Court Abbreviations: A Quick Reference Guide

If you ever read a legal notice, case brief, or court order in India, chances are you’ll see a bunch of short codes like "SC" or "HC". Those are court abbreviations – short forms that tell you which court is handling the matter. Knowing them saves time, avoids mistakes, and makes your legal writing look professional.

Common Court Abbreviations in India

Below is a list of the most frequently used abbreviations, what they stand for, and the type of cases they usually deal with:

These abbreviations appear on case numbers, headings, and citations. For example, a case filed in the Delhi High Court will show “HC Delhi” in the docket.

How to Use Court Abbreviations Correctly

When you write a legal document, follow these simple steps:

1. Identify the court first. Look at the case number or the heading. If it says “SC/2023/001”, you are dealing with the Supreme Court.
2. Write the abbreviation in capital letters. Consistency matters – avoid “sc” or “Sc”.
3. Include the full name at least once. The first time you mention a court, write “Supreme Court (SC)”. After that, you can stick to “SC”.
4. Match the abbreviation to the jurisdiction. Don’t use “HC” for a district-level case; it will confuse the reader.
5. Check local rules. Some states have their own short forms, like “MTC” for Maharashtra Tribunal Court. Always verify the official abbreviation list of that state.

Getting these details right helps judges, lawyers, and even laypeople understand your filing quickly. It also prevents the need for back‑and‑forth clarifications.

Need a quick cheat‑sheet? Keep a printed list of the table above on your desk or save it on your phone. Whenever you draft a petition, glance at the list, pick the right short form, and you’ll be set.

Remember, court abbreviations are just shorthand, but they carry the weight of the entire judicial system. Using them accurately shows respect for the process and makes your legal work smoother.