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Context: The recent judgment by the Supreme Court of India elaborates on the limited applicability of Section 115 of the Civil Procedure Code (CPC) concerning the revisional powers of the High Court. The Court clarified that Section 115 cannot be used to challenge the dismissal of an application filed under Order IX Rule 13 of the CPC, which aims to set aside an ex-parte decree.

Details

• The recent Supreme Court judgment focusing on the limited applicability of Section 115 of the Civil Procedure Code (CPC) concerning revisional powers of the High Court is significant, particularly regarding challenges against dismissals of applications filed under Order IX Rule 13 of the CPC, aimed at setting aside ex-parte decrees.

Highlights of the Supreme Court's Ruling:

Scope of Section 115 of CPC

• The Court clarified that Section 115 cannot be invoked to challenge dismissals of applications seeking to set aside ex-parte decrees. Section 115 deals with the revisional powers of the High Court to scrutinize lower court judgments.

Nature of Ex-parte Decrees

• Ex-parte decrees are judicial orders issued without the other party's participation, typically in urgent situations where one party claims irreparable harm or injustice. These decrees are temporary and subject to review upon a subsequent hearing involving both parties.

Usage in Family Law Matters

• Ex-parte decrees are commonly utilized in family law cases such as child custody, domestic violence, or divorce to ensure immediate protection for a party or a child facing imminent danger or harm.

Potential for Unfairness

• Despite their urgent nature, ex-parte decrees might be misused by one party to gain an unfair advantage or deprive the other party of their rights, assets, or interests. Instances of misleading information or lack of consideration for the other party's situation might lead to unjust decrees.

Recourse for Affected Parties

• Individuals affected by an ex-parte decree have recourse by promptly seeking legal advice and challenging the decree through objections or motions to set aside within a stipulated time frame.

Judicial Review and Fair Hearing

• Upon challenge, the court schedules a hearing where both parties present evidence and arguments. The court then decides whether to uphold, modify, or revoke the ex-parte decree. Sanctions or costs may be imposed on the party seeking the decree if the court finds their actions to be in bad faith or an abuse of the legal process.

Conclusion

• The Supreme Court's clarification reinforces the need for fairness and due process in cases involving ex-parte decrees. It delineates the limitations of Section 115 of CPC in challenging dismissals of applications aimed at setting aside such decrees, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive review involving both parties' perspectives.

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. What is the primary characteristic of an ex-parte decree? A) It requires the presence and participation of both parties. B) It is a temporary judicial order issued without the presence of one party. C) It can never be challenged or reviewed by the court. D) It is a final and irreversible judgment. Answer: B Explanation: An ex-parte decree is issued without the participation of one party involved in the case. It is temporary and subject to review by the court after both parties have had an opportunity to present their arguments.