The Suits Valuation Act, 1887
📘 The Suits Valuation Act, 1887
The Suits Valuation Act, 1887 is an Indian legislation enacted to regulate the valuation of suits for the purposes of jurisdiction in civil courts. Before this Act, there was inconsistency and confusion in how courts valued different types of suits, leading to jurisdictional issues. This Act complements the Court Fees Act by specifically addressing valuation for jurisdictional purposes, not for court fees.
🔍 Key Objectives of the Act:
Uniform system of valuation: Ensure suits are valued consistently.
Clarity in jurisdiction: Help determine which court has authority to try a suit based on the value.
Avoid manipulation: Prevent parties from undervaluing or overvaluing suits to choose a favorable court.
📑 Detailed Explanation of Major Sections
| Section | Title | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Short title and extent | The Act is called the Suits Valuation Act, 1887, and applies to the whole of India except certain regions unless extended. |
| 2 | Extent and commencement of Part I | Specifies the regions and time from which Part I is applicable, often subject to notification by the government. |
| 3 | Power to make rules for valuation of suits | The State Government can make rules to determine how suits should be valued for jurisdiction, especially for: (i) Suits relating to land or interests in land (ii) Suits not specifically provided for in the Court Fees Act. |
| 4 | Valuation of relief in certain suits relating to land | When a suit concerns land or an interest in land, it should be valued according to rules made under Section 3. |
| 5 | Valuation of certain suits for jurisdictional purposes | In suits where the Court Fees Act gives the plaintiff discretion to value the relief, that same value is used to determine jurisdiction. |
| 6 | Proceedings not invalid for wrong valuation | A suit will not be dismissed only because of an incorrect valuation unless the error affects the court’s jurisdiction. Courts may allow amendment. |
| 7 | Repeal of Section 9 of the Punjab Courts Act | A historical provision, this section repealed a specific part of another Act to avoid conflict. (Often not relevant today.) |
📊 Summary Table – Suits Valuation Act, 1887
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of the Act | Suits Valuation Act, 1887 |
| Purpose | To provide rules for valuing suits for determining jurisdiction, not court fees |
| Applies to | Civil suits, especially those related to property or land |
| Governing Authority | State Governments make rules under Section 3 |
| Important Sections | Sec 3 (rules for valuation), Sec 4 & 5 (valuation in land/property suits), Sec 6 (error in valuation not fatal) |
| Jurisdiction | Valuation under this Act helps decide which court can hear a suit based on monetary value |
| Relation to Court Fees Act | Works complementarily — Court Fees Act decides fees; this Act decides jurisdictional valuation |
| Impact of Wrong Valuation | Not fatal unless it affects court jurisdiction; can be corrected by amendment |
✅ Practical Importance
Helps determine whether a District Court or Subordinate Judge has jurisdiction.
Ensures that plaintiffs cannot manipulate valuation to bring a suit in a preferred court.
State-specific rules under Section 3 provide clarity in land disputes. Do write to us if you need any further assistance.
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