Detailed Explanation of Civil Suits Stages Delay Applications and Interim Relief | Advocate Paresh M Modi
1. Meaning of Civil Suit (સિવીલ દાવો શું છે)
A Civil Suit is a legal proceeding initiated by a person (plaintiff) against another person (defendant) for the enforcement or protection of a private right. It generally deals with disputes related to property, money, contracts, ownership, possession, injunction, damages, or declarations. Civil suits are governed mainly by the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (CPC).
નાગરિક દાવો એટલે કે “Civil Suit” એ એક કાયદાકીય પ્રક્રિયા છે, જેમાં કોઇ વ્યક્તિ (ફરિયાદી/અરજદાર) પોતાની વ્યક્તિગત હક અથવા હકની રક્ષા માટે બીજી વ્યક્તિ (પ્રતિવાદી) વિરુદ્ધ કોર્ટમાં દાવો કરે છે. સામાન્ય રીતે તે મિલ્કત, નાણાં, કરાર, માલિકી, કબજો, પ્રતિબંધક આદેશ (injunction), અથવા નુકશાનની વસુલાત જેવા વિષયો પર આધારિત હોય છે. આવા તમામ દાવાઓ સિવિલ પ્રોસિજર કોડ, 1908 (CPC) હેઠળ સંચાલિત થાય છે.
2. Types of Civil Suits (નાગરિક દાવાના પ્રકાર)
| English Type | Gujarati Translation | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Civil Suit | નિયમિત નાગરિક દાવો | Filed for ownership, possession, declaration, partition, or recovery. |
| Summary Suit (Order 37 CPC) | સારાંશ દાવો | Filed for recovery of money based on written contract or negotiable instruments. |
| Injunction Suit | પ્રતિબંધક આદેશનો દાવો | To prevent someone from doing a wrongful act or interfering with property. |
| Declaratory Suit | ઘોષણાત્મક દાવો | To seek declaration about right, status, or legal character. |
| Possession Suit | કબજો મેળવવાનો દાવો | Filed for possession of immovable property. |
| Damages Suit | નુકશાન વસુલાતનો દાવો | Filed to recover damages for loss caused by wrongful act. |
| Partition Suit | હિસ્સો મેળવવાનો દાવો | For division of joint family or ancestral property. |
| Specific Performance Suit | કરારના પાલનનો દાવો | To enforce a written agreement (mostly in property sale). |
| Mandatory Injunction Suit | ફરજિયાત આદેશનો દાવો | To compel someone to do a specific act as per law. |
| Mortgage / Loan Recovery Suit | કરજની વસુલાતનો દાવો | Filed by banks/individuals for loan recovery. |
3. Stages of a Regular Civil Suit (નિયમિત નાગરિક દાવાના તબક્કા)
(A) Filing of the Plaint (દાવો દાખલ કરવો)
The plaintiff files a plaint with the court describing the facts, cause of action, and the reliefs sought. It includes valuation, court fees, and jurisdiction details.
ફરિયાદી કોર્ટમાં દાવો દાખલ કરે છે જેમાં ઘટના, કારણ, અને માગવામાં આવેલા રાહત (reliefs) દર્શાવવામાં આવે છે. તેમાં દાવાની કિંમત, કોર્ટ ફી, અને અધિકારક્ષેત્રની માહિતી પણ સામેલ હોય છે.
(B) Registration and Scrutiny (નોંધણી અને તપાસ)
The court office checks whether the plaint is in order, properly signed, verified, and supported by documents.
કોર્ટની ઓફિસ તપાસ કરે છે કે દાવો યોગ્ય રીતે સાઈન કરાયેલ છે કે નહીં, ચકાસણી થઈ છે કે નહીં અને જરૂરી દસ્તાવેજો જોડાયેલા છે કે નહીં.
(C) Issue of Summons to Defendant (પ્રતિવાદીને સમન્સ જારી કરવો)
The court issues summons to the defendant to appear and file a written statement.
કોર્ટ પ્રતિવાદીને સમન્સ આપે છે જેથી તે હાજર રહીને પોતાનો લેખિત જવાબ આપી શકે.
(D) Written Statement by Defendant (પ્રતિવાદીનો લેખિત જવાબ)
The defendant files his defense in writing within 30 days (can be extended up to 90 days with reasons).
