NAATI CCL Hindi Legal & Justice Practice Dialogues — Worked Examples

Legal Hindi interpreting requires mastery of Perso-Arabic administrative terms like मुक़दमा (muqadma, court case), गवाही (gawaahi, testimony), and ज़मानत (zamanat, bail) that dominate formal legal discourse. The honorific pronoun hierarchy is critical in court — judges are addressed with the highest aap-ji forms and respectful verb conjugations, while defendants may use tum-level speech with family. Sanskrit-derived legal compounds such as अधिकार (adhikaar, rights) and न्यायालय (nyaayaalay, court of justice) add a classical vocabulary layer. Gender agreement in legal statements — उसने अपराध किया (he committed the crime, masculine) vs. उसने अपराध की (she committed the crime, feminine) — carries evidentiary weight. Code-mixing is pervasive: Hindi speakers routinely insert English legal terms like bail, FIR, and hearing into Hindi sentences, requiring interpreters to decide when to preserve the English term and when to render the full Hindi equivalent.

7 practice dialogues

Police Statement — Car Accident

This dialogue is between a male driver and a Police Officer, Senior Constable Williams. The driver was involved in a car accident and is giving a police statement at the scene.

Seg 1Police Officer
English → LOTE

Good afternoon. I'm Senior Constable Williams. I need to take a statement from you regarding the accident that occurred this morning on Parramatta Road. Can you tell me what happened?

Seg 2Driver
LOTE → English

मैं पैरामैटा रोड पर पूर्व दिशा में गाड़ी चला रहा था जब दूसरी कार ने लाल बत्ती तोड़कर मेरी पैसेंजर साइड में टक्कर मार दी। इतना तेज़ हुआ कि कुछ कर ही नहीं पाया।

Seg 3Police Officer
English → LOTE

What speed were you travelling at when the collision occurred?

Seg 4Driver
LOTE → English

लगभग पचास किमी प्रति घंटा, जो स्पीड लिमिट है। मेरी बत्ती हरी थी — मुझे पूरा यक़ीन है।

Seg 5Police Officer
English → LOTE

Were there any passengers in your vehicle? And was anyone injured?

Seg 6Driver
LOTE → English

पत्नी पैसेंजर सीट पर थीं। उनका सिर खिड़की से टकराया और एम्बुलेंस से अस्पताल ले जाया गया। मुझे गर्दन में दर्द है लेकिन गंभीर नहीं।

Seg 7Police Officer
English → LOTE

I'm sorry to hear about your wife. We've obtained CCTV footage from a nearby business which should help establish what happened. Did you exchange details with the other driver?

Seg 8Driver
LOTE → English

हाँ, नाम और लाइसेंस नंबर मिल गया। लेकिन वो बहुत नर्वस था और बार-बार कह रहा था कि उसकी ग़लती नहीं है। इंश्योरेंस डिटेल्स उसके पास नहीं थे।

Seg 9Police Officer
English → LOTE

That's fine. We'll follow up with him separately. I'll need you to sign this statement once I've typed it up. You'll also need to report the accident to your insurance company within twenty-four hours.

Seg 10Driver
LOTE → English

क्या मुझे पुलिस रिपोर्ट की कॉपी मिल सकती है? इंश्योरेंस कंपनी को चाहिए होगी。

Seg 11Police Officer
English → LOTE

You can request a copy from our station after five business days. There's a small fee for the report. I'd also recommend taking photos of the damage to both vehicles if you haven't already.

Seg 12Driver
LOTE → English

मैंने मौक़े पर फ़ोटो लिए हैं। धन्यवाद, ऑफ़िसर। और कुछ करना है?

Victim Support — Assault

This dialogue is between a woman who is a victim of assault and a Support Worker from the Victim Support Service. The support worker is helping the woman understand her rights and available support.

Seg 1Support Worker
English → LOTE

Hello, my name is Sarah and I'm from the Victim Support Service. I'm here to help you understand your options after the incident. Everything you tell me is confidential. How are you feeling?

Seg 2Victim
LOTE → English

अभी भी सहमी हुई हूँ। कल रात स्टेशन के बाहर हमला हुआ। एक आदमी ने बैग छीना और ज़मीन पर धकेल दिया। हाथों और घुटनों पर खरोंचें आईं।

Seg 3Support Worker
English → LOTE

I'm very sorry that happened to you. Have you reported the incident to the police?

