Types of Courts in India: Levels, Powers & Where to File Your Complaint

Introduction

India has many courts and tribunals. Each one has a different job. When a problem happens—like a family dispute, a salary issue, a faulty product, or a property fight—people often ask: “Which court should I go to?” This article explains, in very simple language, the types of courts in India and which court you can approach for different complaints. We keep it practical with plain-English explanations, example situations, filing steps, documents you usually need, timelines, appeal paths, and common mistakes to avoid. (This is a general guide—not legal advice.)

The Court Pyramid (Big Picture)

• Supreme Court of India → The highest court; mainly hears appeals and matters about the Constitution.
• High Courts → Top court within each State/UT; hear appeals from lower courts and handle important original matters like writs.
• District & Subordinate Courts → Courts at district and taluka level; handle most civil and criminal cases first.
• Specialized Courts/Tribunals → Family, Labour/Industrial, Consumer, Juvenile, Revenue, Commercial, Gram Nyayalayas, and other tribunals for specific subjects.

Tip: Usually, you start at the lowest court that has the power (jurisdiction) for your matter. You appeal upwards if needed.

Types of Courts in India (Simple Words)

1) Supreme Court of India

• What it does: Highest judicial authority; hears appeals from High Courts; decides big questions on the Constitution; resolves disputes between States and the Centre/States.
• When you go here: Mainly for appeals after finishing at lower courts; or directly for fundamental rights under Article 32 of the Constitution; for special leave petitions (SLP) against certain orders.
• Appeal path: This is the topmost level—its decisions are final.

2) High Courts

• What they do: Each State/UT has a High Court (25 High Courts). They hear appeals from District/Subordinate Courts and have original jurisdiction in certain cases (like writ petitions under Article 226, company matters, admiralty, etc., depending on the High Court).
• When you go here:
  • To appeal a District Court order.
  • To file a writ petition for violation of legal/fundamental rights by government authorities.
  • For certain specialized original matters.

3) District Courts

• What they do: Work at district level; handle civil (property, money recovery) and criminal cases; also hear appeals from lower magistrate courts.
• When you go here: If your civil claim value or criminal offence falls within district jurisdiction (varies by subject and law). Many suits start here.

4) Subordinate Courts (Civil & Criminal)

• Civil Courts: Handle civil disputes like property partition, money recovery, rent, injunctions.
• Criminal Courts (Magistrates): Handle less serious offences, FIR/charge-sheet matters, cheque bounce (Negotiable Instruments Act), domestic violence protection orders (under PWDV Act by Magistrate), etc. Serious offences are committed to Sessions Courts.

5) Family Courts

• What they do: Marriage, divorce, maintenance, child custody/guardianship, domestic relationship issues (civil side).
• When you go here: When your dispute is within family law—Hindu Marriage Act, Special Marriage Act, Guardianship, etc.

6) Labour/Industrial Courts & Tribunals

• What they do: Disputes between employers and employees—unpaid wages, illegal termination, retrenchment, workplace conditions, etc. Forums include Labour Courts, Industrial Tribunals, and authorities under labour statutes (e.g., Payment of Wages, Minimum Wages, ID Act).
• When you go here: If you’re a workman/employee with service/disciplinary disputes covered by labour laws; otherwise, service matters of government employees often go to administrative tribunals or High Courts.

7) Consumer Commissions (Consumer Courts)

• What they do: Defective goods, poor services, unfair trade practices under the Consumer Protection Act. Forums at District, State, and National levels (District Commission → State Commission → National Commission).
• When you go here: As a consumer against sellers, manufacturers, or service providers. You can claim refund, repair/replacement, compensation.

8) Juvenile Justice Boards (JJB)

• What they do: Handle cases where children (under 18) are alleged to have committed offences. Focus is rehabilitation, not punishment.
• When you go here: When the accused is a child in conflict with law. (Victims/complainants typically report to police; the system routes the case appropriately.)

9) Revenue Courts

• What they do: Land revenue, tenancy, mutation, and other agricultural land matters (e.g., before Tehsildar/SDO/Collector as per State laws).
• When you go here: For record-of-rights, mutation, tenancy disputes, land revenue issues.

10) Gram Nyayalayas

• What they do: Village-level courts for speedy and inexpensive justice in rural areas for petty civil and criminal matters (where notified and functioning).
• When you go here: For small local disputes if a Gram Nyayalaya exists in your area.

11) Commercial Courts

• What they do: Set up under the Commercial Courts Act, 2015 to handle commercial disputes above a specified monetary threshold (threshold varies by State notification). Includes contracts, supply, IP (in some cases), franchising, etc.
• When you go here: If your business dispute qualifies as a commercial dispute and meets the pecuniary limit.

