Who is referred to as the complainant in a legal action?

In a legal action, the term "complainant" typically refers to the individual or entity that initiates the lawsuit, often seeking relief for some form of wrongdoing. This role is synonymous with that of the plaintiff or aggrieved party. The complainant presents their case before the court, outlining the grievances and the basis for their legal action.

The importance of the complainant's role lies in their responsibility to articulate the facts and legal claims that form the foundation of the case. The plaintiff or aggrieved party essentially acts as the party seeking justice or redress for an alleged harm or violation, thereby setting the legal process in motion.

In contrast, other roles in a legal proceeding, such as the defendant, judge, and witness, serve different functions. The defendant is the party being accused or sued, the judge is the official who presides over the courtroom and makes rulings on legal matters, and a witness provides testimony and evidence to support either the complainant's or defendant's case. Thus, the correct identification of the complainant as the plaintiff or aggrieved party highlights their central role in the initiation of legal proceedings.