Order XX Rule 6B CPC - Copies of Judgments When to Be Made Available
Order 20 Rule 6B of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 deals with providing copies of civil court judgments promptly after pronouncement so that parties can prefer an appeal.
Text of Order XX Rule 6B
6B. Copies of judgments when to be made available. - Where the judgment is pronounced, copies of the judgment shall be made available to the parties immediately after the pronouncement of the judgment for preferring an appeal on payment of such charges as may be specified in the rule made by the High Court.
Meaning and purpose of Rule 6B
The provision is intended to facilitate timely access to a judgment after the court pronounces it. The copy assists a party in examining the reasons for the decision, obtaining legal advice and preparing an appeal. The rule expressly links availability of copies to payment of charges prescribed under the applicable High Court rules.
Key legal requirements
1. When must the judgment copy be made available?
The rule directs that copies be made available to parties immediately after pronouncement of the judgment for the purpose of preferring an appeal. The practical process of applying for and obtaining a copy is governed by the relevant court and High Court copying rules.
2. Who can obtain the copy?
The rule refers to parties to the proceedings. Applications, certification, electronic access and the position of non-parties are subject to the rules and procedures of the court concerned.
3. Are copying charges payable?
Yes. Rule 6B provides for payment of charges specified in the rules made by the relevant High Court. The applicable amount and any exemption must be checked locally; Rule 6B does not itself fix a uniform nationwide fee.
Related CPC provisions explained
Section 2(9) - Judgment: A judgment is the statement given by the judge of the grounds of a decree or order.
Section 2(2) - Decree: A decree is the formal expression of an adjudication conclusively determining the rights of parties regarding all or any matters in controversy in the suit, subject to the statutory inclusions and exclusions.
Order XX Rule 6 - Contents of decree: Sets out what a decree must contain and requires it to agree with the judgment.
Order XX Rule 6A - Preparation of decree: Requires every endeavour to draw up the decree expeditiously and within fifteen days; it also provides for an appeal before the decree copy is filed in the circumstances stated in the rule.
Order XX Rule 7 - Date of decree: The decree bears the date on which judgment was pronounced.
Order XLI Rule 1 - Form of appeal: Addresses the memorandum of appeal and accompanying documents, read with Rule 6A and applicable procedural rules.
How to request a copy of a civil court judgment
After the judgment is pronounced, consult the court copying section or its authorised online service. Identify the case number, court, parties and judgment date; submit the application in the prescribed manner and pay any applicable fee. Where an appeal is contemplated, promptly check the limitation period and the filing requirements of the appellate court rather than assuming that a pending copy application automatically extends every deadline.
Official legal sources
Read the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (India Code, official PDF), including Order XX Rules 6A, 6B and 7, and the India Code legislative database. For copying fees and court-specific procedure, consult the applicable High Court's official rules.
Frequently asked questions
Does Order XX Rule 6B guarantee a free judgment copy?
No. It expressly permits charges fixed under the rules made by the High Court.
Does the rule itself prescribe a deadline for filing an appeal?
No. Appeal limitation is governed by the relevant limitation law and procedural provisions. Rule 6B concerns the availability of judgment copies.
Is a judgment the same as a decree?
No. The CPC defines judgment and decree separately. Order XX Rule 6A contains special provisions relevant to appeals before a decree is drawn up.
Legal information for general reference. State amendments, court rules and case-specific orders may affect procedure.