World & Knowledge
How rules work, so they don't surprise you
Novice
Subdomain
The basic rights every citizen holds and the limits the state must respect. Knowing them lets you push back when an authority oversteps.
Public interest litigation (PIL)
A relaxed-locus-standi route in Indian higher courts where any public-spirited person can move the court on behalf of those who cannot approach it themselves.
Open
Natural justice
Two minimum procedural duties on any authority taking a decision against you, hear the other side, and do not be a judge in your own cause.
Open
Basic structure doctrine
An Indian Supreme Court doctrine that Parliament's amending power under Article 368 cannot alter the essential or core features of the Constitution.
Open
Right to Information (RTI)
A statutory right enabling any Indian citizen to request information held by public authorities and to receive a reply within a fixed time, subject to narrow exemptions.
Open
Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023
India's first dedicated personal data protection statute, regulating how digital personal data is collected, processed, stored, and shared.
Open
Writ jurisdiction, Article 32 vs Article 226
Article 32 lets a person move the Supreme Court directly to enforce fundamental rights, while Article 226 lets one move a High Court for fundamental and other legal rights.
Open
Civil law
Disputes between parties, usually about rights and money.
Criminal law
State vs individuals for offences against society.
Contract
Legally enforceable agreement (offer + acceptance + consideration).
Tort
Civil wrong causing harm (negligence, defamation, etc.).
Burden of proof
Who has to prove the claim.
Standard of proof
How convincingly they must prove it.
IRAC
Issue, Rule, Analysis, Conclusion, legal reasoning template.
Writ
Court order, in India, fundamental rights enforceable under Article 32 / 226.
Habeas corpus
Writ requiring a detained person be produced in court to test legality of detention.
Stare decisis
Principle that courts follow precedent from prior similar rulings for consistency.
Mens rea
Guilty mind, the mental intent element required for most criminal offences.