Court Observation Report
Date: 12-12-2024
Venue: City Civil Court, Chattabazar, Hyderabad
Timings: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Introduction
On 12th December 2024, as a final-year LLB student, I visited the City Civil Court at
Chattabazar, Hyderabad, to observe the judicial proceedings and gain practical exposure to
the functioning of the judiciary. This visit provided me with valuable insights into
courtroom dynamics, the role of legal professionals, and the procedural aspects of case
management.
Objective of the Visit
The primary objectives of the visit were to observe:
1. The marking of documents as evidence in a case.
2. The decorum and functioning of the courtroom.
3. Mediation proceedings, particularly a divorce case.
4. The procedural aspects of civil and family law cases.
Schedule of the Visit
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Entry and Orientation:
Upon arriving at the court premises, I registered as a visitor and was guided by a
supervising advocate. He explained the basics of the day’s cases and briefed me about court
etiquette.
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Observation in Courtroom No. 3:
1. Property Dispute Case:
The first case I observed involved a property dispute where the plaintiff’s advocate sought
an interim injunction under Order 39 Rules 1 and 2 of the Code of Civil Procedure (CPC).
During the proceedings, documents such as sale deeds and property tax receipts were
marked as exhibits. The marking process involved presenting the documents to the court
clerk for verification and then obtaining the judge’s approval. This provided a clear
understanding of the importance of documentation in civil litigation.
2. Maintenance Case:
The second case involved a family matter under Section 125 of the CrPC. The petitioner, a
woman, sought maintenance from her estranged husband. Both parties’ advocates
presented their arguments. The judge asked both sides to submit additional affidavits and
adjourned the case for a subsequent hearing.
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Lunch Break:
During this time, I engaged with junior advocates and court staff to understand the
challenges they face in legal practice and their experiences with procedural compliance.
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Mediation Proceedings:
The mediation session I attended involved a divorce case. The mediator, a senior advocate,
facilitated discussions between the couple to help them reach an amicable resolution. The
mediator emphasized the importance of resolving issues like child custody and financial
settlements outside the courtroom to save time and emotional strain. Although the parties
seemed reluctant initially, the mediator managed to initiate constructive dialogue,
showcasing the effectiveness of Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR).
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Final Hearing in a Contract Dispute Case:
I observed the final hearing of a contract dispute case where the advocates presented their
closing arguments. They debated on the interpretation of contractual terms and the
doctrine of promissory estoppel. The judge carefully examined the marked documents, such
as the agreement and correspondence between the parties, before reserving the judgment.
Key Learnings
1. Marking of Documents:
The process of marking documents as evidence highlighted its critical role in the trial
process. Proper documentation can significantly influence the outcome of a case.
2. Mediation in Divorce Cases:
The mediation session reinforced the significance of ADR, particularly in sensitive matters
like divorce, where emotional and familial considerations play a crucial role.
3. Role of Legal Professionals:
Observing the advocates’ presentation of evidence and arguments emphasized the
importance of preparation, articulation, and adherence to legal procedures.
4. Judicial Neutrality:
The judge’s approach in maintaining impartiality and ensuring a fair hearing underscored
the principles of justice.
Conclusion
The visit to the City Civil Court at Chattabazar, Hyderabad, was a profound learning
experience. Observing the marking of documents, mediation in a divorce case, and the
procedural nuances of civil litigation enriched my understanding of the practical application
of law. This visit has motivated me to further develop my legal skills and contribute
effectively to the legal profession.
Report Prepared By:
[Your Name]
Final-Year LLB Student
