Section 112 CPC contains saving provisions relating to appeals to the Supreme Court. It preserves certain existing powers and rights that are not intended to be affected by the CPC.
Meaning of Section 112 CPC
Section 112 ensures that the provisions of the CPC do not take away or restrict the constitutional and statutory powers of the Supreme Court.
It operates as a saving clause and must be read with the constitutional provisions governing the Supreme Court’s jurisdiction.
Section at a Glance
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Section | Section 112 CPC |
| Subject | Savings |
| Main area | Supreme Court’s appellate jurisdiction |
| Nature | Saving provision |
| Important provision | Article 136 of the Constitution |
Main Rule
Section 112 provides that nothing contained in the CPC shall be deemed to:
- Affect the powers of the Supreme Court under Article 136 of the Constitution; or
- Affect any provision of the Constitution or any other law for the time being in force relating to the Supreme Court’s jurisdiction.
The provision therefore preserves the Supreme Court’s constitutional and other legally recognised powers.
Article 136 — Special Leave to Appeal
One of the most important provisions saved by Section 112 is Article 136 of the Constitution.
Article 136 gives the Supreme Court discretionary power to grant special leave to appeal from judgments, decrees, determinations, sentences or orders passed by courts or tribunals in India, subject to the constitutional limitations.
Section 112 does not restrict this extraordinary constitutional jurisdiction.
Section 112 and Section 109
| Section 109 | Section 112 |
|---|---|
| Provides for specified civil appeals from High Courts to Supreme Court | Preserves Supreme Court powers and jurisdiction |
| Operates subject to constitutional requirements | Ensures CPC does not affect constitutional powers |
| Certificate-based statutory route | Saving provision |
Section 112 and Article 136
The relationship can be understood simply:
Section 112 CPC → preserves → Supreme Court’s constitutional powers, including Article 136 jurisdiction.
Therefore, even where an ordinary appeal under the CPC is unavailable or barred, Section 112 makes clear that the CPC does not itself curtail the Supreme Court’s constitutional jurisdiction under Article 136.
Practical Example
Suppose a party has no ordinary statutory appeal available under the CPC against a particular decision.
That does not, merely because of the CPC, prevent the party from invoking the Supreme Court’s jurisdiction under Article 136, subject of course to the Supreme Court’s discretionary power and the requirements governing such a petition.
Importance for Law Students and Judiciary Exams
What to Remember
- Section 112 is a saving provision.
- It protects the powers and jurisdiction of the Supreme Court.
- Article 136 is particularly important.
- The CPC cannot be interpreted as restricting constitutional powers unless the Constitution itself permits such restriction.
- Section 112 should be read with the constitutional provisions governing Supreme Court jurisdiction.
Important Questions to Prepare
- What is the object of Section 112 CPC?
- What powers of the Supreme Court are saved by Section 112?
- What is the relationship between Section 112 and Article 136?
- Does Section 112 create a new right of appeal?
- How does Section 112 differ from Section 109?
Key Legal Principles
- Section 112 preserves the Supreme Court’s constitutional and statutory powers.
- Article 136 is expressly protected from being affected by the CPC.
- Section 112 is a saving provision and does not itself create an ordinary right of appeal.
- The provision ensures that the CPC does not curtail the Supreme Court’s constitutional jurisdiction.
ALSO READ: Section 111 – Bar to Further Appeal
Key Takeaways
| Concept | Principle |
|---|---|
| Section | Section 112 CPC |
| Nature | Saving provision |
| Main protection | Supreme Court’s powers |
| Important Article | Article 136 |
| Creates appeal right? | No |