By Vijay Kumar

The original phrase was status quo ante bellum used in diplomacy meaning "as it was before war," agreeing for withdrawal of troupes etc,.

Petitions are filed in courts to restore status quo ante, especially by transferred/suspended/dismissed officers.

This is the ‘undo’ or ‘reset’ button of law.

If it is established that a man has suffered from unlawful activity of a Government Officer, then it is the duty of the Court to redress the damage suffered by a citizen. Status quo ante must be restored and this can only be done by the return of the documents which were unlawfully seized – Calcutta High Court

Once demand is set aside position of the parties is restored to status quo ante