Civil litigation concerns private rights and obligations: who owns property, whether a contract must be performed, whether money is owed, or whether someone should be restrained from acting. Remedies include declarations, injunctions, damages and orders for specific performance.
We handle civil disputes from the first legal notice through pleadings, interim applications, trial and appeal.
What this covers
- Suits for declaration and permanent injunction
- Temporary injunctions and interim relief
- Specific performance of agreements
- Money recovery and damages
- Execution of decrees
- Civil appeals and revisions
How the process generally works
- Notice and review
We review the documents and limitation period and, where appropriate, issue a legal notice.
- Pleadings
The plaint or written statement sets out the case. Interim relief can be sought at the outset.
- Issues and evidence
The court frames issues, and the parties lead documentary and oral evidence.
- Decree and execution
After the judgment, a decree may need to be executed to obtain the relief.
Relevant law
- Code of Civil Procedure, 1908
- Specific Relief Act, 1963
- Limitation Act, 1963
- Commercial Courts Act, 2015 for specified commercial disputes
Common questions
How long do I have to file a civil suit?
Limitation periods vary by the type of claim, commonly three years for many money and contract claims. Some claims have shorter or longer periods, so it is best to take advice early.