Seg 4Victim
LOTE → English

हाँ, आज सुबह पुलिस स्टेशन गई। बयान लिया और कहा कि सिक्योरिटी कैमरे चेक करेंगे。

Seg 5Support Worker
English → LOTE

Good. You've taken an important step. I want to make sure you know about victim support services — counselling, legal assistance, and financial help are all available free of charge.

Seg 6Victim
LOTE → English

यह पता नहीं था। आज ट्रेन में बैठने से डर लगने के कारण काम से छुट्टी ली। कैसे अप्लाई करूँ?

Seg 7Support Worker
English → LOTE

I can help you with the application. You'll need the police report number, any medical records, and evidence of lost income. The process takes about three to six months.

Seg 8Victim
LOTE → English

काफ़ी लंबा लगता है। मुझे रात को बाहर निकलने में भी बहुत डर लग रहा है। क्या यह सामान्य है?

Seg 9Support Worker
English → LOTE

Absolutely. What you're feeling is a very common response to being a victim of crime. I can refer you to a free counselling service that specialises in trauma. Would you like that?

Seg 10Victim
LOTE → English

हाँ, मदद मिलेगी। परिवार कहता है जल्दी भूल जाओ, लेकिन मैं सोचना बंद नहीं कर पा रही।

Seg 11Support Worker
English → LOTE

Please don't feel pressured to recover on anyone else's timeline. Trauma affects everyone differently. The counselling service can provide strategies to help you manage your anxiety and process what happened.

Seg 12Victim
LOTE → English

शुक्रिया, सारा। इतनी सहायता उपलब्ध है, यह नहीं पता था। अब अकेला नहीं लग रहा。

Traffic Infringement — Speeding Fine

This dialogue is between a man and a Council Officer. The man has received a speeding fine and has come in to discuss his options for appeal or payment.

Seg 1Council Officer
English → LOTE

Good morning. You've come in to discuss a speeding fine you received on Canterbury Road last month. I have your file here. How can I help?

Seg 2Driver
LOTE → English

मैं फ़ाइन को चुनौती देना चाहता हूँ। मेरी गति इतनी तेज़ नहीं थी। कैमरे में ग़लती हुई होगी।

Seg 3Council Officer
English → LOTE

The speed camera recorded your vehicle travelling at seventy-two kilometres per hour in a sixty zone. The cameras are regularly calibrated and tested. Do you have any evidence to support your claim?

Seg 4Driver
LOTE → English

नहीं, लेकिन मैं ट्रैफ़िक के साथ चल रहा था। सब वही रफ़्तार से जा रहे थे।

Seg 5Council Officer
English → LOTE

Unfortunately, the fact that other vehicles may have been speeding doesn't provide grounds for dismissal. However, you do have several options available to you.

Seg 6Driver
LOTE → English

क्या विकल्प हैं? डेमेरिट पॉइंट नहीं खो सकता — काम के लिए लाइसेंस चाहिए।

Seg 7Council Officer
English → LOTE

You can pay the fine in full — three hundred and thirty dollars plus three demerit points. Or you can request a review, or elect to have it heard in court.

Seg 8Driver
LOTE → English

कोर्ट गया तो क्या होगा? और बुरा तो नहीं होगा?

Seg 9Council Officer
English → LOTE

In court, a magistrate could impose the same penalty, reduce it, or increase it. With a good driving record and genuine explanation, a reduced penalty is possible.

Seg 10Driver
LOTE → English

पहले कभी फ़ाइन नहीं मिला। इससे मदद मिलेगी?

Seg 11Council Officer
English → LOTE

A clean driving record helps. You could also write to the revenue office requesting a caution instead of a fine. Include your driving history and any special circumstances.

Seg 12Driver
LOTE → English

पहले पत्र ट्राई करूँगा। विकल्प स्पष्ट रूप से समझाने के लिए धन्यवाद。

Family Court — Custody Mediation

This dialogue is between a father and a Family Court Mediator. The father is attending family dispute resolution mediation regarding custody arrangements for his two children.

Seg 1Mediator
English → LOTE

Good morning. I'm the family dispute resolution mediator. Before we begin, I want to explain that my role is neutral — I don't take sides or make decisions for you.

Seg 2Parent
LOTE → English

हाँ, लेकिन चिंता है कि मेरी पूर्व साथी कुछ भी उचित नहीं मानेगी। वो बच्चों को लेकर दूसरे राज्य में जाना चाहती है।

Seg 3Mediator
English → LOTE

I understand your concern. We'll discuss all proposals openly. The focus must always be on what's in the best interest of the children. How old are your children?

