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
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Section | Section 101 CPC |
| Subject | Grounds of second appeal |
| Nature | Appellate procedure |
| Main purpose | Limits second appeals |
| Related provision | Section 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 100 | Section 101 |
|---|---|
| Specifies the permissible ground | Bars second appeals on other grounds |
| Requires a substantial question of law | Restricts the appeal to Section 100 grounds |
| Defines High Court’s second-appellate jurisdiction | Reinforces 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
- What does Section 101 CPC provide?
- Why is Section 101 read with Section 100?
- Can a pure question of fact be raised in a second appeal?
- What is the scope of the High Court’s jurisdiction under Sections 100 and 101?
Key Legal Principles
- A second appeal lies only on the grounds recognised by Section 100 CPC.
- Section 101 prevents expansion of second-appellate jurisdiction beyond Section 100.
- A second appeal is not a second first appeal on facts.
- A substantial question of law is essential for maintaining a second appeal.
ALSO READ: Section 100A – No Further Appeal in Certain Cases
Key Takeaways
| Concept | Principle |
|---|---|
| Section | Section 101 CPC |
| Subject | Grounds of second appeal |
| Governing provision | Section 100 |
| Pure factual dispute | Generally insufficient |
| Main requirement | Substantial question of law |