12) Tribunals (Subject-Specific)

• What they do: Specialized subjects like tax, company law, service matters, telecom, environment, etc. Example bodies include Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT), National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT), and environmental bodies.
• When you go here: When your subject has a dedicated tribunal by law. Appeals often go to a higher appellate tribunal or High Court/Supreme Court depending on the statute.

Quick Lookup Table: Complaint → Where to Go First

Note: Exact monetary limits (pecuniary jurisdiction) and procedure vary by State and statute. Always check your State’s current notifications or consult a professional for precise thresholds.

How to Choose the Right Court (3-Step Filter)

1. Subject: What is your problem about? (family, consumer, labour, property, crime, tax, etc.)
2. Place: Where did the dispute happen? Where do the parties live or carry business? (This decides territorial jurisdiction.)
3. Value/Severity: What is the claim amount or offence level? (This decides pecuniary and hierarchical jurisdiction.)

If a special law has its own forum (Consumer, Labour, Company, Tax), go there first. For government action/inaction, consider a writ petition in the High Court.

Filing Basics: Common Steps & Documents

While each forum has its own procedure, these basics help:

• Write a clear complaint/petition: facts in order (dates, places, people), what went wrong, and what relief you want (refund, compensation, injunction, protection, etc.).
• Attach evidence: invoices, emails/WhatsApp chats, photos, medical bills, bank proofs, appointment letters, termination letters, police reports/FIR copy, legal notices, etc.
• Add legal notice where required: For cheque bounce (NI Act) and some service/contract matters, a prior legal notice within the time limit is essential.
• Jurisdiction statement: Briefly explain why this court has power (subject, place, claim value).
• Affidavits & Vakalatnama: You may need an affidavit verifying facts and a Vakalatnama if you hire a lawyer (some forums allow self-representation).
• Court fees: Pay court fee/stamp as per the court/State schedule. Consumer Commissions have structured fees based on claim value.
• Filing: Submit at the court filing counter or e-filing portal (where available). Keep copies and the acknowledgment.
• Hearing: Be ready for admissions, notice to opposite party, evidence stage, and arguments.

Forum‑Wise Guidance (Plain Language)

A) Consumer Commission (Consumer Court)

Best for: Faulty product, bad service, false promises, unfair charges, delayed refunds, airline/hotel issues, app/platform disputes, utility/services (within scope).

Before filing:

• Try customer support and write a final email summarizing the problem.
• Send a short legal notice demanding remedy within a reasonable time.

Filing checklist: Complaint, proof of purchase, communications, photos, expert reports (if any), claim statement (refund/repair/replacement + compensation + litigation costs), your ID/address, and court fee.

Timelines: Law aims for fast disposal, but expect a few months to over a year depending on backlog.

Appeals: District → State → National → Supreme Court.

Good to know: You can file where the consumer resides, where the opposite party resides/works, or where the cause of action arose (as permitted by the Act).

B) Family Court

Best for: Marriage, divorce, maintenance (wife/children/parents in some cases), custody/visitation, guardianship, restitution of conjugal rights, dowry-related civil reliefs.

Filing checklist: Marriage proof (if relevant), address proof, income documents, expense sheet, child details (if any), evidence of cruelty/abandonment/etc., mediation willingness, and court fee.

Process: Many Family Courts use counselling/mediation early. Orders for interim maintenance or custody may be passed quickly.

Appeals: Family Court → High Court → Supreme Court.

Related criminal remedies: For cruelty/dowry/violence, you may also file FIR or a PWDV Act application before the Magistrate for protection orders.

C) Labour/Industrial Forum

Best for: Unpaid wages, wrongful termination, suspension without pay, overtime claims, unsafe workplace, disciplinary action disputes (if covered by labour laws).

Filing checklist: Appointment letter/contract, salary slips/bank statements, termination letter, show-cause/charge-sheet records, internal grievance proof, union representation (if any), and specific relief sought (reinstatement/back wages/compensation).

Path: Conciliation → Labour Court/Industrial Tribunal (varies by dispute type). Some laws allow inspector/authority complaints (e.g., Payment of Wages).

Appeals: As per statute (to Industrial Tribunal/High Court). Many service matters for government employees go to CAT first.

D) Magistrate & Sessions (Criminal)

Best for: Offences like theft, assault, trespass, cheating, threats, etc. Also cheque bounce and domestic violence applications (PWDV) start before Magistrates.

First step for crimes: Go to Police Station → file FIR (for cognizable offences). If police refuse, you can approach Magistrate under CrPC to direct registration/investigation.

Evidence: Medical reports, eyewitness details, CCTV, documents, device data, chats/messages, photos, etc.

Bail/anticipatory bail: Sessions Court/High Court depending on stage.

Appeals: Magistrate → Sessions → High Court → Supreme Court (as applicable).