Seg 4Parent
LOTE → English

बेटा आठ साल, बेटी पाँच साल। दोनों यहाँ स्कूल जाते हैं और सब दोस्त यहीं हैं। दूसरे राज्य में जाना बहुत बाधित करेगा।

Seg 5Mediator
English → LOTE

Those are valid concerns. In our session today, both parties will have an opportunity to present their views. If we can't reach an agreement, you may need to apply to the Family Court for orders.

Seg 6Parent
LOTE → English

कोर्ट की प्रक्रिया में कितना समय और ख़र्च लगता है?

Seg 7Mediator
English → LOTE

Court proceedings can take twelve to eighteen months and legal costs can run into tens of thousands. Mediation is faster, cheaper, and gives you both more control over the outcome.

Seg 8Parent
LOTE → English

अगर उसने मीडिएशन से मना कर दिया? वो बहुत असहयोगी रही है。

Seg 9Mediator
English → LOTE

Mediation requires both parties to participate voluntarily. However, you generally need a certificate from mediation before filing a court application. There are some exceptions for urgent matters.

Seg 10Parent
LOTE → English

क्या कोर्ट उसे बच्चों को लेकर जाने से रोक सकता है?

Seg 11Mediator
English → LOTE

The court can make orders about where children live and how much time they spend with each parent. In most cases, the court prefers arrangements where children have meaningful relationships with both parents.

Seg 12Parent
LOTE → English

मैं बच्चों के लिए सबसे अच्छा चाहता हूँ। बस उन्हें खोना नहीं चाहता।

Seg 13Mediator
English → LOTE

That's completely understandable. Let's see what we can achieve in today's session. I'll bring your ex-partner in now.

Tenancy Dispute — Bond Return

This dialogue is between a woman and a Tribunal Member. The woman is at a hearing to get her rental bond returned after her landlord made deductions she considers unfair.

Seg 1Tribunal Member
English → LOTE

Good morning. This hearing is regarding your application for the return of your rental bond. You're claiming the full amount of two thousand one hundred and sixty dollars. Can you explain your case?

Seg 2Tenant
LOTE → English

तीन साल रहा और हमेशा समय पर किराया दिया। जाते वक़्त पूरा अपार्टमेंट अच्छी तरह साफ़ किया, लेकिन मकान मालिक कहता है कि कालीन और दीवारों को नुकसान पहुँचाया।

Seg 3Tribunal Member
English → LOTE

Do you have photos of the property when you moved in and when you moved out?

Seg 4Tenant
LOTE → English

हाँ, मूव-इन और चाबी लौटाने दोनों दिन फ़ोटो लिए। सामान्य घिसाव-फटाव को छोड़कर, स्थिति लगभग समान थी。

Seg 5Tribunal Member
English → LOTE

The landlord's agent claims there are stains on the bedroom carpet and marks on the walls. The agent is requesting eight hundred dollars for carpet cleaning and repainting. What's your response?

Seg 6Tenant
LOTE → English

जब मूव-इन किया तब कालीन पहले से पाँच साल पुराना था, और दीवारों पर के निशान सामान्य हुक होल हैं। टेनेंसी एक्ट के तहत नॉर्मल वियर एंड टियर के लिए चार्ज नहीं कर सकते。

Seg 7Tribunal Member
English → LOTE

That's correct. Normal wear and tear is expected over a three-year tenancy. Do you have the original condition report from when you moved in?

Seg 8Tenant
LOTE → English

हाँ, यह रहा। इसमें लिखा है कि मूव-इन समय कालीन में पहले से कुछ घिसाव था, और दीवारों पर पिछले किरायेदार के हल्के निशान थे।

Seg 9Tribunal Member
English → LOTE

Thank you. I'll review both the condition reports. The landlord's agent will now present their evidence. After that, I'll make a decision.

Seg 10Tenant
LOTE → English

अगर फ़ैसला मेरे पक्ष में आया, बॉन्ड कितने दिन में वापस मिलेगा?

Seg 11Tribunal Member
English → LOTE

If I order the bond to be returned, it typically takes ten to fourteen business days to process through the rental bonds authority. The decision is binding on both parties.

Seg 12Tenant
LOTE → English

शुक्रिया। तीन महीने से इसके हल का इंतज़ार कर रहा हूँ। बस न्याय चाहता हूँ。

Small Claims Tribunal — Unpaid Invoice

This dialogue is between a man and a Tribunal Member at a small claims hearing. The man is claiming three thousand dollars in unpaid invoices from a client.

