Civil, Consumer & Recovery
Commercial & Civil Suits
Suits over contracts, payments and business disputes in the civil and commercial courts.
DLP's chamber: No. 548, A Block, High Court, Lucknow
What the law says
Civil suits are governed by the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908. Disputes that are 'commercial disputes' of the specified value under the Commercial Courts Act, 2015 go to the commercial courts, which follow stricter timelines for pleadings and case management. Before filing a commercial suit that does not seek urgent interim relief, the plaintiff must first try pre-institution mediation under Section 12A. Remedies include recovery of money, damages, specific performance of a contract under the Specific Relief Act, 1963, injunctions and declarations. Limitation periods under the Limitation Act, 1963 apply.
Consultation
Speak to the chamber.
Leave your name, number and a line about the matter. A member of the chamber will call or message you back during working hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my dispute a 'commercial dispute'?
Section 2(1)(c) of the Commercial Courts Act lists the kinds of dispute, such as ordinary business transactions, partnership and franchise agreements, and IP disputes. It must also meet the specified value.
What is pre-institution mediation?
Under Section 12A, a commercial suit not seeking urgent interim relief can be filed only after attempting mediation through the Legal Services Authority. If it fails, a report is issued and the suit can be filed.
Can I get interim relief?
Yes. The court can grant temporary injunctions, attachment before judgment or appoint a receiver where the conditions are met, generally a prima facie case, balance of convenience and irreparable harm.
What documents matter most?
The contract or purchase orders, invoices, ledgers, correspondence and emails, delivery records and any acknowledgement of the debt.
Attorneys Handling This Service
Related Services
Cheque Bounce (Section 138, NI Act)
Demand notice, complaint and trial when a cheque given for a debt is dishonoured.
Arbitration & Mediation
Arbitration under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 and mediation as alternatives to a court trial.
Debt Recovery
Recovering money owed through notices, summary suits, tribunals and insolvency processes.