DHCBA Moves Delhi High Court Against Judges' Panel Examining Enhancement Of District Courts' Pecuniary Jurisdiction

The Delhi High Court Bar Association (DHCBA) has moved the Delhi High Court, challenging the constitution of a committee of judges formed to examine the proposal for enhancing the pecuniary jurisdiction of Delhi district courts from ₹2 crore to ₹20 crore.

The matter was mentioned before a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia, which agreed to list the case for hearing today.

The controversy concerns a proposal to substantially increase the pecuniary jurisdiction of Delhi's district courts. If implemented, civil and commercial disputes valued up to ₹20 crore would be adjudicated before district courts instead of the Delhi High Court.

The High Court had constituted a committee of judges to engage with stakeholders and examine the issue before making recommendations.

The DHCBA has opposed the proposed enhancement, contending that such a steep increase may adversely impact the functioning of the High Court's original side and place an additional burden on district courts dealing with complex commercial disputes.

The matter is expected to be heard shortly.