‘Each Word Is Important’; Supreme Court Expresses Displeasure Over Poor English Translation of Trial Court Verdict

In a notable order dated October 17, 2025, the Supreme Court of India expressed strong dissatisfaction with the quality of English translation of a civil court’s judgment in a property inheritance case. A Division Bench comprising Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice PK Mishra observed that in legal proceedings, every word and punctuation mark has legal significance, and hence, translations must accurately reflect the true meaning and intent of the original…