Start with the official record
Use this page to understand the task, then verify current or case-specific information through the relevant official court, eCourts, India Code or government source.
CNR
The CNR is the unique alphanumeric identifier used by the eCourts system for many cases. It is different from the registered case number. If you have the CNR, it is often the most direct way to open the current case status and history. For court and litigation terms explained, the practical question is not only where information appears, but which source is authoritative, how current it is, and what the reader should verify before relying on it.
Filing number
A filing number identifies a filing at the registry stage. It may exist before a matter receives its registered case number. A filing number should not be assumed to be the permanent case number. For court and litigation terms explained, the practical question is not only where information appears, but which source is authoritative, how current it is, and what the reader should verify before relying on it.
Case number
The registered case number usually combines a case type, number and year in the format used by the particular court. Use it together with the correct court and year to avoid false matches. For court and litigation terms explained, the practical question is not only where information appears, but which source is authoritative, how current it is, and what the reader should verify before relying on it.
Cause list
A cause list is the court's listing of matters scheduled before a court or bench for a particular date or session. It is operational information, not a judgment or case history. Supplementary or revised lists may change the position. For court and litigation terms explained, the practical question is not only where information appears, but which source is authoritative, how current it is, and what the reader should verify before relying on it.
Item number
The item number is the position assigned to a matter within a cause list. It helps locate the case in the list but does not guarantee the exact time at which the matter will be called. For court and litigation terms explained, the practical question is not only where information appears, but which source is authoritative, how current it is, and what the reader should verify before relying on it.
Bench and court number
A bench refers to the judge or judges hearing matters. A court number is an operational courtroom or listing identifier. They are related but should not be treated as synonyms. For court and litigation terms explained, the practical question is not only where information appears, but which source is authoritative, how current it is, and what the reader should verify before relying on it.
Order
An order records a judicial direction or decision in a proceeding. The legal effect depends on the text and context of the order. A case-status summary is not a substitute for reading it. For court and litigation terms explained, the practical question is not only where information appears, but which source is authoritative, how current it is, and what the reader should verify before relying on it.
Judgment
A judgment contains the court's decision and reasoning on the matter addressed. Not every order is a judgment. For legal research or citation, use the official text where available. For court and litigation terms explained, the practical question is not only where information appears, but which source is authoritative, how current it is, and what the reader should verify before relying on it.
Pending and disposed
Pending generally means the matter remains open at that stage; disposed generally means it has been concluded at that stage. Neither label by itself tells you who succeeded or what relief was granted. Read the final order or judgment. For court and litigation terms explained, the practical question is not only where information appears, but which source is authoritative, how current it is, and what the reader should verify before relying on it.
Listed and next date
Listed means the matter appears on a court listing; next date is the procedural date recorded in the case history. For an imminent appearance, check the current cause list rather than relying on the next-date field alone. For court and litigation terms explained, the practical question is not only where information appears, but which source is authoritative, how current it is, and what the reader should verify before relying on it.
Petitioner, respondent, appellant and accused
Party labels depend on the type and stage of proceeding. A petitioner initiates certain proceedings; a respondent answers them. In appeals, appellant and respondent are common. Criminal matters may refer to an accused. Always read the case title and procedural context. For court and litigation terms explained, the practical question is not only where information appears, but which source is authoritative, how current it is, and what the reader should verify before relying on it.
Affidavit, vakalatnama and power of attorney
An affidavit is a sworn or affirmed statement in the form required by law or procedure. A vakalatnama records an advocate's authority to act in a case. A power of attorney can authorize specified acts, but its legal and procedural sufficiency depends on its scope and execution. For court and litigation terms explained, the practical question is not only where information appears, but which source is authoritative, how current it is, and what the reader should verify before relying on it.
How to verify before acting
Use the official source closest to the action you are about to take. Confirm the court, case identity, document date and current status. For a hearing, use the latest cause list and notices; for a legal obligation, read the order or governing rule; for a statutory proposition, check the current official text. If the consequence is significant or the record is unclear, obtain qualified legal advice rather than filling the gap with an assumption.
Common failure points
The most common information errors come from using the wrong court or establishment, relying on an old screenshot, confusing a filing number with a registered case number, treating a status label as the content of an order, or using a secondary summary when the official source is available. A good workflow identifies these failure points before they affect travel, filing, compliance or client communication.
What this page does not decide
This page does not determine jurisdiction, limitation, merits, strategy, admissibility, enforceability, professional obligations or the correct action in an individual dispute. Those questions depend on the governing law, record and facts. The purpose here is to make the information path clearer and to direct the reader to the official material that should be checked next.
Practical reference table
| Question or item | Best verification route |
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Official sources
How to use the term in a real case
When the term appears in a court record, read the surrounding entry rather than relying on the label alone. Identify the case number, date, court or bench and the document in which the term appears. Then open the underlying order, cause list, registry note or filing record if available. This turns a glossary definition into a reliable case-management step and reduces the risk of treating administrative terminology as a legal conclusion.
What the term does not prove
Operational court terms often describe a stage, allocation or administrative status. They generally do not prove who is right, whether a claim will succeed or what legal remedy is available. A registry status, roster entry, cause-list position or filing defect should therefore be read together with the governing court record and any judicial order that gives it legal effect.
Record changes over time
Court administration is dynamic. A roster can change, a supplementary cause list can alter a listing, a filing objection can be cured, and a registry status can move from filing to registration. Save the date of the check and the official source used. If the matter is close to a hearing or filing deadline, re-check the current system rather than relying on an older screenshot.