How Small Claims Court works in India

The Indian Small Claims Court is structured to help people settle differences and disputes reducing somewhat the high attorney and court fees usually required in lawsuits. Generally, cases involve disputes over money, contracts or property damage. The court is relatively informal and designed to let average people make their voice heard. There are typically four steps in the small claims process: The claim, the defense, the settlement conference and the trial.

The claim begins as a form filled out by the plaintiff. This form, along with any supporting documents, is filed with the court and outlines the alleged damages. A copy of the claim is given, or served, to the defendant to inform him of the case.

A defense can then be filed by the defendant on a similar form. This outlines the defendant's side of the story. Copies go to the court and back to the plaintiff.

At the settlement conference, both sides meet to discuss the case before a judge. This is not the official trial, but gives the parties the opportunity to work out their differences. Settlement can also be discussed, allowing the defendant to pay a lower sum without having to go to trial.

Trial is the final step in the claims court process. Both parties have the opportunity to present their side of the case and to call witnesses on their behalf. The judge considers all evidence and makes a judgment.The Indian Small Claims Court is structured to help people settle differences and disputes reducing somewhat the high attorney and court fees usually required in lawsuits. Generally, cases involve disputes over money, contracts or property damage. The court is relatively informal and designed to let average people make their voice heard. There are typically four steps in the small claims process: The claim, the defense, the settlement conference and the trial.

The claim begins as a form filled out by the plaintiff. This form, along with any supporting documents, is filed with the court and outlines the alleged damages. A copy of the claim is given, or served, to the defendant to inform him of the case.

A defense can then be filed by the defendant on a similar form. This outlines the defendant's side of the story. Copies go to the court and back to the plaintiff.

At the settlement conference, both sides meet to discuss the case before a judge. This is not the official trial, but gives the parties the opportunity to work out their differences. Settlement can also be discussed, allowing the defendant to pay a lower sum without having to go to trial.

Trial is the final step in the claims court process. Both parties have the opportunity to present their side of the case and to call witnesses on their behalf. The judge considers all evidence and makes a judgment.

State Differences:
The movement to establish small claims courts typically began in the early 1960s, when Justice of the Peace courts were increasingly being seen as obsolete, and it was felt to be desirable to have such a court to allow people to represent themselves without legal counsel. Some jurisdictions offer classes in small claims court procedures. As such courts are open to the public, attendance at a few sessions may be useful to a person involved in a case, whether as plaintiff or defendant.

Court Recommendations:
There are several ways to increase the chances of success in small claims court. While not legal advice, these recommendations can help give a case the best chance possible to succeed.

It is important to know whether a party being sued has assets to pay a judgment. A court judgment is useless if there are no assets to collect. Such assets could include employment wages, automobiles or monetary accounts. It is also extremely important to be prepared. Have all supporting documents, witnesses and evidence organized and ready to present to the judge. Dress well and be polite. A well-prepared case will carry more weight than a shouting match in front of the judge.

How to Appeal a Small Claims Court Decision in India. See also info:
Justice is blind but can also be pricey. Indian citizens on the losing side of a small claims case are entitled to a subsequent appeal. The process involves separate fees and detailed filing procedures that must be followed. However, those willing to go the distance can claim victory from defeat.

Very few Small Claims cases are appealed. The expense of appealing is rarely justified in a Small Claims action. Taking an appeal may require retaining an attorney. In addition, the party who is appealing must purchase a typed transcript of the trial proceedings from the court reporter, or from the court when audio recording of the trial is authorized. If no stenographic minutes were taken, the party appealing will be required to prepare a statement of what took place during the proceeding or, in some courts, the judge or clerk will write this statement. If a statement is used, the party who is not appealing will have the opportunity to offer changes to the statement.

Step 2 Give notice. Each party must receive notice of your appeal along with copies of the Small Claims Appeal Standard Directions within 7 days of filing your appeal. You may personally serve the document or hire a process server. An affidavit of service must also be filed within 14 days of filing your appeal.

Step 3 Set a hearing date. You must file Notice of Hearing of Appeal in addition to your initial notice of appeal. The Notice of Hearing of Appeal may be scheduled on the Chambers list---which includes a filing fee--- if your hearing resumes in less than 2 hours. You must arrange for a date through the Supreme Court Trial Coordinator and file the Notice of Hearing of Appeal---filing fee--- if your time estimate is more than 2 hours. Then you must deliver a copy of the Notice of Hearing of Appeal to all respondents within seven days.

Step 4 Order court transcripts. The appealing party must order transcripts of the evidence presented and judgment rendered during the small claims court trial. You must provide subsequent proof that transcripts were ordered within 14 days of filing the appeal. In addition, you must file the transcripts and serve a copy to each respondent within 45 days of filing your appeal.

Step 5 Prepare your arguments. Prior to the hearing, you must file a statement of argument, explaining your grounds for appeal, and serve one to each respondent. The hearing is a review of the original trial. So be fully prepared to explain why you feel the State Court Judge wrongly interpreted the facts of your case. Use the transcript and your statement of argument as guides.

Duration:
No court is quick. It will take you the better part of a year to go through the entire Small Claims Court process and have your trial and get judgement. Then you still have to try to collect. Getting a judgement is fairly easy. Collecting is an entirely different story. Source: Benjamin Arie

Justice can be pricey and taking a long time

Source: 3DNET on 24 may 2015

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