ORDER XXVI – ISSUE OF COMMISSIONS
Section 75 of CPC: Functions/Purposes of Commissions
The court may issue commissions for the following purposes:
1. To Examine Witnesses
o Exception to the general rule: Normally, evidence is recorded in open court,
but commissions allow for witness examination outside the courtroom.
o Section 76: A commission to examine a witness is issued to a subordinate
court of the High Court.
o When Allowed (Order 26, Rules 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8):
▪ When a witness is unable to attend due to age, illness, or other valid
reasons.
▪ When a witness is outside the jurisdiction of the court.
2. To Make Local Investigation (Order 26, Rules 9, 10)
o Used to clarify facts related to land disputes, boundaries, possession, or
valuation.
o The Commissioner prepares a report based on observations and measurements.
3. To Adjust Accounts (Order 26, Rules 11, 12)
o Appointed in cases involving complex financial transactions.
o Helps in accurate settlement of accounts.
4. To Make Partition (Order 26, Rules 13, 14)
o Used in property division cases.
o The Commissioner ensures fair partition according to the legal entitlements of
parties.
5. To Hold Investigations of Scientific/Technical Nature (Rule 10-A)
o Involves expert evaluation, such as examination of machinery, forensic
analysis, medical conditions, etc.
6. To Conduct Sale of Movable Property (Rule 10-C)
o A commission can be issued for selling perishable goods or movable property
in dispute.
7. To Perform Ministerial Acts (Rule 10-B)
o Involves tasks like accounting, calculations, and administrative functions,
preventing unnecessary court delays.
Powers of the Commissioner (Rules 16, 17, 18)
1. To Summon Parties and Witnesses and Examine Them
o The Commissioner can take sworn statements and record depositions.
2. To Call for and Examine Documents
o May inspect or demand relevant records necessary for the case.
3. To Enter Property at a Reasonable Time for Investigation
o Particularly relevant in land disputes and local investigations.
4. To Proceed Ex-Parte in the Absence of a Party
o If a party does not cooperate, the Commissioner can proceed without them.
Miscellaneous Provisions
• Report of Commissioner
o Treated as evidence and cannot be rejected without sufficient grounds.
• Expenses of Commission (Rule 15)
o The party applying for the commission bears the initial expenses.
• Commission for Foreign Tribunals (Rules 19–22)
o If a foreign court requires evidence from a witness residing in India, the party
must approach the High Court within whose jurisdiction the witness resides to
issue a commission for examination.