Global Arbitration Review For Litigation 2026

Overview

1. Describe the general organisation of the court system for civil litigation.

 India

India follows a common law system where the civil court structure is defined and governed by the Code of Civil Procedure 1908 (CPC). The hierarchy of civil courts begins with the civil judge (Junior division)/Munsiff courts followed by a civil judge (Senior Division), district courts at the district level. The supervisory jurisdiction over all district courts in a state vests with the High Court having jurisdiction over such state. At the pinnacle, is the Supreme court of India – which is the country’s highest constitutional court.

The Judiciary is independent from the executive and legislature as enshrined under articles 50, 121 and 122 of the Constitution of India.