Dispute Resolution

The Uttarakhand High Court has issued a circular permitting service of summons through electronic modes, including email and WhatsApp, in cases filed under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881. The circular, issued on January 5, 2026, directs criminal courts across the state to adopt electronic service as a means of addressing the chronic delays that have plagued cheque bounce litigation in India. The move is in line with recent directions from the Supreme Cour

Special Lok Adalats held across multiple Indian states on July 18, 2026, have achieved remarkable success in settling thousands of cheque bounce cases filed under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881. The coordinated effort, organised under the guidance of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), resulted in the settlement of cases worth over Rs 260 crore across Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, and Chandigarh alone. The initiative marks a significan

Filing a revision petition under Section 115 of the Code of Civil Procedure (CPC) is a remedy available to a party aggrieved by an order of a subordinate court, where the order involves a jurisdictional error or a material irregularity of procedure. Unlike an appeal, which permits re-examination of facts and merits, revision is a supervisory jurisdiction exercised by the High Court to ensure that subordinate courts act within their legal authority and follow correct procedure

Filing an application for appointment of an arbitrator under Section 11 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, is a critical step when parties to an arbitration agreement are unable to agree on the constitution of the arbitral tribunal. Section 11 provides a structured mechanism for judicial intervention in the appointment process, ensuring that disputes are not stalled indefinitely merely because the parties cannot agree on an arbitrator. This guide explains the proc

When a civil suit is dismissed for non-appearance of the plaintiff, it does not necessarily mean the end of the road. The Code of Civil Procedure (CPC) provides a mechanism for restoration of such dismissed cases through Order 9 Rule 9, allowing the plaintiff to apply for the dismissal to be set aside and the suit to be restored to the court's active docket. This guide explains the procedure for filing a restoration application, the limitation period, the standard of proof re

Challenging an arbitration award under Section 34 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, is the primary recourse available to a party dissatisfied with the outcome of arbitration proceedings in India. Unlike appeals in regular litigation, the scope of judicial review of an arbitral award is deliberately narrow, reflecting the legislative intent to uphold the finality of arbitration. This guide explains the grounds, limitation period, court procedure, and practical con

On July 20, 2026, the Supreme Court of India expressed concern over the quality of judgments delivered by Motor Accident Claims Tribunals (MACTs), calling for clear and reasoned findings in cases involving accident victims. A bench of Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice Nongmeikapam Kotiswar Singh observed that many tribunal orders merely reproduce pleadings and evidence without adequately explaining how the facts lead to the ultimate conclusion on liability and compensation. Th

Limitation periods exist to ensure that legal disputes are resolved within a reasonable timeframe. However, there are situations where a party is genuinely prevented from filing an appeal or application within the prescribed period. In such cases, the Limitation Act, 1963 provides a mechanism to seek condonation (forgiveness) of the delay. Section 5 of the Limitation Act allows courts to admit an appeal or application after the prescribed period has expired, provided the appl

When a trial court passes a decree that partially favours both sides, the aggrieved party files an appeal. But what about the respondent who is satisfied with the overall decree but objects to certain findings or parts of it? The law provides a mechanism called a cross objection, which allows the respondent in an appeal to challenge portions of the decree without filing a separate appeal. Governed by Order 41 Rule 22 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (CPC), this provision

An interlocutory application (IA) is a procedural tool that allows a party to seek interim relief or specific orders from the court while a civil suit is still pending. These applications address urgent or ancillary issues that cannot wait until the final hearing. Whether a plaintiff needs to protect disputed property from being sold, or a defendant wants security for costs, interlocutory applications provide the mechanism for obtaining such orders. Understanding when and how

How to File an Execution Petition to Enforce a Court Decree in India Under Order 21 CPC Winning a court case and obtaining a favourable decree is only half the battle. If the judgment-debtor (the losing party) fails to comply with the decree voluntarily, the decree-holder (the winning party) must take steps to enforce it. The process of enforcing a court decree in India is governed by Order 21 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (CPC). This guide explains the modes of execut

How to File a Civil Suit in a District Court in India: Plaint, Court Fees and Procedure Filing a civil suit in a district court is the primary method for individuals and businesses in India to resolve disputes related to property, money, contracts, and civil rights. Whether you are seeking recovery of a debt, possession of immovable property, or a declaration of your rights, understanding the correct procedure is essential. This guide walks you through the entire process of f

The Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP) under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (IBC), provides a time-bound mechanism for resolving corporate insolvency in India. This guide explains the different routes available for initiating CIRP, the filing requirements, and the post-admission process. Who Can File a CIRP Application? CIRP can be initiated by three categories of applicants. A financial creditor, such as a bank, NBFC, or bondholder, may file under Secti

When a contract with an arbitration clause breaks down, the first formal step is usually to send an arbitration notice. Knowing how to send an arbitration notice in India under Section 21 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act 1996 matters because, in most cases, arbitration proceedings legally commence only when the other side receives this notice. A defective or missing notice can delay or even derail the entire dispute. Why the Section 21 Notice Matters Section 21 of the

The Madras High Court has halted certain project works of Yuzhan Technology India, a subsidiary of Foxconn, amid a contract dispute with BNR Infrastructure Projects. The Court directed that the respondent cannot claim to continue work either by itself or through any third parties until June 29, 2026. The order was passed under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, following BNR's application seeking interim injunctive relief. Background of the Dispute BNR Infrastructure