Section 20 Code of Criminal Procedure,1908 talks about jurisdiction, where cause of action or part of cause of action has arisen. Sub clause (a) of Section 20 explains that a suit can be instituted in the court within the local limits of whose jurisdiction, defendant at the time of commencement of the suit, actually or voluntarily resides or carries on business or personal works for gain.
Explanation attached to section 20 consists of two parts- first part applies to such organisation/institution which has its sole or principal office at a particular place, however, later part takes care of where it has subordinate office-Expression ‘at such place’ appearing in explanation suggests that if case false within later part of explanation, principal office of defendant is situated but court within whose jurisdiction it has a subordinate office, shall also have jurisdiction. The deceased had his sub office at Panchkula and his parents who have sold the property as defendants are also residing at Panchkula. Sub clause (a) of Section 20 explains that the suit can be instituted in the court within the local limits of whose jurisdiction the defendant at the time of commencement of the suit actually or voluntarily resides or carries on business or personal works for gain.
Thus, civil court at Panchkula, Haryana as well as Himachal Pradesh where the property is situate, both the places has jurisdiction to try the suit for recovery of money against the defendants.
