Section 102 CPC — No Second Appeal in Certain Cases

5 Min Read

Section 102 CPC bars a second appeal to the High Court in certain suits involving recovery of money where the value of the original subject matter does not exceed the statutory limit.

Meaning of Section 102 CPC

Section 102 creates a specific restriction on the right of second appeal.

Even though Section 100 generally permits a second appeal on a substantial question of law, Section 102 excludes certain low-value money recovery suits from second-appellate jurisdiction.

Section at a Glance

ParticularDetails
SectionSection 102 CPC
SubjectBar on second appeal
Applies toCertain suits for recovery of money
Main purposeFinality in specified low-value disputes
Related provisionSection 100

Core Rule

No second appeal shall lie in any suit for recovery of money where the amount or value of the subject matter of the original suit does not exceed ₹25,000.

Therefore, where the statutory conditions are satisfied, the decision of the first appellate court is final so far as a second appeal under the CPC is concerned.

Essential Requirements

Section 102 applies when:

  1. The proceeding is a suit for recovery of money.
  2. The amount or value of the subject matter of the original suit does not exceed ₹25,000.
  3. The party seeks to invoke the second appellate jurisdiction of the High Court.

If these conditions are satisfied, a second appeal is barred.

Relationship with Section 100

Section 100 provides the general rule permitting second appeals on substantial questions of law.

Section 102 creates a specific statutory exception for certain money recovery suits.

Section 100Section 102
Provides for second appeals on substantial questions of lawBars second appeals in specified money suits
General provisionSpecific restriction
Focuses on substantial question of lawFocuses on nature and value of the suit

Practical Example

A files a suit seeking recovery of ₹20,000. The trial court passes a decree, and the first appellate court decides the appeal.

Since the original suit is for recovery of money and its value does not exceed ₹25,000, a second appeal under Section 102 is barred.

Important Point

The relevant value is the amount or value of the subject matter of the original suit, not merely the amount involved at a later appellate stage.

Therefore, the nature and valuation of the original suit must be examined before determining whether Section 102 applies.

Purpose of Section 102

The provision seeks to:

  • Prevent prolonged litigation over comparatively small monetary claims.
  • Reduce unnecessary second appeals.
  • Promote finality of appellate decisions.
  • Reduce the burden on High Courts.

Important Case Law

Ganga Bai v. Vijay Kumar, (1974) 2 SCC 393

The Supreme Court explained that a right of appeal is a creature of statute and can therefore be restricted or excluded by statutory provisions.

This principle is important when considering the limitations imposed by Section 102.

Practical Importance

Before filing a second appeal in a money recovery suit, an advocate should check:

  • Whether the original proceeding was a suit for recovery of money.
  • The value of the subject matter of the original suit.
  • Whether the statutory threshold under Section 102 is exceeded.
  • Whether any other statutory provision affects the right of appeal.

Importance for Law Students and Judiciary Exams

What to Remember

  • Section 102 bars second appeals in specified money recovery suits.
  • The statutory limit is ₹25,000.
  • The value is considered with reference to the original suit.
  • Section 102 operates as a restriction on the general rule under Section 100.

Important Questions to Prepare

  1. What is the object of Section 102 CPC?
  2. In which suits is a second appeal barred under Section 102?
  3. What is the monetary limit under Section 102?
  4. How does Section 102 differ from Section 100?
  5. Why does the CPC restrict second appeals in certain money suits?
  1. Section 102 creates a statutory bar against second appeals in specified money recovery suits.
  2. The relevant threshold is ₹25,000.
  3. The value of the original suit is relevant for applying the provision.
  4. The provision promotes finality and reduces prolonged litigation in low-value monetary disputes.

ALSO READ: Section 101 – Second Appeal on No Other Grounds

Key Takeaways

ConceptPrinciple
SectionSection 102 CPC
SubjectBar on second appeal
Type of suitRecovery of money
Monetary limit₹25,000
Related provisionSection 100
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