Reference of question to High Court
Full Text
Where, before or on the hearing of a suit or an appeal in which the decree is not subject to appeal, or where, in the execution of any such decree, any question of law or usage having the force of law arises, on which the Court trying the suit or appeal, or executing the decree, entertains reasonable doubt, the Court may, either of its own motion or on the application of any of the parties, draw up a statement of the facts of the case and the point on which doubt is entertained, and refer such statement with its own opinion on the point for the decision of the High Court.
Plain English Summary
Authorizes a court trying a non-appealable suit or appeal, or executing such decree, to refer a question of law or customary usage on which it entertains a reasonable doubt, along with its own opinion, to the High Court for decision.
Key Legal Elements
- Non-Appealability Mandatory: Suit, appeal, or execution where the final decree is NOT subject to further appeal.
- Question of Law or Customary Usage: Arises on pure law or usage having force of law (never on disputed facts).
- Reasonable Doubt Entertained: The subordinate judge must hold a genuine, bona fide doubt after examining authorities.
- Mooted Suo Motu or on Application: Court may act on its own initiative or on petition by any party.
- Statement of Case & Judge's Opinion: Requires drafting a comprehensive factual statement, formulating the specific question, and appending the judge's considered opinion.
Practical Note
Conditions Precedent for Reference under Order XLVI Rule 1: 1. Non-Appealability is a Jurisdictional Prerequisite: In Banarsi Das v. Cane Commissioner (AIR 1963 SC 1417), the Supreme Court held that a reference under Order 46 Rule 1 is incompetent if an appeal lies against the final decree of the court. The purpose of Rule 1 is to provide high judicial guidance only where the litigant is deprived of an ordinary appellate remedy. 2. Genuine Doubt vs Reluctance to Decide: The subordinate court cannot use Rule 1 as a convenient escape to avoid deciding complex or contentious questions. The judge must examine the statutory provisions, apply judicial mind, and certify that after full consideration, a reasonable doubt genuinely remains.
हिंदी पाठ
जहां ऐसे किसी वाद या अपील की सुनवाई से पूर्व या सुनवाई पर, जिसमें डिक्री अपील के अधीन नहीं है, अथवा ऐसी किसी डिक्री के निष्पादन में, विधि या विधि का बल रखने वाली किसी रूढ़ि का कोई ऐसा प्रश्न उत्पन्न होता है, जिस पर वाद या अपील का विचारण करने वाला अथवा डिक्री का निष्पादन करने वाला न्यायालय युक्तियुक्त संदेह रखता है, वहां न्यायालय स्वप्रेरणा से अथवा पक्षकारों में से किसी के आवेदन पर, मामले के तथ्यों का और उस बिंदु का जिस पर संदेह है एक विवरण तैयार कर सकेगा, और ऐसे विवरण को उस बिंदु पर अपनी स्वयं की राय सहित उच्च न्यायालय के विनिश्चय के लिए निर्देशित (Refer) कर सकेगा।