Procedures
1908 Civil Procedure Code with severe backlogs
Civil suits proceed under the Code of Civil Procedure 1908 through Civil Judge and District Judge courts to the High Court and Supreme Court. Delay measured in years is the dominant practical reality.
Key rules
- Deadline — Suit for breach of contract within three years under the Limitation Act
- Deadline — Appeal to the High Court within 90 days
- Deadline — Suit for possession of immovable property within twelve years
Governing law
- Code of Civil Procedure, 1908
- Limitation Act, 1908
- Arbitration Act, 1940
- Recognition and Enforcement (Arbitration Agreements and Foreign Arbitral Awards) Act, 2011
- Specific Relief Act, 1877
In practice
Domestic arbitration still runs on the 1940 Act, which is dated, while foreign awards are enforced under the 2011 Act implementing the New York Convention — a two-track system that must be identified correctly at the drafting stage. Banking disputes go to Banking Courts under the 2001 Ordinance and move faster. Execution of decrees is the weakest link, frequently taking longer than the trial.