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Pravesh DabasAdvocate Delhi, India

01 · Litigation & Disputes

Civil Litigation

Civil litigation covers disputes between private parties about rights and obligations — money, property, contracts and similar matters — decided by civil courts.

What this covers

  1. 01Suits for recovery of money and damages
  2. 02Injunctions to restrain or compel an action
  3. 03Declarations of rights or status
  4. 04Specific performance of agreements
  5. 05Civil appeals, revisions and reviews
  6. 06Execution of decrees

How it generally works

Civil suits are governed by the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908. A suit begins with a plaint filed in the court that has jurisdiction over the place and value of the claim; the defendant then files a written statement, issues are framed, evidence is recorded and the court passes a judgment and decree.

Time limits matter. The Limitation Act, 1963 sets periods within which suits must be filed — for many money claims, three years. Courts can grant temporary injunctions during a case to preserve the position until the dispute is decided.

Injunctions, declarations and specific performance are governed largely by the Specific Relief Act, 1963. A decree can be appealed to a higher court, and once final it is enforced through execution proceedings.