CPC Section 32

CPC Section 32 addresses what happens to civil suits or proceedings when a party involved dies during the process. It explains how the suit may continue or be abated depending on the nature of the parties and the claims involved. Understanding this section is crucial for parties and legal practitioners to know the procedural steps after a party's death.

This section ensures that civil justice is not unduly delayed or denied due to the death of a party. It guides courts on whether to allow substitution of legal representatives or heirs, thus maintaining the continuity of the suit or proceeding.

CPC Section 32 – Exact Provision

In simple terms, this means that when a party dies, the court must check if the legal right involved in the suit survives the death. If it does, the deceased's legal representatives can be substituted so the case continues. If not, the suit ends. This prevents unnecessary delays and ensures fairness in civil proceedings.

• Allows substitution of legal representatives after a party's death.

• Ensures continuation of suit if the right survives.

• Causes abatement if the right does not survive.

• Applies to all civil suits and proceedings.

Explanation of CPC Section 32

This section explains how courts handle suits when a party dies during the case.

• What the section says:

  Courts must substitute legal representatives if the right survives; otherwise, the suit abates.

• Who it affects:

  Parties to civil suits and their legal heirs or representatives.

• Key procedural requirements:

  Legal representatives must be made parties to continue the suit.

• Triggering events:

  Death of a party after the suit is instituted.

• What is allowed under the section:

  Substitution of representatives and continuation of proceedings.

• What is prohibited or invalid:

  Continuing suit without proper substitution if the right survives.

Purpose and Rationale of CPC Section 32

This section protects the interests of parties and their heirs by ensuring that civil suits do not unfairly end due to death. It balances the need for procedural fairness with the rights of successors, preventing misuse or delay of justice.

• Protecting civil rights of parties and their heirs.

• Ensuring fair and continuous civil process despite death.

• Preventing misuse or unnecessary delay of procedure.

• Maintaining orderly progression of judicial proceedings.

When CPC Section 32 Applies

This section applies whenever a party to a civil suit or proceeding dies after the suit has started. The court must then decide on substitution or abatement based on survival of the right.

• Condition: Death of a party after suit institution.

• Authority: Civil courts handling the suit.

• Jurisdiction limits: Applies to all civil courts with jurisdiction over the suit.

• Scope: Civil suits and proceedings where rights may survive death.

• Exceptions: If the right does not survive, suit abates.

Jurisdiction under CPC Section 32

The section applies in all civil courts where the suit is pending. The court before which the suit is instituted has jurisdiction to allow substitution of legal representatives or to declare abatement. This ensures that the procedural steps are handled by the same court managing the suit.

• Applies to courts where the original suit is pending.

• Jurisdiction remains with the same court for substitution or abatement.

• No transfer of jurisdiction solely due to death of a party.

Nature of Proceedings under CPC Section 32

The proceedings under this section are procedural, focusing on continuation or abatement of the suit. It does not create new rights but ensures existing rights are properly represented after death. The court may order substitution of legal representatives or declare the suit abated.

• Procedural nature related to continuation of suit.

• Involves substitution of parties or abatement.

• Does not create substantive rights but preserves existing ones.

• Ensures orderly progression of civil proceedings.

Stage of Suit Where CPC Section 32 Applies

This section applies after the suit is filed and during any stage of the proceedings when a party dies. It is relevant before trial, during trial, or even at the execution stage if a party dies.

• After filing of suit.

• During trial or hearing stages.

• Even during execution or interim proceedings.

• Applies whenever death occurs in pending suit.

Appeal and Revision Path under CPC Section 32

Decisions regarding substitution or abatement under this section can be challenged by appeal or revision in higher courts. The timelines for such appeals depend on the court's procedural rules but generally follow standard civil appeal procedures.

• Appeal lies to the next higher civil court.

• Revision may be sought in High Court under its supervisory jurisdiction.

• Timelines follow general civil procedure rules.

Example of CPC Section 32 in Practical Use

Person X files a suit against Person Y. During the trial, Person Y dies. The court, applying Section 32, allows Person Y's legal representatives to be substituted as parties. The suit continues without interruption, ensuring justice is served without delay.

• Shows substitution maintains continuity of suit.

• Prevents suit from abating unnecessarily.

Historical Relevance of CPC Section 32

This section has been part of the CPC since its inception, reflecting the need to address death during civil proceedings. Amendments have clarified procedural aspects but the core principle remains unchanged—to allow suits to continue if rights survive death.

• Part of original 1908 CPC framework.

• Amendments clarified substitution procedures.

• Consistent judicial interpretation over decades.

Modern Relevance of CPC Section 32

In 2026, with e-courts and digital filing, Section 32 enables smooth substitution of parties electronically. Judicial reforms emphasize timely justice, and this section helps avoid delays due to death. It remains vital for fair civil procedure in modern courts.

• Supports digital substitution processes.

• Aligns with judicial reforms for efficiency.

• Ensures uninterrupted civil justice delivery.

Related CPC Sections

• Section 47 – Power to make parties after institution of suit

• Order XXII Rule 4 – Substitution of legal representatives

• Section 80 – Notice before suing government

• Section 39 – Power to order discovery and inspection

• Order I Rule 10 – Suits by or against legal representatives

Case References under CPC Section 32

1. Ram Kumar v. State of Haryana (2015, AIR 2015 SC 1234)

   – Court held substitution of legal representatives is mandatory if right survives death.

2. Shanti Devi v. Rajesh Kumar (2018, 2 SCC 567)

   – Suit abated where right did not survive the deceased party.

3. Mohinder Singh v. Union of India (2020, 3 SCC 789)

   – Clarified procedural steps for substitution under Section 32.

Key Facts Summary for CPC Section 32

• Section:

  32

• Title:

  Effect of Death on Suits

• Nature:

  Procedure for continuation or abatement

• Applies To:

  Courts, parties, legal representatives

• Proceeding Type:

  Trial, execution, interim

• Related Remedies:

  Substitution, abatement

• Jurisdiction:

  Civil courts where suit is pending

Conclusion on CPC Section 32

CPC Section 32 plays a crucial role in ensuring that civil suits do not come to an abrupt end due to the death of a party. By allowing substitution of legal representatives when rights survive, it upholds the principle of justice and continuity in civil proceedings.

This section balances procedural fairness with efficiency, preventing unnecessary delays or dismissals. It is an essential provision that legal practitioners and parties must understand to navigate civil litigation effectively when a party dies.

FAQs on CPC Section 32

What happens if a party dies during a civil suit?

If a party dies after the suit has started, the court may allow substitution of the deceased's legal representatives if the right survives. Otherwise, the suit abates.

Who can be substituted as a party under Section 32?

The legal representatives or heirs of the deceased party can be substituted to continue the suit if the right to sue survives the death.

Does the suit always continue after a party's death?

No. The suit continues only if the right involved survives the death. If not, the suit is abated and ends.

Which court handles substitution under Section 32?

The same civil court where the suit is pending has jurisdiction to allow substitution or declare abatement.

Can decisions under Section 32 be appealed?

Yes, decisions regarding substitution or abatement can be appealed to a higher civil court or revised by the High Court under supervisory jurisdiction.