The judiciary is one of the main pillars of the world’s biggest democracy and is known for an intricate structure and an extensive reach. The hierarchy of courts is quite an essential tool for the administration of justice, particularly with respect to civil matters administered under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908. This code provides not only a thorough framework of civil litigation but also lays down the hierarchy of courts before which such matters are to be adjudicated. Understanding this hierarchy becomes very necessary to any person dealing with the legal system in India, whether he is a litigant, lawyer, or a student of law.

Structure of Civil Courts in India

The civil court system in India is based on a hierarchical structure. Each level in the judiciary has its functions, powers, and jurisdictions. This multilevel judiciary provides access to justice and that of appeals and reviews as an intrinsic part of the fair judiciary process.

1. The Supreme Court of India

• At the top of the Indian judicial hierarchy is the Supreme Court of India, which is the highest court of the land. It has been established under Article 124 of the Constitution of India with the final authority in all civil and criminal jurisdictions.
• Jurisdiction: The Supreme Court mainly exercises appellate jurisdiction and entertains appeals against the decisions of High Courts. In certain cases, however, it can also exercise original jurisdiction, as in cases of dispute between states or between the Union and a state. The Supreme Court has the power to withdraw any case pending before any High Court to another High Court and to itself from any court in the country.
• Role under CPC: Under CPC, the Supreme Court’s role is mainly one of appeal. It considers the decisions of the High Courts and ascertains whether a correct interpretation and application of the law have been applied in the case. Its judgments set precedents that guide lower courts.

2. The High Courts

• It is followed by High Courts, prescribed by Article 214 of the Constitution. On this regard, every state or a group of states has a High Court, which enjoys the distinction of the highest court of law within its jurisdiction.
• Jurisdiction: High Courts have original as well as appellate jurisdiction. On the civil side, the original jurisdiction of these Courts normally extends to important cases involving substantial questions of law or high-value disputes. They also hear appeals from lower courts, like District Courts, and have the power of judicial review.
• Role under CPC: High Courts, under the CPC, are certainly very important in the administration of civil justice. They frame the rules for the procedure of Civil Courts under their jurisdiction and are competent to issue writs for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights. The High Courts also entertain appeals from subordinate courts, thus ensuring proper and fair adjudication of civil matters.

3. District Courts

• The next step in the judicial hierarchy is provided by District Courts, who are also District and Sessions Courts. These are set up in every district by the state governments and are the principal civil courts of original jurisdiction in a district.
• Jurisdiction: All types of civil cases, such as property disputes, family matters, and contract disputes, come under the jurisdiction of District Courts. They also have the appellate jurisdiction from the decisions of the lower courts in the district, like the Subordinate Courts and Small Causes Courts.
• Role under the CPC: The CPC establishes District Courts as the courts of original civil jurisdiction. They may try suits of any value, subject to such exclusion of jurisdiction as may be declared by the State Government. District Courts are also entrusted with the work of executing decrees passed by them or by subordinate courts subject to their appellate jurisdiction.

4. Subordinate Courts

• Below the District Courts come the Subordinate Courts, including the Civil Judges (Senior Division) and the Civil Judges (Junior Division). These courts are essentially concerned with the bulk of civil cases in India and are at the grassroots level of judiciary.
• Civil Judge (Senior Division): This court is concerned with more complex and higher-valued civil suits. They hear appeals from the decisions of the Civil Judges (Junior Division).
• Civil Judge (Junior Division): The jurisdictional courts that are to try the civil suits of lower value disputes. In most cases, they are the first point of contact for many civil litigants.
• Role under CPC: The Subordinate Courts are the lowest courts of civil jurisdiction under the CPC. They ensure that the principles of civil procedure are applied at the grassroots level, providing an easily accessible forum for the resolution of disputes. In addition, they are concerned with the execution of decrees and orders, thus playing a vital role in ensuring that justice is not only pronounced but also executed.

5. Small Causes Courts

• Small Causes Courts in some of the urban areas handle small civil cases, especially on rent, eviction, or recovery of small dues.
• Jurisdiction: The Small Causes Court can entertain causes where the matter in dispute falls below the limit prescribed by the State.
• Status under CPC: The CPC permits the establishment of Small Causes Courts to the effect that small civil cases be disposed of speedily. These courts are established to speed up cases because their procedure is simple as compared to other civil courts.

Appeal Under CPC

What sets this hierarchy apart from the civil courts of India is the provision for appeals at almost every level, so it is ensured that decisions can always be submitted for review before a higher authority. The mistakes are rectified and justice assured in this important safeguard in the process of law.

• Appeals from Subordinate Courts: The decisions of Civil Judges (Junior Division) shall be appealable to the Civil Judge (Senior Division) while that of the latter and the Small Causes Courts, to the District Court.
• Appeals from District Courts: The judgments from District Courts may be appealed to the High Court if they involve some substantial question of law or on meeting certain criteria under the CPC.
• Appeals in the Supreme Court: The Supreme Court hears appeals of the sin-side of the High Courts. It hears appeals in regard same legal points of considerable significance or there is an involvement of a large public interest. It can be permitted to Special leave to appeal under Article 136 of the Constitution, enabling it to include all cases in which no appeal lies upon any matter.

Conclusion

The hierarchy of courts under CPC is a well-structured scheme to ensure the proper administration of justice in all matters related to civil laws throughout the country. From the grass-root level of subordinate courts up to the supreme court, each level has played a distinct and vital role in the working process. The importance of understanding this hierarchy is for anyone who is dealing with civil litigation—for the knowledge of one in whose court the legal disputes are to be resolved and for the same course, the avenue to which appeal lays. And, at the same time, the ways and means to appeal lie through. As the legal terrain changes, so does the backbone that the CPC provides to the Indian judiciary in ensuring civil justice is not elusive, unfair, and non-uniform throughout the land.