Seg 1Tribunal Member
English → LOTE

This hearing concerns your claim for three thousand dollars in unpaid invoices. Please state your case.

Seg 2Applicant
LOTE → English

मैं फ़्रीलांस ग्राफ़िक डिज़ाइनर हूँ। एक कंपनी का काम पूरा किया लेकिन उन्होंने आख़िरी इनवॉइस का भुगतान करने से मना कर दिया।

Seg 3Tribunal Member
English → LOTE

Do you have a written contract or agreement for the work?

Seg 4Applicant
LOTE → English

हाँ, साइन किया हुआ कॉन्ट्रैक्ट, ईमेल पत्राचार, और डिलीवरेबल्स हैं। क्लाइंट ने सभी काम अप्रूव किया था।

Seg 5Tribunal Member
English → LOTE

Has the respondent given any reason for non-payment?

Seg 6Applicant
LOTE → English

उन्होंने कहा गुणवत्ता से संतुष्ट नहीं, लेकिन यह शिकायत इनवॉइस की तारीख़ बीतने के बाद पहली बार उठाई। और उन्होंने काम को अपनी वेबसाइट पर इस्तेमाल किया।

Seg 7Tribunal Member
English → LOTE

That's relevant. If they've used the work, it suggests acceptance. Is the respondent present today?

Seg 8Applicant
LOTE → English

नहीं, नहीं आए। मैंने रजिस्टर्ड मेल से ट्रिब्यूनल नोटिस भेजा था।

Seg 9Tribunal Member
English → LOTE

I can proceed in their absence. Based on your evidence, the contract and acceptance seem clear.

Seg 10Applicant
LOTE → English

उन्होंने जो हिस्सा ख़राब बताया, उसके लिए दूसरा डिज़ाइनर हायर करना पड़ा। वो ख़र्च भी क्लेम कर सकता हूँ?

Seg 11Tribunal Member
English → LOTE

You can claim reasonable costs directly related to the dispute. I'll consider that in my decision. Do you have receipts?

Seg 12Applicant
LOTE → English

हाँ, सभी रसीदें यहाँ हैं। मेरा केस सुनने के लिए धन्यवाद。

Legal Aid — Free Consultation

This dialogue is between a woman and a Legal Aid Lawyer. The woman is attending a free legal consultation about a dispute with her employer over unpaid wages.

Seg 1Legal Aid Lawyer
English → LOTE

Welcome to Legal Aid. I'm a duty lawyer and I can provide free initial advice today. What's your legal issue?

Seg 2Client
LOTE → English

मेरा मकान मालिक अपार्टमेंट में फफ़ूंद की शिकायत करने की वजह से मुझे निकाल रहा है। मेरे दो छोटे बच्चे हैं。

Seg 3Legal Aid Lawyer
English → LOTE

That sounds like it could be a retaliatory eviction, which is illegal. When did you receive the notice?

Seg 4Client
LOTE → English

पिछले हफ़्ते मिला। अट्ठाइस दिन में खाली करने को कहा है। चार साल से अच्छा किरायेदार रहा हूँ。

Seg 5Legal Aid Lawyer
English → LOTE

Did you make your mould complaint in writing? And did the landlord acknowledge it?

Seg 6Client
LOTE → English

हाँ, रियल एस्टेट एजेंट को दो बार ईमेल किया और काउंसिल हेल्थ इंस्पेक्टर को भी रिपोर्ट किया。

Seg 7Legal Aid Lawyer
English → LOTE

Good, that documentation is important. Under the Residential Tenancies Act, a landlord cannot evict a tenant in retaliation for making a complaint.

Seg 8Client
LOTE → English

लेकिन वो कोई और बहाना तो नहीं बना सकता? मुझे डर है कि कुछ और ढूँढ लेगा。

Seg 9Legal Aid Lawyer
English → LOTE

They need a valid legal reason. With your history of complaints, any eviction attempt would be scrutinised. I can represent you at the tribunal if needed.

Seg 10Client
LOTE → English

ख़र्च कितना होगा? सिंगल पैरेंट पेंशन पर हूँ, वकील का ख़र्च नहीं उठा सकती。

Seg 11Legal Aid Lawyer
English → LOTE

Legal Aid representation is free if you meet the eligibility criteria, which I believe you would. I'll lodge the application today.

Seg 12Client
LOTE → English

बहुत-बहुत शुक्रिया। इस चिंता से नींद नहीं आ रही थी। अगली बैठक में क्या लाना होगा?

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