Judgment
The reasoned statement of a court setting out its decision and the reasons for it � the document from which a decree or order flows.
Full Definition
A judgment is the court's statement of the grounds for its decision � the reasoning process that leads to the final order. It must state: (1) a concise statement of the case; (2) the points for determination; (3) the decision on each point; (4) the reasons for each decision. The decree or order flows from the judgment. In criminal cases, the judgment records findings on guilt and, if guilty, the reasoning for the sentence.
In Indian Law
Order XX CPC governs judgments in civil cases. Section 354 CrPC (Section 392 BNSS) governs criminal judgments. The Supreme Court in Jaswant Singh v. State of Punjab (1958) held that a judgment must set out reasons � a cryptic order will be returned. Judgments of the Supreme Court binding under Article 141 � ratio decidendi is binding nationally, obiter dicta are persuasive.