Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 | Order 20

Order XX Rule 20 CPC: Certified Copies of Judgment and Decree

Order XX Rule 20 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (CPC) provides that parties may obtain certified copies of the judgment and decree on applying to the court and paying the applicable expense. This rule supports access to the formal court record for appeals, execution and other lawful purposes.

Text of Order XX Rule 20 CPC

Certified copies of the judgment and decree shall be furnished to the parties on application to the Court, and at their expense.

This is the substantive provision reproduced from the original page. It concerns certified copies of both the judgment and the decree; it does not prescribe a universal number of days for supply or a uniform copying fee.

Meaning and scope of Rule 20

The rule recognises a party's ability to apply for authenticated copies of the court's judgment and decree. The applicant ordinarily follows the copying-application procedure, court rules and fee schedule applicable to the particular court. The registry or copying section processes the request according to those rules.

Key legal definitions

Judgment - Section 2(9) CPC: The statement given by the judge of the grounds of a decree or order.
Decree - Section 2(2) CPC: The formal expression of an adjudication which, so far as regards the court expressing it, conclusively determines the rights of parties with regard to all or any matters in controversy in the suit; it may be preliminary or final, subject to the statutory definition and exclusions.
Certified copy: A copy issued or authenticated by the competent court officer in accordance with applicable court rules, showing that it is a true copy of the court record. Certification and use are governed by applicable procedural and evidentiary law.

How to apply for certified copies

Identify the court, case number, parties and date of the judgment or decree.
Submit a copying application through the court's prescribed counter, filing system or approved online facility, if available.
Specify whether the judgment, decree or both are required.
Pay copying charges and other prescribed fees, or seek an available fee exemption under applicable rules.
Track the application and collect or access the authenticated copies according to the court's procedure.

Important: Online downloads of court orders may not always be equivalent to certified copies for every procedural purpose. Check the receiving court's rules and the authentication requirements before relying on an electronic download.

Order XX Rule 1: Pronouncement of judgment, subject to its statutory requirements.
Order XX Rule 6: Contents of the decree; the decree must agree with the judgment and contain prescribed particulars.
Order XX Rule 7: Date of decree, ordinarily bearing the date on which judgment was pronounced.
Section 96 CPC: First appeals from original decrees, where maintainable.
Order XLI Rule 1: Form of appeal and accompanying documents, subject to applicable law and rules.
Order XXI CPC: Rules governing execution of decrees and orders.

Certified copies and appeal limitation

A certified copy may be needed when preparing an appeal, but the applicable appeal period depends on the governing law, forum and circumstances. Section 12 of the Limitation Act, 1963 contains rules on exclusion of specified time, including time requisite for obtaining a copy of the decree or order appealed from and, where applicable, the judgment. An application for copies does not automatically suspend every limitation period. Parties should obtain case-specific advice promptly.

Frequently asked questions

Who may apply under Order XX Rule 20?

The rule expressly provides for copies to be furnished to the parties on application. Access by non-parties depends on applicable court rules and other law.

Does the court provide copies free of charge?

Rule 20 states that copies are furnished at the parties' expense. The actual fee and any concession or exemption depend on the relevant court rules.

Are judgment and decree the same document?

No. The judgment states the grounds of the decision, while the decree formally records the adjudication as defined in Section 2(2) CPC. They are distinct court records.

Can a certified copy be requested online?

Some courts offer electronic copying applications or digitally authenticated documents. Availability and legal acceptance vary by court and the relevant procedural rules.

Official legislation and court resources

This article explains the central CPC provision. State amendments, High Court rules, local copying rules and applicable procedural directions should also be checked.