Section 101 CPC — Second Appeal on No Other Grounds

5 Min Read

Section 101 CPC limits the scope of a second appeal by providing that no second appeal can be filed except on the grounds specified in Section 100 CPC.

Meaning of Section 101 CPC

A second appeal is not a general right to challenge every aspect of the decision of the lower appellate court.

Section 101 makes it clear that a second appeal can proceed only within the restricted framework of Section 100, principally where a substantial question of law is involved.

Section at a Glance

ParticularDetails
SectionSection 101 CPC
SubjectGrounds of second appeal
NatureAppellate procedure
Main purposeLimits second appeals
Related provisionSection 100 CPC

Core Rule

Section 101 provides:

“No second appeal shall lie except on the grounds mentioned in section 100.”

The provision must therefore be read together with Section 100.

The High Court cannot entertain a second appeal merely because a party believes that the first appellate court reached an incorrect factual conclusion.

Relationship with Section 100

Section 100 identifies the circumstances in which a second appeal can be entertained.

Section 101 reinforces that limitation by expressly excluding other grounds.

Section 100Section 101
Specifies the permissible groundBars second appeals on other grounds
Requires a substantial question of lawRestricts the appeal to Section 100 grounds
Defines High Court’s second-appellate jurisdictionReinforces that limitation

Questions of Fact

A pure question of fact ordinarily cannot constitute an independent ground for a second appeal.

The High Court does not normally reassess evidence simply because another factual conclusion appears possible.

However, a finding of fact may raise a substantial question of law in appropriate circumstances, such as where the finding is based on an incorrect legal approach or a legally significant error.

Important Case Law

Kondiba Dagadu Kadam v. Savitribai Sopan Gujar, (1999) 3 SCC 722

The Supreme Court emphasised that the High Court’s jurisdiction in a second appeal is restricted by Sections 100 and 101. A second appeal cannot be used as a routine rehearing on facts.

Santosh Hazari v. Purushottam Tiwari, (2001) 3 SCC 179

The Supreme Court explained the importance of identifying a genuine substantial question of law before exercising second appellate jurisdiction.

Practical Example

A trial court finds that A proved possession of a property. The first appellate court independently examines the evidence and reaches the same conclusion.

A cannot ordinarily invoke Section 101 to obtain another factual reappraisal merely because A disagrees with the findings.

A second appeal must satisfy the requirements of Section 100.

Practical Importance

Before filing a second appeal, an advocate should identify:

  • The precise legal question involved.
  • Whether it is a substantial question of law.
  • How the question arises from the judgment of the first appellate court.
  • Why the appeal falls within Section 100.

A memorandum based only on disagreement with factual findings is insufficient.

Importance for Law Students and Judiciary Exams

What to Remember

  • Section 101 does not create an independent ground of appeal.
  • It restricts second appeals to the grounds permitted by Section 100.
  • A second appeal is not a routine reappraisal of facts.
  • The substantial question of law is central to second-appellate jurisdiction.

Important Questions to Prepare

  1. What does Section 101 CPC provide?
  2. Why is Section 101 read with Section 100?
  3. Can a pure question of fact be raised in a second appeal?
  4. What is the scope of the High Court’s jurisdiction under Sections 100 and 101?
  1. A second appeal lies only on the grounds recognised by Section 100 CPC.
  2. Section 101 prevents expansion of second-appellate jurisdiction beyond Section 100.
  3. A second appeal is not a second first appeal on facts.
  4. A substantial question of law is essential for maintaining a second appeal.

ALSO READ: Section 100A – No Further Appeal in Certain Cases

Key Takeaways

ConceptPrinciple
SectionSection 101 CPC
SubjectGrounds of second appeal
Governing provisionSection 100
Pure factual disputeGenerally insufficient
Main requirementSubstantial question of law
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