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Docketing

Docketing is the official registration of a legal case in court, marking its activation in the judicial process by assigning a unique case number and scheduling hearings. It ensures systematic tracking and management of cases while creating a public record. The process includes filing, document scrutiny, case registration, and assignment to a judge, with variations in systems used across different court levels.

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9 views

Docketing

Docketing is the official registration of a legal case in court, marking its activation in the judicial process by assigning a unique case number and scheduling hearings. It ensures systematic tracking and management of cases while creating a public record. The process includes filing, document scrutiny, case registration, and assignment to a judge, with variations in systems used across different court levels.

Uploaded by

Lady Lawyer
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Docketing

What Is Docketing in Court?

Definition:

Docketing is the official registration of a legal case in a court system, whereby the case is:

• Entered into the court’s record,

• Given a unique case number, and

• Scheduled for its first or next hearing.

It marks the point at which a case becomes active in the judicial process.

Purpose of Docketing

Docketing plays a vital role in:

• Recording and tracking each case systematically.

• Ensuring no case is misplaced or ignored.

• Managing the case workflow (filing, hearing, judgment, etc.).

• Creating a public and judicial record of ongoing and past cases.

How Docketing Works: Step-by-Step Process

Let’s go through each step of how a case gets docketed, especially in Indian courts.

1. Filing of the Case

• A party (plaintiff or petitioner) files a plaint, petition, or appeal.

• This is done physically at the filing counter or through e-filing portals.

• Common types of filings:

o Civil plaint

o Criminal complaint or FIR report

o Writ petition
o Special Leave Petition (SLP)

2. Scrutiny of Documents

• The court registry staff checks whether all formal requirements are met:

o Proper court fee paid

o Signatures present

o Affidavit attached

o Jurisdiction is correct

• If objections exist, the party is notified to cure the defects.

3. Docketing / Case Registration

• Once scrutiny is complete, the case is docketed, which includes:

o Assigning a unique case number (e.g., CS No. 15/2025)

o Entering details in court's docket register

o Creating a case file (physical or electronic)

The case number becomes its identity throughout its life cycle.

4. Court Assignment and Listing

• The docketed case is now listed for:

o First hearing (date scheduled)

o Assignment to a judge or bench

o Appearance of both parties

• The case appears in the daily cause list.

Docketing System in Different Courts

A. District and Sessions Courts

• Manual or CIS (Case Information System) based docketing.

• Maintained by court clerks or judicial assistants.


• Cause list generated daily.

B. High Courts

• Computerized docketing through High Court e-filing systems.

• Example: "W.P. No. 2043/2025" (Writ Petition).

• Maintains docket sheets with hearing history, judges, status.

C. Supreme Court of India

• Maintains an advanced e-filing portal.

• Docketing includes SLPs, Writs, Appeals (e.g., SLP (C) 2321/2025).

• Cause list, orders, judgments available online.

What Is a Docket Sheet?

A docket sheet is the official log or diary of a case. It includes:

• Dates of hearings

• Appearances by parties

• Interim orders

• Filings and applications

• Adjournments

• Final judgment

Example:

Date: 10/04/2025 — Summons issued

Date: 15/05/2025 — Defendant appeared

Date: 30/06/2025 — Evidence taken

Date: 15/07/2025 — Arguments heard

Date: 25/07/2025 — Judgment reserved

Date: 05/08/2025 — Judgment pronounced

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