A agrees to buy a residential house in Raichur, Karnataka, for ₹6 lakh and pays a ₹1 lakh advance. In a…
For specific performance of a contract of sale, sections 40(a) and 50(1) of the Karnataka Court-Fee and Suits Valuation Act use the ₹6 lakh sale consideration for this…
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A agrees to buy a residential house in Raichur, Karnataka, for ₹6 lakh and pays a ₹1 lakh advance. In a fresh ordinary civil suit, A seeks specific performance of the sale agreement or, alternatively, return of the advance. Under the law in force on 8 November 2026, which is the lowest-grade court competent to try the suit?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer A
For specific performance of a contract of sale, sections 40(a) and 50(1) of the Karnataka Court-Fee and Suits Valuation Act use the ₹6 lakh sale consideration for this ordinary suit. The alternative ₹1 lakh refund claim does not displace that valuation.
Under section 17 of the Karnataka Civil Courts Act, as amended by Karnataka Act 33 of 2024, the Civil Judge's limit is ₹15 lakh. Section 15 of the Code of Civil Procedure directs filing in the lowest-grade competent court, so the suit belongs before the Civil Judge.
Option feedback
Option A
The suit is valued at the ₹6 lakh contract price, which is within the ₹15 lakh limit for a Civil Judge under section 17 of the Karnataka Civil Courts Act.
Option B
A Civil Judge is competent at ₹6 lakh. Section 15 of the Code of Civil Procedure requires institution in the lowest-grade competent court.
Option C
The District Court is not the lowest-grade competent court for this ordinary suit.
Option D
The Bengaluru City Civil Court serves its separate statutory territory. This suit concerns a residential house in Raichur.
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Karnataka Judicial Services