Mention Date
A short court hearing where your case is listed for an update, not for a full trial.
Sources checked 2026-09-17
What a mention date is
A mention date is a short court hearing where your case is called up so the judge can check its progress. It is not a trial and no evidence is heard. It is a scheduling and update stage that moves the file to the next step.
At a mention, the prosecution and defence report where things stand. The court may fix dates for documents, for you to get a lawyer, or for the trial itself. Mule accounts are a large enforcement area: police detected 46,048 mule accounts in 2023 and 50,295 in 2024. [f1] A mention is how the court keeps track of each case that is charged.
What happens on the day
You attend, your name is called, and both sides update the court. The prosecution might say the investigation papers are ready. The defence might ask for time. The judge then fixes the next mention or a trial date.
Guilt is not decided at a mention, and you are not asked to give evidence. A mention can be over quickly. But the dates set that day are ones you must keep.
Why it matters
Attendance is not optional. If you do not appear and have no valid excuse, the court can issue a warrant of arrest and you may lose your bail. If you cannot make it, tell a lawyer early so a proper application can be filed.
A mention is also a chance to arrange a lawyer. You have the right to consult and be defended by a lawyer of your choice. [f2] If cost is a worry, the Legal Aid Department offers help to those who meet the income test. [f3] Finding a lawyer early means you do not face the trial unprepared.
Sources
Need a Lawyer for Your Frozen Account Case?
Request Lawyer ContactFor people seeking legal representation. For general information, use our guides and tools.
Independent information resource, not a law firm. We do not provide legal advice. Where appropriate and with your consent, we can connect you with an independent lawyer. Availability and acceptance of a case are not guaranteed. How referral works
Do I have to attend every mention date?
Yes. You must attend unless the court excuses you or a lawyer appears for you with permission. If you do not turn up, the court can issue a warrant of arrest and your bail can be forfeited. If you truly cannot attend, tell your lawyer early so an application can be made before the date.
What happens at a mention?
The court checks how the case is going. The prosecution may report on documents, the defence may ask for time, and the judge fixes the next step. Guilt is not decided at a mention. It can be short, but it keeps your case moving and sets the dates you must keep.
Can I use a mention date to get a lawyer?
Yes. You can ask the court for time to appoint a lawyer, or to approach the Legal Aid Department if you qualify on income. The court may allow time for this. Getting a lawyer at an early mention means you do not face later stages unprepared.
Related pages
If your situation is a little different, these pages cover the closest topics.
Need a Lawyer for Your Frozen Account Case?
Request Lawyer ContactFor people seeking legal representation. For general information, use our guides and tools.
Independent information resource, not a law firm. We do not provide legal advice. Where appropriate and with your consent, we can connect you with an independent lawyer. Availability and acceptance of a case are not guaranteed. How referral works