How to Write a Synopsis in a Special Leave Petition (SLP) Before the Supreme Court of India

When a person approaches the Supreme Court of India through a Special Leave Petition (SLP), the Court needs to understand the dispute quickly. A well-prepared Synopsis helps provide that initial picture.

The Synopsis should briefly explain what the dispute is about, how the matter reached the Supreme Court, what legal or procedural issue is involved, and why the petitioner is asking the Court to exercise its jurisdiction under Article 136 of the Constitution of India.

It is important to remember that a Synopsis is not a substitute for the petition itself. It should not repeat every fact or argument. Its purpose is to present the case in a clear and organized manner so that the principal issues can be understood without unnecessary detail.

This article explains the general approach to preparing an SLP Synopsis. The exact filing requirements should always be checked against the latest Supreme Court Rules, forms, practice directions, and Registry requirements applicable to the case.

What Is a Synopsis in an SLP?

A Synopsis is a concise introduction to the case. It normally gives the reader an overview of the dispute, the important facts, the decisions already passed, the legal issues involved, and the reason the petitioner seeks consideration by the Supreme Court.

Depending on the nature of the matter, a Synopsis may briefly cover:

• The background of the dispute.

• The material facts and important dates.

• The proceedings before the authorities or courts below.

• The judgment or order being challenged.

• The principal legal issues.

• The grounds on which interference is sought.

• The relief requested from the Supreme Court.

The Synopsis should remain consistent with the facts, grounds, documents, and prayers contained in the main petition.

Why Is the Synopsis Important?

A good Synopsis gives the Court a quick understanding of the case.

For example, instead of requiring the reader to go through several pages before understanding the dispute, the Synopsis can establish the basic context at the beginning: what happened, what the lower court decided, what issue is now being raised, and why the petitioner seeks consideration under Article 136.

This does not mean that a Synopsis should contain every argument. In fact, excessive detail can make it less effective.

The objective is simple: give the Court the essential picture of the case clearly and accurately.

How to Structure a Synopsis for an SLP

There is no single drafting style that will suit every case. The contents should depend on the facts and the nature of the challenge. However, the following structure can be useful as a general drafting guide.

1. Start With the Impugned Judgment or Order

The opening should identify the judgment or order being challenged.

For example:

The present Special Leave Petition is directed against the final judgment and order dated ______ passed by the Hon'ble High Court of ______ in ______, whereby the petition/appeal filed by the petitioner came to be dismissed.

This immediately tells the reader which decision is being challenged.

Where necessary, mention the relevant case number and the court or authority that passed the decision.

2. Explain the Background Briefly

The next part should explain how the dispute arose.

Include only facts that help the reader understand the case. Important dates, transactions, proceedings, notices, orders, or other events may be mentioned where relevant.

A chronological presentation is usually easier to follow.

For example:

The dispute arose out of ______. On ______, the concerned authority passed an order relating to ______. Aggrieved by the said order, the petitioner approached ______. The matter was thereafter considered by ______.

The aim is not to reproduce the entire factual history but to establish the context.

3. Mention the Proceedings Before the Lower Courts

A reader should be able to understand how the matter reached the Supreme Court.

Briefly identify:

• The original proceeding.

• Any appeal, revision, review, or writ proceeding.

• The decision of the relevant authority or court.

• The decision of the High Court, where applicable.

For example:

The petitioner initially challenged the order before ______. The said proceeding was decided by order dated ______. Thereafter, the petitioner approached the Hon'ble High Court by filing ______. By judgment dated ______, the High Court ______.

Only material procedural developments should be included.

4. Explain Why the Impugned Judgment Is Challenged

This is where the petitioner should briefly identify the principal errors alleged in the impugned decision.

Depending on the case, the petitioner may contend that the decision involves:

• An incorrect interpretation or application of law.

• Failure to consider material evidence.

• Failure to consider a relevant statutory provision.

• Violation of principles of natural justice.

• A jurisdictional error.

• Failure to follow binding precedent.

• A constitutional or statutory issue.

• Another serious legal or procedural error.

The language should remain professional.

Instead of making personal accusations against a judge or authority, describe the alleged legal or procedural error.

For example:

The petitioner respectfully submits that the impugned judgment does not correctly apply the statutory provision governing the dispute and that material evidence placed on record was not adequately considered.

This is generally clearer and more appropriate than using emotional or accusatory language.

5. Identify the Principal Questions of Law

The Synopsis should identify the important legal questions arising from the dispute.

Depending on the circumstances, the questions may concern:

• Interpretation of the Constitution.

• Interpretation of a statute or rule.

• Application of an established legal principle.

• Conflict between judicial decisions.

• Jurisdiction of an authority or court.

• Procedural fairness.

• Constitutional rights.

• Issues having broader legal significance.

The questions should arise from the actual facts of the case. They should not be artificially framed simply to make the matter appear more significant.

6. Explain the Basis for Seeking Special Leave

Article 136 gives the Supreme Court a discretionary jurisdiction to grant special leave to appeal against judgments, decrees, determinations, sentences, or orders in appropriate cases.

The Synopsis may therefore briefly explain why the petitioner believes that the matter warrants consideration by the Supreme Court.

Depending on the case, the petitioner may rely upon circumstances such as:

• A serious error of law.

• Grave miscarriage of justice.

• A jurisdictional error.

• Failure to apply settled legal principles.

• Violation of constitutional or legal rights.

• A significant procedural irregularity.

• Exceptional circumstances requiring judicial intervention.

The grounds should be based on the actual record of the case.

A mere disagreement with the outcome of a judgment should not automatically be described as sufficient ground for interference under Article 136.

7. State the Relief Sought

The Synopsis should conclude by briefly identifying the relief sought.