પ્રતિવાદી 30 દિવસની અંદર (કારણ દર્શાવી 90 દિવસ સુધી વધારી શકાય છે) પોતાનો જવાબ કોર્ટમાં રજૂ કરે છે.
(E) Replication by Plaintiff (ફરિયાદીનો જવાબ પ્રતિભાવ રૂપે)
English:
If needed, the plaintiff may reply to the defendant’s written statement to clarify or counter the defense.
Gujarati:
જરૂર જણાય તો ફરિયાદી પ્રતિવાદીના જવાબને પ્રતિભાવ સ્વરૂપે જવાબ આપે છે.
(F) Framing of Issues (મુદ્દા નક્કી કરવો)
The court frames “issues” — points of dispute that need adjudication.
કોર્ટ પક્ષકારોની વચ્ચેના વિવાદના મુદ્દાઓ નક્કી કરે છે જેના પર નિર્ણય લેવો હોય છે.
(G) Evidence Stage (પુરાવાનો તબક્કો)
Both sides produce oral and documentary evidence, witness statements, cross-examinations, and affidavits.
બન્ને પક્ષો પુરાવા, દસ્તાવેજો, સાક્ષીઓના નિવેદનો અને હલફનામા રજૂ કરે છે.
(H) Arguments (વાદવિવાદ)
After evidence, both parties present oral arguments and written submissions.
પુરાવા પછી બંને પક્ષો મૌખિક અને લેખિત દલીલો રજૂ કરે છે.
(I) Judgment and Decree (ન્યાય અને હુકમનામું)
The court delivers the final judgment based on evidence and issues, followed by a decree specifying the relief granted.
કોર્ટ પુરાવા અને મુદ્દાઓના આધારે અંતિમ ન્યાય આપે છે અને તેની સાથે હુકમનામું જાહેર કરે છે.
4. Delay Application (મોડું થવાનુ કારણ દર્શાવતી અરજી)
If the plaintiff or defendant files documents or pleadings beyond the prescribed period, they must file a delay condonation application under Section 5 of the Limitation Act, 1963.
The applicant must show sufficient cause for the delay (e.g., illness, unavoidable circumstances).
જો કોઇ પક્ષ નક્કી સમય પછી દસ્તાવેજો કે જવાબ રજૂ કરે છે તો તેને લિમિટેશન એક્ટ, 1963ની કલમ 5 હેઠળ મોડું પડ્યાનું અરજીપત્ર કરવું પડે છે. તેમાં વિલંબનું પૂરતું કારણ દર્શાવવું જરૂરી છે (જેમ કે બિમારી, અનિવાર્ય પરિસ્થિતિઓ વગેરે).
5. Interim Relief (અસ્થાયી રાહત / તાત્કાલિક રાહત)
During pendency of a civil suit, the plaintiff may seek temporary or interim relief to prevent irreparable loss or damage.
These reliefs are governed by Order 39, Rules 1 & 2 of CPC, and include:
Temporary Injunction (સ્થાયી પ્રતિબંધ)
Status Quo Order (સ્થિતિ યથાવત રાખવાનો આદેશ)
Appointment of Receiver (રિસિવર ની નિયુક્તિ)
Attachment Before Judgment (ન્યાય પહેલાં મિલ્કત અટકાવવી)
Temporary Possession Protection (અસ્થાયી કબજો સુરક્ષા)
The court may grant interim relief if the plaintiff proves:
Prima facie case (પ્રથમ નજરે હક)
Balance of convenience (સુવિધાનો તોલ)
Irreparable injury (અપૂરવ નુકશાન)
જ્યારે દાવો કોર્ટમાં ચાલુ હોય ત્યારે ફરિયાદી ક્યારેક અસ્થાયી રાહત માગી શકે છે જેથી તેને અપૂરવ નુકશાન ન થાય. આવી રાહત CPCના ઓર્ડર 39, નિયમ 1 અને 2 હેઠળ આપવામાં આવે છે.
તેમાં તાત્કાલિક પ્રતિબંધક આદેશ, સ્થિતિ યથાવત રાખવાનો આદેશ, રિસિવર ની નિયુક્તિ, અને મિલ્કત અટકાવવી જેવી રાહતો સામેલ છે.
