Synopsis and list of dates
Synopsis & List of Dates for an SLP: Format and Tips
The Synopsis and List of Dates is the first substantive thing a Judge reads in an SLP. A tight, well-ordered list of dates frames the matter; a muddled one undermines an otherwise strong petition.
This guide explains what each part does and how to format them.
What the Synopsis is
The Synopsis is a concise summary of the case — the nature of the dispute, the order being challenged, and why the Supreme Court should interfere. It is an orientation, not the argument; brevity and clarity win here.
What the List of Dates is
The List of Dates is a chronological narrative of the matter, from the originating event (FIR, plaint, notification) through to the impugned judgment. Each entry pairs a date with a short, neutral statement of what happened on it.
Format at a glance
- Strict chronological order, earliest first.
- Date in a consistent format in the left column; the event in the right.
- Neutral, factual phrasing — save argument for the grounds.
- Carry the chronology right up to the date of filing.
Tips
- Keep each entry to one or two lines.
- Include only dates that matter to the questions of law.
- Reconcile every date against the annexures it refers to.