#27 Pendente lite

Pendente lite is a Latin legal term meaning "while the litigation is pending" or "during the pendency of the suit".

Let's understand this breaking down the term:-

Breaking Down the Term – Pendente lite
Word	Pendente lite
Origin	Latin
Literal Meaning	While the litigation is pending
Legal Usage	Refers to orders, rights, or arrangements in force only until the case is finally decided.
Examples	Pendente lite maintenance – Interim maintenance during divorce proceedings. Pendente lite injunction – Temporary order preventing certain acts until the suit is resolved.
Why It Matters	Keeps fairness intact and prevents prejudice while the case is still pending.

In Indian legal context, it’s often used to describe orders, rights, or arrangements that are effective only until the final decision of the case. For example:

Pendente lite maintenance – interim maintenance awarded to a spouse during divorce proceedings.

Pendente lite injunction – a temporary injunction restraining certain acts until the case is decided.

The idea is to maintain fairness and avoid prejudice while the case is still in court. 

The moment the final judgment is passed, the pendente lite order generally ceases to operate, unless the court specifies otherwise.

 

Read this news for more information:

Proceedings For Maintenance Pendente Lite Maintainable Even At Revisional/Appellate Stage — Allahabad High Court .