basic Structure Doctrine
Kesavananda Bharati case 1973: Parliament cannot amend Constitution's basic structure. Golden triangle protected!
Judicial Review
Courts can strike down laws violating Constitution. Guardian of Fundamental Rights!
Parliamentary Sovereignty
In UK, Parliament is supreme. In India, Constitution is supreme. Key difference!
Money Bill (Art 110)
Deals with taxation & spending. Introduced only in Lok Sabha. Speaker's certificate is final!
President's Rule (Art 356)
State emergency when constitutional machinery fails. Max 3 years. SR Bommai case limits its misuse!
Ordinance Power (Art 123)
President can make laws when Parliament not in session. Temporary - must be approved within 6 weeks!
Residuary Powers (Art 248)
Subjects not in any list? Parliament can legislate on them. Unlike US where states have residuary power!
Constitutional Amendment (Art 368)
Three types: Simple majority, special majority, and special majority + state ratification!
CAG (Art 148)
Comptroller & Auditor General audits government accounts. "Guardian of public purse"!
Attorney General (Art 76)
Highest law officer of India. Appointed by President. Can speak in Parliament but cannot vote!
Advocate General (Art 165)
Highest law officer of State. Holds office during Governor's pleasure. State-level AG!
Doctrine of Eclipse
Pre-constitutional law inconsistent with FR is not void but eclipsed. Revives if FR amended!
Doctrine of Waiver
Fundamental Rights cannot be waived! Basheshar Nath case: FRs are matters of public policy!
Golden Triangle
Articles 14, 19, 21 are interconnected. Maneka Gandhi case expanded their scope dramatically!
Eminent Domain
State's power to acquire private property for public purpose. Must provide compensation (Art 300A)!
Police Power
State's inherent power to regulate for public health, safety & morals. Basis for reasonable restrictions!
Parens Patriae
State as parent of the nation. Courts protect interests of minors & persons of unsound mind!
Locus Standi
Standing to sue. PIL relaxed this - any public-spirited citizen can approach court for public cause!
Contempt of Court
Civil contempt: disobedience. Criminal contempt: scandalizing courts. Truth is now a defense (2006)!
Sub Judice Rule
Matters pending in court cannot be discussed in Parliament. Protects judicial independence!
Sealed Cover Jurisprudence
Controversial practice of submitting evidence in sealed covers to courts. Criticized for lack of transparency!
Curative Petition
Last remedy after review petition dismissed. Must show grave miscarriage of justice (Rupa Hurra case)!
Review vs Appeal
Review: same court re-examines its order. Appeal: higher court examines lower court's order!
Ratio Decidendi
The principle on which case is decided. Binding on future cases. Heart of the judgment!
Obiter Dicta
Remarks "said by the way". Not binding but persuasive. Judge's observations beyond the case!
Stare Decisis
Let the decision stand. Doctrine of precedent - similar cases decided similarly for certainty!
Per Incuriam
Decision made "through lack of care". Ignores binding authority - can be overruled!
Amicus Curiae
"Friend of the court". Expert assists court in complex matters. Not a party to the case!
Caveat (Sec 148A CPC)
Precautionary application. "Hear me before passing any ex-parte order against me!"
Interlocutory Order
Temporary order during pendency of case. Doesn't decide rights finally. e.g., interim injunction!
Decree vs Order
Decree: conclusively determines rights. Order: doesn't conclusively determine. Both are appealable!
Res Judicata (Sec 11 CPC)
Matter already judged. Same parties, same issue = can't relitigate. Prevents endless litigation!
Constructive Res Judicata
Could have raised but didn't? Barred from raising later. Should have been pleaded in earlier suit!
Limitation Period
Time limit to file case. Civil suits: 3 years usually. Criminal: varies. Consumer: 2 years. Know your limits!
Adverse Possession
Occupying another's land openly for 12 years? You can claim ownership! Time beats title!
Ex Parte Order
Order passed when one party is absent. Can be set aside if good cause shown for absence!
Default Bail (Sec 167)
Chargesheet not filed in time? Accused gets bail as right. 60/90 days depending on offense!
