Meaning of a/m and o/r in Court Case Boards
When I was a law student interning in court, the first time I saw L.O. written against a matter in the cause list, I thought it meant “Last Opportunity” and panicked, assuming the client was about to lose their case. Later, the senior advocate chuckled and explained: “Relax, L.O. here just means Left Over. The judge will take it up later in the day.” That’s when I realized these tiny abbreviations — L.O., P.O., S.O. — can completely confuse you if you don’t know their courtroom meaning. Let me simplify:
This guide explains common abbreviations used on case boards and cause lists in Indian High Courts and District Courts, along with practical examples for easy understanding.
Comprehensive Court Abbreviations in India
This table explains common abbreviations used on case boards and cause lists in Indian High Courts and District Courts, with meaning, usage, and real examples for easy understanding.
| Abbreviation | Meaning | Usage / Explanation | Example / How It Appears on Cause List |
|---|---|---|---|
| A/M | Adjourned Matter / After Mention | Case has been adjourned or will be heard after mention by the advocate. | “Writ Petition 1234/2025 – a/m” → Case was adjourned earlier or will be heard after mention by the advocate. |
| O/R | On Regular / On Receipt | Case listed in the normal course or upon receipt of a document. | “Civil Suit 567/2024 – o/r” → Case is listed in the normal course of the court roster. |
| F/C | For Consideration | Matter is listed for the court to consider arguments or documents. | “Criminal Revision 78/2025 – f/c” → Court will consider the arguments or documents submitted. |
| F/M | For Mention | Case is listed for the advocate to mention it before the court. | “Company Petition 90/2025 – f/m” → Advocate must mention the case before it is fixed for hearing. |
| F/H | For Hearing | Case is fixed for hearing. | “Civil Appeal 234/2024 – f/h” → Case is fixed for hearing on this date. |
| F/R | For Report / Reply | Court is awaiting a report or reply from a party or authority. | “WP 345/2025 – f/r” → Court is waiting for a report or reply from a party/authority. |
| F/D | For Direction | Court will give directions on the next step of the case. | “CR No. 12/2025 – f/d” → Court will give directions regarding the next step. |
| U/S | Under Section | Refers to a case filed under a specific section of law (e.g., IPC). | “IPC 379 – u/s” → Case filed under a specific section of law. |
| O/B | On Board / On Bench | Case listed before a particular bench or board. | “Criminal Appeal 67/2025 – o/b” → Case listed before a particular bench of the court. |
| D/F | Default | Party has defaulted; may be dismissed or proceeded ex parte. | “CS 123/2024 – d/f” → Defendant did not appear; case may be dismissed or proceeded ex parte. |
| N/P | Not Present | Party or advocate was not present on the date of listing. | “WP 456/2025 – n/p” → Party or advocate was not present on the date of listing. |
| P.O. | Pass Over / Put Up On |
Pass Over: Case adjourned on the same day (often to be taken up later that day). Put Up On: Registry/judge directs the matter to be listed on a specific future date. |
"P.O. — Matter to be taken up after recess." "P.O. on 20.09.2025 for orders." |
| L.O. | Last Order / List Out |
Last Order: Reference to the last order passed, used to continue proceedings according to that order. List Out: Case not heard that day and to be listed again on another date. |
"Listed as per L.O. dated 01.09.2025." "Matter L.O. on 15.09.2025." |
| S.O. | Stand Over / Short Order |
Stand Over: Matter postponed or adjourned to another date. Short Order: A brief operative order recorded when a fuller judgment will follow. |
"S.O. to 25.09.2025." "S.O. pronounced; detailed order to follow." |
| T.R.O. | Taken on Record Order / Temporary Restraining Order |
Taken on Record: A filed document or affidavit is accepted and placed on record (procedural usage in cause lists). Temporary Restraining Order: In common-law practice (notably U.S.), an emergency short-term order to preserve the status quo until a hearing. |
"Affidavit of compliance T.R.O." "Court grants TRO restraining respondent from contacting petitioner." |
| T.R.O.S.O. | This Rule/Revision/Reference — Stand Over | Registry/judge remark indicating the matter "stands over" — kept pending and to be taken up on the next fixed date. Usage varies by court. | "Case TROSO — to be heard on 10.10.2025." |
| T.U.A. | Taken Up Again / Taken Under Advisement |
Taken Up Again: A matter earlier passed over is brought up again (often the same day). Taken Under Advisement: Judge reserves decision after hearing arguments and will deliver an order later. |
"Matter TUA after lunch session." "Bail application TUA — order reserved." |
Tips to Read Cause Lists
- Abbreviations are usually written after the case number.
- They indicate the status or purpose of the case on that particular date.
- Different courts may have slight variations, but the meanings above cover most Indian High Courts and District Courts.
Important: Court abbreviations can vary slightly between different High Courts or district courts in India.
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