Section 19 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908

Section 19 CPC determines the place where a suit for compensation for a wrong done to the person or to movable property may be instituted when the wrong and the defendant's residence, business or place of work fall within the jurisdiction of different Courts.

Legal text reviewed: September 6, 2026. The central provision below should be read with applicable State amendments, local laws, pecuniary limits and binding judicial decisions.

Section 19 CPC

Suits for compensation for wrongs to person or movables

Where a suit is for compensation for wrong done to the person or to movable property, if the wrong was done within the local limits of the jurisdiction of one Court and the defendant resides, or carries on business, or personally works for gain, within the local limits of the jurisdiction of another Court, the suit may be instituted at the option of the plaintiff in either of the said Courts.

Illustrations

(a) A, residing in Delhi, beats B in Calcutta. B may sue A either in Calcutta or in Delhi.

(b) A, residing in Delhi, publishes in Calcutta statements defamatory of B. B may sue A either in Calcutta or in Delhi.

In brief: Where the wrongful act occurs within one Court's territorial jurisdiction and the defendant resides, carries on business or personally works for gain within another Court's jurisdiction, Section 19 gives the plaintiff a choice to sue in either Court, subject to that Court otherwise being competent.

How Section 19 operates

Section 19 creates an alternative territorial forum for specified compensation claims. It applies to wrongs to the person and to movable property. The statutory choice arises where the place of the wrong and the defendant's residence, business or personal work for gain are located within the jurisdiction of different Courts.

The section concerns the place of suing. It does not by itself enlarge a Court's pecuniary or subject-matter jurisdiction, so the chosen Court must otherwise be competent to entertain the claim.

Official reference: India Code - Official Legislative Portal. Search for "The Code of Civil Procedure, 1908" and refer to Section 19. For litigation or professional use, also verify applicable State amendments and current jurisdictional limits.