A general example is:

The petitioner respectfully prays that this Hon'ble Court may be pleased to grant Special Leave to Appeal against the impugned judgment and order and pass such other order(s) as may be deemed fit and proper in the interests of justice.

The actual prayer should always correspond with the relief requested in the main petition.

Sample Synopsis for an SLP (Civil)

The following is a general educational example. It should not be treated as a mandatory Supreme Court filing format.

IN THE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA

SPECIAL LEAVE PETITION (CIVIL)

SYNOPSIS

The present Special Leave Petition is directed against the judgment and order dated ______ passed by the Hon'ble High Court of ______ in ______, whereby the petition/appeal filed by the petitioner was dismissed.

The dispute relates to ______.

The petitioner submits that the dispute arose when ______. Thereafter, ______ proceedings were initiated before ______. By order dated ______, ______ was decided against the petitioner.

Aggrieved by the said decision, the petitioner approached ______. The matter was thereafter considered by the Hon'ble High Court, which by judgment dated ______ held that ______.

The petitioner respectfully submits that the impugned judgment involves serious questions concerning ______. It is further submitted that ______ material evidence/statutory provisions/legal principles were not properly considered or applied.

The petitioner also submits that the matter raises the following principal legal issue(s): ______.

The petitioner seeks special leave to appeal under Article 136 of the Constitution of India against the impugned judgment and order and respectfully submits that the matter merits consideration by this Hon'ble Court.

Hence, the present Special Leave Petition.

Practical Drafting Tips

A Synopsis becomes more useful when it is written with the reader in mind.

Keep the factual story in a logical sequence. If an important event happened in 2022, followed by an order in 2023 and a High Court judgment in 2024, present those events in that order.

Use the same names, dates, case numbers, and terminology throughout the petition. Even a small inconsistency can create confusion.

Avoid copying lengthy passages from the impugned judgment. Summarize the relevant portion instead and identify the paragraph or page of the record where appropriate.

Similarly, avoid turning the Synopsis into a full written argument. The detailed legal submissions belong in the appropriate portions of the petition.

When referring to an allegation, distinguish it from a judicial finding. For example, use wording such as “the petitioner contends” or “the petitioner submits” where the matter is an assertion made by the petitioner rather than a finding recorded by a court.

Most importantly, do not exaggerate the importance of a case. A clear and accurate Synopsis is generally more useful than one filled with unnecessary claims or emotional language.

Common Mistakes in SLP Synopsis Drafting

Some common drafting problems can make a Synopsis difficult to follow.

Reproducing the entire petition

A Synopsis should summarize the case. Copying large portions of the petition defeats that purpose.

Including irrelevant facts

Not every event in the history of a dispute needs to be included. Focus on facts that have a connection with the legal issues.

Using emotional or accusatory language

Personal criticism of judges, authorities, advocates, or opposing parties should be avoided. State the legal or factual contention in a professional manner.

Presenting allegations as established facts

If an allegation has not been judicially established, it should not be presented as a proven fact.

Misstating a court's finding

Always check the actual judgment before describing what a lower court or the Supreme Court has held.

Overstating Article 136

The existence of an error in a judgment does not by itself mean that the Supreme Court will grant special leave. Article 136 involves discretionary jurisdiction, and the circumstances of each case matter.

Ignoring current procedural requirements

A format found online may become outdated. The latest Supreme Court Rules, amendments, forms, practice directions, and Registry requirements should be checked before filing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Synopsis in an SLP?

A Synopsis is a concise overview of a Special Leave Petition. It generally introduces the dispute, material facts, procedural history, principal legal issues, and the basis on which the petitioner seeks consideration by the Supreme Court.

Is the Synopsis the same as the Grounds of an SLP?

No. They serve different purposes. The Synopsis provides an overview of the case, whereas the Grounds contain the specific legal and factual grounds relied upon by the petitioner.

Should an SLP Synopsis contain detailed arguments?

Generally, it should not reproduce detailed arguments. The Synopsis should identify the principal issues and provide sufficient context for understanding the petition.

How long should an SLP Synopsis be?

There is no single length suitable for every case. It should be long enough to explain the material facts and principal legal issues but concise enough to remain an overview.

The applicable Supreme Court Rules and filing requirements should be checked for the particular matter.

Can a Petitioner-in-Person file an SLP?

A person may seek permission to appear as a Petitioner-in-Person, subject to the applicable Supreme Court Rules and procedures. The requirements governing filing, appearance, and conduct of proceedings should be verified from the latest applicable rules.

Can I use an online SLP Synopsis format?

An online sample can be used as a drafting reference, but it should not be treated as an official or universally applicable Supreme Court format.

The latest Supreme Court Rules, prescribed forms, practice directions, and Registry requirements should be checked before filing.

Conclusion

A good SLP Synopsis does not need to be complicated. Its job is to make the case easier to understand.

Start with the impugned judgment, explain the relevant background, summarize the procedural history, identify the principal legal issues, and briefly explain why the petitioner seeks consideration under Article 136. Keep the language professional and ensure that every important statement is supported by the case record.

Before filing, compare the Synopsis with the final petition and verify all dates, case numbers, judgments, statutory provisions, and citations. Procedural requirements can change, so the latest applicable Supreme Court Rules and Registry directions should always be checked.

Disclaimer

This article is provided solely for general educational and informational purposes. It explains general drafting considerations for preparing a Synopsis in a Special Leave Petition (Civil) and is not a substitute for professional legal advice.

Filing requirements may vary depending on the Supreme Court Rules, 2013, as amended, applicable forms, practice directions, Registry requirements, and the facts and circumstances of each case. Readers should verify the latest procedural requirements applicable to their matter before filing any proceeding before the Supreme Court of India.

This article does not create an advocate-client relationship and should not be relied upon as legal advice for any particular case.