There is a three tier system of Civil Courts in every state. At the lowest end is the Sub-Judge/Subordinate Judge, third class (also known as Munsif ) and the Sub-judge, second class. In actual fact, they constitute one class although the amount in dispute over which they have jurisdiction differs. Above them is the court of subordinate civil judge, first class, whose jurisdiction, so far as money matters are concerned, is unlimited in most cases. In some such cases such judges have appellate jurisdiction also. Above the Civil Judge,first class, is the court of the District Judge or the Additional District Judge which is appellate court to hear appeals from the orders and judgement of the Munsif Court and to the limited suit value that of the subordinate judge i.e. sub-judge. All courts in states are subordinate to the High Court and the District Court is the highest court in every district.
The District Judge/Additional District Judge and the Subordinate Judge of the first class have jurisdiction to heat suits without any limit as to their value. In the case of subordinate lower courts, their jurisdiction depends entirely on the value of the suit. For the purposes of jurisdiction, this is calculated in accordance with the provisions of the Suits Valuation Act, the Succession Act,etc. can be filed only in District Courts. However, where the subordinate Judges are specifically empowered in that behalf such as under the Guardians and Wards Act and the Indian Succession Act by notification issued by the state government, the proceedings can be entertained and tried by the courts.
As provided in the Civil Procedure Code, every suit is instituted in the court according to its jurisdiction to hear and in the locality in which the cause of action has arisen. Generally, a suit is filed in the court within whose jurisdiction one or more defendants actually and voluntarily reside or carry on business or personally work for gain or where the cause-fully or in part-has arisen.
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