Kiran Singh v. Chaman Paswan
AIR 1954 SC 340 · Supreme Court of India
A decree passed by a court without subject-matter jurisdiction is a nullity and can be challenged even in execution or collateral proceedings.
Unit I · Civil Procedure Code and Law of Limitation
Jurisdiction of civil courts and place of suing
Study aid only. Confirm statute numbers with the current bare Act and the official OU LL.B. (3-YDC) 2024–25 syllabus PDF.
Statute sections
| Act / instrument | Section | Name |
|---|---|---|
| Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 | 9 | Courts to try all civil suits unless barred |
| Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 | 15–20 | Place of suing |
| Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 | 21 | Objections to jurisdiction |
| Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 | 2(2) | Decree |
Landmark cases
ONGC v. Utpal Kumar Basu
(1994) 4 SCC 711 · Supreme Court of India
Territorial jurisdiction depends on a part of the cause of action arising within the forum; a mere tender advertisement read in Calcutta did not confer jurisdiction.
A.B.C. Laminart (P) Ltd. v. A.P. Agencies, Salem
AIR 1989 SC 1239 · Supreme Court of India
Parties may confer exclusive jurisdiction on one of two competent courts by contract if the clause is clear.