Anticipatory Bail (Sec 438)
Bail before arrest. Protection when apprehending arrest. Discretionary - no absolute right!
Zero FIR
FIR can be filed at ANY police station. Later transferred to jurisdictional station. No excuse to refuse!
Section 41A CrPC
For offenses up to 7 years, police must issue notice before arrest. Protects against arbitrary arrest!
D.K. Basu Guidelines
11 guidelines for arrest: Memo of arrest, medical examination, inform family, legal aid. Rights of arrested!
Miranda Warning (Indian Version)
Right to remain silent, right to lawyer, arrest memo - Must be informed at time of arrest!
Confession to Police
Confession to police is NOT admissible (Sec 25-26). Only judicial confession before magistrate counts!
Dying Declaration
Statement as to cause of death. Admissible even without oath. Recorded by magistrate preferably!
Test Identification Parade
TIP: Witness identifies suspect among similar-looking people. Done before magistrate. Corroborative evidence!
Section 498A IPC
Cruelty by husband or relatives. Cognizable, non-bailable. Rajesh Sharma guidelines against misuse!
Dowry Death (304B)
Death within 7 years of marriage + cruelty for dowry = presumption of dowry death. 7 years minimum!
POCSO Act
Protection of Children from Sexual Offences. Child = below 18. Burden on accused to prove innocence!
Juvenile Justice Act
Person below 18 is juvenile. Special treatment. Can be tried as adult for heinous crimes if 16-18!
RTI Act 2005
Information is power! 30 days to respond. ₹10 application fee. Exceptions: national security, cabinet papers!
Whistleblower Protection
Expose corruption without fear. Victimization prohibited. Identity kept confidential. Public Interest Disclosure!
Defamation: Civil vs Criminal
Civil: damages. Criminal (Sec 499 IPC): 2 years jail. Truth is defense if in public interest!
Sedition (124A) Status
SC put Section 124A on hold in 2022. "Colonial relic". Under review by government. Major development!
Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023
Consent-based data processing. Data fiduciary duties. Penalties up to ₹250 crore. India's privacy law!
IT Act Section 66A
Struck down in Shreya Singhal case 2015. Vague terms like "annoying" violated free speech. Landmark!
Cyber Crime Categories
Hacking (66), Data theft (43), Identity theft (66C), Cyber stalking (354D). Know your sections!
Safe Harbour (Sec 79 IT Act)
Intermediaries not liable for third-party content IF they follow due diligence. Platforms protected conditionally!
Consumer Protection 2019
New features: E-commerce covered, Product liability, Central Authority. Consumer is king with rights!
Product Liability
Manufacturer liable for defective products. No need to prove negligence. Strict liability on producers!
Unfair Trade Practice
False advertising, misleading claims, bait-and-switch. Consumers can claim compensation!
District/State/National Commission
District: up to ₹1 cr, State: ₹1-10 cr, National: above ₹10 cr. Choose right forum!
Competition Act 2002
Anti-trust law. Prevents monopolies, cartels, abuse of dominance. CCI is the watchdog!
Cartel
Agreement between competitors to fix prices or share market. Leniency for first informant!
Abuse of Dominant Position
Market leader cannot impose unfair conditions, predatory pricing, or deny market access. Fair play!
Merger Control
Large mergers need CCI approval. Threshold based on assets/turnover. Prevents anti-competitive combinations!
Arbitration Act 1996
Private dispute resolution. Fast, confidential, final. UNCITRAL model. Alternative to courts!
Seat vs Venue of Arbitration
Seat determines governing law. Venue is just physical location. Seat = legal home of arbitration!
Award Challenge (Sec 34)
Challenge arbitral award within 3 months. Limited grounds: public policy, no proper notice, incapacity!
Mediation Act 2023
New law! Pre-litigation mediation mandatory for some cases. Settlement = decree of civil court!
Lok Adalat
People's court. No court fee. Compromise-based settlement. Award is final - no appeal!
Legal Services Authority
Free legal aid to poor, SC/ST, women, children. NALSA at national level. Access to justice for all!
Patents: 20 Years Protection
New invention + non-obvious + industrial application = patent. 20 years from filing date. Innovate!