6. Post-Judgment Stages (જજમેંટ આવી ગયા પછીના તબક્કા)
| Stage | English Description | Gujarati Description |
|---|---|---|
| Appeal | Filed under Section 96 CPC within 90 days | કલમ 96 હેઠળ 90 દિવસમાં અપીલ કરી શકાય છે |
| Execution | For enforcing the decree (Order 21 CPC) | હુકમનામાની અમલવારી માટે અરજી |
| Review / Revision | Under Section 114 & 115 CPC | સમીક્ષા કે સુધારાની અરજી |
| Stay Application | To stay execution of decree | હુકમનામાની અમલવારી રોકવા માટે |
7. Example of Regular Civil Suit with Delay and Interim Relief
English Example:
Suppose a plaintiff files a suit for ownership and possession of property after 2 years delay due to illness. He submits a delay condonation application under Section 5 of the Limitation Act. Along with the plaint, he also files an interim injunction application (Order 39, Rule 1 & 2 CPC) to restrain the defendant from selling or transferring the disputed property. The court hears both applications — if satisfied, it condones the delay and grants interim relief until final judgment.
Gujarati Example:
ધારણરૂપે, ફરિયાદી મિલ્કતના માલિકી અને કબજાના દાવામાં 2 વર્ષના વિલંબ પછી દાવો કરે છે કારણ કે તે બીમાર હતો. તે લિમિટેશન એક્ટની કલમ 5 હેઠળ મોડું પડ્યાનું અરજીપત્ર કરે છે. તે સાથે CPCના ઓર્ડર 39 હેઠળ અસ્થાયી પ્રતિબંધક આદેશ માગે છે કે પ્રતિવાદી વિવાદિત મિલ્કત વેચી ન શકે. કોર્ટ બંને અરજી પર સુનાવણી કરીને યોગ્ય જણાય તો વિલંબ માફ કરે છે અને અંતિમ ન્યાય સુધી અસ્થાયી રાહત આપે છે.
8. Important Legal Provisions (મહત્વપૂર્ણ કાનૂની કલમો)
| Provision | Description | Gujarati |
|---|---|---|
| Section 9 CPC | Jurisdiction of Civil Courts | નાગરિક અદાલતોની અધિકારક્ષેત્ર |
| Order 7 Rule 1 | Contents of Plaint | દાવાના વિગતો |
| Order 8 Rule 1 | Written Statement | પ્રતિવાદીનો લેખિત જવાબ |
| Order 39 Rules 1–2 | Temporary Injunction | અસ્થાયી પ્રતિબંધક આદેશ |
| Section 5 Limitation Act | Delay Condonation | વિલંબ માફી |
| Section 96 CPC | Appeal | અપીલની પ્રક્રિયા |
Legal Words and Definitions
Plaintiff
A plaintiff is the individual or party who initiates a lawsuit by filing a complaint in a civil court, seeking legal relief or remedy against a defendant for a claimed wrong or violation of their rights.
Defendant
The defendant is the party against whom a lawsuit is filed. They are required to respond to the plaintiff’s allegations and may present their defense in court.
Pleadings
Pleadings are formal written statements submitted by parties in a civil case, including the complaint, written statements, and replies, outlining claims, defenses, and legal arguments.
Injunction
An injunction is a court order directing a party to perform or refrain from performing a specific act, often used to prevent irreparable harm or maintain the status quo.
Summons
A summons is a legal document issued by a court, notifying a defendant about the initiation of legal proceedings and requiring their appearance to respond to the claims.
Affidavit
An affidavit is a written statement sworn under oath or affirmation, used as evidence in court proceedings to verify facts or provide testimony.
Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction refers to the authority of a court to hear and decide a case, determined by geographical area, subject matter, or monetary value involved in the dispute.
Evidence
Evidence includes documents, witness testimony, and other materials presented in court to establish facts and prove or disprove claims in a legal dispute.
Damages
Damages refer to monetary compensation awarded by a court to a plaintiff for the harm, loss, or injury suffered due to the defendant’s actions or negligence.
Mediation
Mediation is an alternative dispute resolution process where a neutral third party helps conflicting parties negotiate and reach a mutually acceptable agreement.
