What are the grounds for an interlocutory application?

Asked by: Jerrell Senger  |  Last update: February 7, 2026
Score: 4.4/5 (74 votes)

Grounds for an interlocutory application (a request during a case for a non-final order) generally involve demonstrating a pressing need, such as preventing irreparable harm, resolving a controlling legal question, establishing precedent, ensuring a fair trial, or showing the matter is collateral to the merits but crucial, often requiring proof of a prima facie case, lack of other remedies, and balancing the convenience between parties. These applications are exceptions to the final judgment rule, so grounds must show why waiting for the final appeal would cause undue delay, expense, or injustice.

What are common reasons for interlocutory rulings?

Legal use & context

They can be particularly relevant in cases involving urgent matters, such as divorce proceedings or disputes over property. In such situations, a party may seek an interlocutory order to prevent actions that could cause irreparable harm while the case is pending.

What are the requirements for an interlocutory injunction?

In order to obtain an interlocutory injunction, the plaintiff needs to establish that: (a) there is a serious question to be tried, or that the plaintiff has made out a prima facie case, in the sense that if the evidence remains as it is there is a probability that at the trial of the action the plaintiff will be held ...

What are common interlocutory applications?

Types of Interlocutory Applications

  • Injunctive Relief. Orders that stop the other party from doing something, like terminating a contract or completing a sale purchase. ...
  • Particulars. ...
  • Discovery. ...
  • Subpoenas. ...
  • Interrogatories. ...
  • Medical Examination. ...
  • Setting Aside a Default Judgment. ...
  • Complete an Application Form.

Which of the following are reasons that an interlocutory appeal would be permitted?

  • (i) A ruling sought to be appealed involves a controlling question of law or policy;
  • (ii) An immediate appeal may materially advance the ultimate resolution of the issues in the proceeding; and.
  • (iii) Subsequent reversal of the ruling would cause unnecessary delay or expense to the parties.

Interlocutory Applications

32 related questions found

What can be appealed interlocutory?

The term “interlocutory” is used to indicate a lack of finality. An interlocutory appeal is an appeal of a non-final order issued during the course of litigation. The collateral order doctrine sets forth the rules for such appeals.

What are the four most common reasons for appeal?

4 Common Reasons Behind Successful Criminal or Civil Appeals

  • Jury Misconduct.
  • Failure to Diligently Prosecute.
  • Insufficient or Inadmissible Evidence.
  • Ineffective Assistance of Counsel.
  • Don't Assume Your Case Ends at the First Verdict.

What information is needed for an interlocutory application?

Components of interlocutory application for Directions. Your application must begin with a reference to the main Writ Petition or matter under which the application is being filed, along with a gist of relevant facts, if necessary.

Can interlocutory order be challenged?

“As observed by us in Adalat Prasad's case the only remedy available to an aggrieved accused to challenge an order in an interlocutory stage is the extraordinary remedy under Section 482 of the Code and not by way of an application to recall the summons or to seek discharge which is not contemplated in the trial of a ...

How long does an interlocutory process take?

Timing is crucial—petitions must be filed within a limited window, often within 10-30 days, depending on jurisdiction. These appeals can significantly delay cases, as appellate courts may take months or even years to issue a ruling.

What are the elements of interlocutory application?

Before making an interlocutory application

Briefly state the facts relevant to your complaint. Advise the orders you will ask the court to make. Explain why the court should make the orders. Specify a time (at least 3 business days after the date of your letter) within which the respondent must reply to your letter.

Under what circumstances can a mandatory injunction be granted at an interlocutory stage?

The relief of interlocutory mandatory injunction can be granted to preserve or to restore the status quo of the last non-contested status which preceded the pending controversy until the final hearing when full relief may be granted, or to compel the undoing of those acts that have been illegally done or for the ...

What makes an order interlocutory?

Overview: An interlocutory order, which exists in both civil law and criminal law, is a temporary order issued during litigation that refers to a ruling or decision made by a court that is not the final judgment or disposition of the case.

What are the remedies for interlocutory order?

The usual remedy for an erroneous interlocutory order is to raise the issue on appeal after final judgment or seek a special civil action for certiorari if there is grave abuse of discretion.

What is an example of an interlocutory decision?

Interlocutory refers to temporary orders or decisions made during the course of legal proceedings. These orders are not final and are often issued to address specific issues while a case is ongoing. For example, an interlocutory order might be issued to grant or deny a request for an injunction.

What are the cons of interlocutory appeals?

Interlocutory appeals can prolong the timeline of a federal trial as the appeal process requires time for legal arguments and appellate court decisions. This delay might impact the case strategy, requiring parties to adapt to new timelines and potentially revised legal landscapes.

What are good grounds for appeal?

Good reasons to appeal a court decision center on legal or procedural errors, such as the judge misapplying the law, improper admission/exclusion of evidence, flawed jury instructions, constitutional violations, or insufficient evidence for a verdict, while financial aid appeals are strong when family circumstances change (job loss, high medical bills). The key is showing the lower court made a significant mistake that affected the outcome, not just disagreeing with the result.
 

What are the grounds for reconsideration of a motion?

Grounds for a motion for reconsideration typically involve showing the judge made a clear error of law or fact, there's new, material evidence that wasn't previously available, or there's been an intervening change in controlling law, all leading to a manifest injustice; simply disagreeing with the ruling or rearguing points is usually not enough. These motions ask the same court to review its decision, different from an appeal to a higher court. 

Does revision lie against an interlocutory order?

There is equally no doubt that in respect of an interlocutory order, court cannot exercise its revisional jurisdiction. An interlocutory order is not revisable.

What is rule 42 of the Rules of court?

A Petition for Review under Rule 42 of the Rules of Court is the mode of appeal taken to the Court of Appeals (CA) from a decision or final order of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) rendered in its appellate jurisdiction.

What is interlocutory in simple terms?

The term interlocutory is used to indicate a lack of finality. For example: An interlocutory decree is a judgment that does not settle all of the issues of a case and where the further action by the court is needed to settle the controversy.

Is a motion to dismiss interlocutory?

However, some orders that appear to end a case are not final judgments but are interlocutory orders; the most common of these are orders granting a demurrer, a motion to dismiss, or summary judgment.

What is a good reason to appeal?

There are myriad reasons a defendant may wish to appeal a case once a verdict has been read. Most commonly, this is due to the argument that the judge misinterpreted the law, or the prosecution practiced that misconduct during the trial.

Why is it so hard to win an appeal?

To win on appeal, you must demonstrate a "reversible error." This is a significant mistake that likely changed the result of the case. A minor, harmless error that would not have altered the jury's verdict or the judge's decision is not enough to overturn a lower court's ruling.

On what two grounds can a case be appealed?

A case can generally be appealed on grounds of legal error, where the judge applied the wrong law, or improper factual findings, meaning the judge or jury reached a conclusion unreasonable based on the evidence, with other common reasons including prosecutorial misconduct, ineffective counsel, or due process violations, all requiring the error to have affected the outcome.