Copyright: Life + 60
Original work gets automatic protection. Life of author + 60 years. No registration needed!
Trademark: Forever Renewable
Distinctive mark for goods/services. 10 years, renewable indefinitely. ® vs ™ - know the difference!
Trade Secret
Confidential business info. No registration. Protected by contract/NDA. Coca-Cola formula is classic example!
Geographical Indication
Darjeeling Tea, Champagne, Basmati Rice. Place of origin matters. 10 years protection, renewable!
Fair Use Doctrine
Use copyrighted work for research, criticism, review. No permission needed. Four-factor test!
Compulsory License
Government can allow use of patent without owner's consent. Public health emergencies. Access to medicine!
NGT (National Green Tribunal)
Environmental disputes resolved here. Technical expertise + judicial powers. Time-bound disposal!
Polluter Pays Principle
You pollute, you pay! Cost of remediation on polluter. Absolute liability for hazardous industries!
Precautionary Principle
Better safe than sorry! Lack of scientific certainty no excuse to delay environmental protection!
Public Trust Doctrine
Natural resources held in trust for public. State is trustee. MC Mehta cases applied this!
EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment)
Major projects need environmental clearance. Study impact before approval. 2020 draft was controversial!
Forest Conservation Act
No diversion of forest land without Central approval. Compensatory afforestation required. Green cover protected!
Wildlife Protection Act
Schedules I-VI classify animals. Schedule I: highest protection. Tiger, Elephant protected. Poaching = serious crime!
Air & Water Acts
Pollution Control Boards enforce. Consent to establish & operate needed. Penalties for violation!
NCLT (National Company Law Tribunal)
Company disputes, mergers, winding up, oppression cases. Appeals to NCLAT. Corporate courts!
IBC 2016
Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code. Time-bound resolution: 180+90 days. Creditors recover, companies revive!
RERA
Real Estate Regulation Act. Register project before selling. Protect homebuyers from delays & fraud!
SARFAESI Act
Banks can seize assets of defaulters without court. Securitization law. Recovery of bad loans!
FEMA vs FERA
FERA: criminal offense for forex violation. FEMA: civil offense, penalties. Liberalization changed approach!
SEBI
Securities market regulator. Protects investors, regulates exchanges. Insider trading = punishable!
RBI
Central bank. Monetary policy, currency issue, bank regulation. Lender of last resort!
GST
One nation, one tax. Replaced 17 taxes. CGST, SGST, IGST. Destination-based consumption tax!
Direct vs Indirect Tax
Direct: income tax - cannot shift burden. Indirect: GST - shifted to consumer. Know the difference!
Retrospective Taxation
Taxing past transactions. Vodafone & Cairn cases. India withdrew retrospective demands in 2021!
Double Taxation Avoidance
DTAA treaties prevent taxing same income twice. India has 90+ DTAAs. Cross-border taxation simplified!
Labor Codes 2020
4 new codes replacing 29 old laws. Wages, Social Security, OSH, Industrial Relations. Consolidation!
Minimum Wages
Central + State both can fix. Varies by skill level & region. Floor wage concept introduced!
Maternity Benefit
26 weeks paid leave (first 2 children). 12 weeks for third. Crèche facility mandatory. Support mothers!
Sexual Harassment at Workplace
Vishaka Guidelines + POSH Act 2013. ICC mandatory in organizations with 10+ employees!
Industrial Dispute
Dispute between employer & workers. Conciliation → Labour Court → Industrial Tribunal. Hierarchy of resolution!
Strike vs Lockout
Strike: workers stop work. Lockout: employer closes factory. Both regulated under Industrial Disputes Act!
Election Commission
Constitutional body (Art 324). CEC + 2 ECs. Conducts free & fair elections. Model code enforcer!
Anti-Defection Law
10th Schedule. Switch party = lose seat. Disqualification by Speaker. Strengthens party system!
NOTA
None Of The Above option. Reject all candidates. Symbolic dissent. Highest votes? Re-election not mandated!
VVPAT
Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail. Printed slip confirms your vote. Transparency in EVMs!
Representation of People Act
Governs elections. Corrupt practices, election petitions, disqualifications. RPA 1950 & 1951 duo!