Sections 108, 109 and 112 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908

Sections 108, 109 and 112 CPC deal with the procedure applicable to appeals from appellate decrees and orders, civil appeals to the Supreme Court on a High Court certificate, and savings protecting the constitutional powers and rules of the Supreme Court.

Section 108 CPC - Procedure in appeals from appellate decrees and orders

Section 108 extends, so far as may be, the procedural provisions governing appeals from original decrees to appeals from appellate decrees and to appeals from orders where the Code or the applicable special or local law does not prescribe a different procedure.

Section 109 CPC - When appeals lie to the Supreme Court

Section 109 operates subject to the Constitution and the Supreme Court Rules. A civil appeal under this provision requires the High Court to grant the statutory certificate on both conditions stated in clauses (i) and (ii).

Key point: Section 109 is distinct from the Supreme Court's discretionary jurisdiction under Article 136 of the Constitution. Section 112 expressly preserves Article 136 and other constitutional powers of the Supreme Court.

Sections 110, 111 and 111A CPC - Omitted

In the current central Code, Sections 110, 111 and 111A are omitted. They are therefore not reproduced as operative statutory provisions on this page.

Section 112 CPC - Savings

Section 112 makes clear that the CPC provisions concerning appeals to the Supreme Court do not curtail the Supreme Court's constitutional powers or interfere with its rules governing the presentation and conduct of appeals.

Practical point: Appeals to the Supreme Court are governed not only by the CPC but also by the Constitution of India and the Supreme Court Rules in force. The current procedural requirements should therefore be checked before filing or advising on an appeal.

Meaning and practical effect of Sections 108, 109 and 112 CPC

What does Section 108 CPC do?

It applies the general appellate procedure for appeals from original decrees, so far as may be, to appeals from appellate decrees and to appeals from orders where no different procedure is prescribed.

When can a civil appeal lie to the Supreme Court under Section 109 CPC?

A civil appeal may lie from a judgment, decree or final order of a High Court where the High Court certifies that the case involves a substantial question of law of general importance and that the question needs to be decided by the Supreme Court, subject to the Constitution and applicable Supreme Court Rules.

Does the CPC restrict Article 136 jurisdiction?

No. Section 112 expressly saves the Supreme Court's powers under Article 136 and other provisions of the Constitution.

Official reference

For the authoritative central text and amendments, refer to the Government of India publication of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 on India Code.

Official Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 - India Code