Arbitration
Arbitration is a private dispute resolution method where an arbitrator hears the case and delivers a binding decision, often used as an alternative to court trials.
Judgment
A judgment is the final decision of a court in a legal case, resolving the issues and determining the rights and obligations of the parties involved.
Relief
Relief refers to the remedy or compensation granted by a court to a plaintiff, such as damages, injunctions, or declarations, to address a legal wrong.
Appeal
An appeal is a legal process where a higher court is asked to review and possibly overturn the decision of a lower court based on errors or injustice.
Partition
Partition refers to the division of property among co-owners or joint owners, either by mutual agreement or through a court order when disputes arise.
Suit for Declaration
A suit for declaration is filed to seek a court’s judgment on a legal right or status, often clarifying ownership, title, or rights related to property.
Title Deed
A title deed is a legal document that serves as evidence of ownership of property, outlining details of the transfer and rights associated with the property.
Ownership
Ownership is the legal right to possess, use, and transfer property, granting the holder exclusive control over the asset.
Easement
An easement is a legal right granted to a person to use another’s land for a specific purpose, such as access or utility lines, without owning it.
Encumbrance
Encumbrance refers to a claim, lien, or liability attached to a property, such as a mortgage or unpaid taxes, that may affect its transferability.
Possession
Possession is the physical control or occupancy of a property, which may or may not indicate legal ownership.
Mortgage
A mortgage is a legal agreement where a property is used as security for a loan, giving the lender rights over the property in case of default.
Lease Agreement
A lease agreement is a contract between a property owner and a tenant, allowing temporary use of the property in exchange for rent.
Sale Deed
A sale deed is a legal document that finalizes the transfer of ownership of property from the seller to the buyer.
Agreement to Sell
An agreement to sell is a preliminary contract outlining the terms and conditions of a property sale, executed before the sale deed.
Adverse Possession
Adverse possession is a legal principle where someone who occupies property without permission for a prescribed period may claim ownership.
Mutation
Mutation is the process of updating land or property records in the revenue department to reflect changes in ownership after a transfer.
Boundary Dispute
A boundary dispute arises when two or more parties disagree on the legal boundaries or ownership of adjoining properties.
Partition Suit
A partition suit is filed in court to divide jointly owned property among co-owners when mutual agreement on division is not possible.
Land Revenue
Land revenue refers to the tax or fee collected by the government on land use, often used for maintaining land records and services.
Property Rights
Property rights define the legal ownership, control, and use of property, including rights to sell, lease, or inherit the asset.
Specific Performance
Specific performance is a legal remedy where a court orders a party to fulfill their obligations under a contract, commonly in property disputes.
Tenancy
Tenancy refers to the legal relationship between a landlord and tenant, granting the tenant the right to use the property under agreed terms.
Trespass
Trespass is the unlawful entry onto another person’s property without permission, violating their rights to possession and control.
Acquisition
Acquisition is the legal process of obtaining ownership of property, often through purchase, inheritance, or government acquisition for public purposes.
Encroachment
Encroachment occurs when one party unlawfully intrudes on another’s property, such as by extending structures or fencing onto neighboring land.
Advocates
Advocates are licensed professionals who represent clients in legal matters across courts, offering expertise and advocacy.
Lawyers
Lawyers provide legal advice, represent clients in courts, and draft legal documents, ensuring justice for all.
Law Firm
An organization of lawyers providing legal services, advice, and representation to individuals and businesses.
Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad is a prominent city in Gujarat, India, known for its legal hubs, courts, and skilled lawyers handling a wide range of cases.
Amdavad
Commonly known as Ahmedabad, it is the largest city in Gujarat, India, known for its rich cultural heritage, legal institutions, business centers, and the Gujarat High Court.
Gujarat
Gujarat, a western Indian state, boasts a robust judicial system with high courts, district courts, and tribunals addressing diverse cases.
Bharat
The traditional and constitutional name of India, representing the Republic of India, a sovereign democratic nation with diverse cultures, languages, and a strong legal and constitutional framework.
India
India, a democratic nation, has a comprehensive judiciary comprising Supreme Court, High Courts, and subordinate courts ensuring justice nationwide.