E) Civil Courts (Property/Money/Contracts)

Best for: Property partition, boundary disputes, title declaration, specific performance of contract, recovery of money, injunctions (stop construction, stop publishing, etc.).

Key points:

• File where defendant lives/does business or where the property/dispute is located (check CPC rules).
• Add valuation and pay court fee as per your claim.
• For urgent relief, seek temporary injunction (Order XXXIX CPC).

Appeals: As per hierarchy—Junior Civil Judge → Senior Civil Judge/District Judge → High Court → Supreme Court.

F) Revenue Courts

Best for: Mutation, revenue entries, tenancy of agricultural land, land ceiling, consolidation (as per State Acts).

Process: Applications/appeals before Tehsildar/SDO/Collector; further revision/appeal per State revenue code.

Judicial review: Writs to High Court if there is an error of law or violation of natural justice.

G) Commercial Courts

Best for: B2B disputes, franchise, distribution, supply, high-value invoices, technology/service agreements—when dispute qualifies as commercial and crosses the pecuniary limit.

Special features: Pre-institution mediation is often required before filing (unless urgent interim relief is needed).

Appeals: Commercial Appellate Division/High Court → Supreme Court.

H) Tribunals (Examples)

• NCLT/NCLAT: Company law, insolvency (CIRP), oppression/mismanagement.
• ITAT: Income tax appeals against Commissioner (Appeals) orders.
• CAT: Central government service matters.
• TDSAT: Telecom/broadcast disputes.
• Environmental appellate bodies: For specific environmental permissions/penalties (as per statute).

Appeal routes differ—check the specific Act.

Real‑Life Examples (Easy Mapping)

1. Your new phone is defective; seller refuses refund. → District Consumer Commission with bill, chats, and a short legal notice copy.
2. Landlord illegally keeps your deposit; locks you out. → Civil Court for injunction/refund; also police if there’s criminal trespass.
3. Employer fired you without notice; salary due for 3 months. → Labour authority/Labour Court (if covered), or civil suit if not covered; keep appointment letter and bank proof.
4. Neighbour encroaches on your boundary. → Civil Court for injunction and measurement; revenue authorities for record corrections if needed.
5. Husband/wife seeks divorce and child custody. → Family Court; ask for interim maintenance/custody orders.
6. Cheque from client bounced. → Magistrate case under NI Act after sending statutory legal notice within time.
7. Police refused to register FIR. → Approach Magistrate under CrPC for direction; or writ to High Court in extreme cases.
8. Govt department cancels your license without hearing you. → High Court (Writ) for natural justice violation.
9. Teen accused of theft. → Case goes before Juvenile Justice Board (rehabilitative approach).
10. Startup has a large unpaid invoice under a supply contract. → Commercial Court (if above threshold) with pre-institution mediation.

Costs, Legal Aid & E‑Filing

• Court fees depend on claim value and court type. Some matters (like criminal complaints) may have nominal fees.
• Legal Services Authorities in every State offer free legal aid for eligible persons (based on income, category, or case type).
• E‑filing portals exist in many High Courts/tribunals; Consumer Commissions also support e‑daakhil in many places.
• Mediation & Lok Adalat can settle matters faster and cheaper. Ask the court for referral to mediation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Wrong forum: Filing consumer matters in civil court (or vice versa) without checking the proper forum causes delay.
• Limitation period: Many cases have strict time limits (e.g., NI Act notice/filing, consumer complaints, appeals). File on time.
• Weak evidence: Keep all receipts, emails, chats, screenshots. Document everything from day one.
• Vague prayers: Clearly state what relief you want—refund, replacement, compensation, injunction, maintenance, etc.
• Skipping jurisdiction details: Always explain why this court has power over your dispute.
• No legal notice when required: Some laws require a prior notice—don’t skip it.

Appeal Ladder (At a Glance)

• Consumer: District → State → National → Supreme Court.
• Civil/Criminal (regular): Subordinate/Magistrate → District/Sessions → High Court → Supreme Court.
• Family: Family Court → High Court → Supreme Court.
• Labour: Labour Court → Industrial Tribunal/High Court (as per statute) → Supreme Court.
• Revenue: Revenue appellate authority → High Court (writ) → Supreme Court.
• Tribunals: Tribunal → Appellate Tribunal/High Court (as per Act) → Supreme Court.

FAQs (Simple Answers)

Q1. Can I file directly in the Supreme Court?
Only in special situations: Article 32 for fundamental rights, or specific appeals/SLPs allowed by law. Usually, you must start in a lower court/tribunal.

Q2. If my problem is with a government office, should I go to Consumer Court or High Court?
Depends on the nature of service and statute. For public law/writ issues (unfair orders, no hearing, arbitrary action), approach the High Court. For deficient service as a consumer (like a paid service), Consumer Commission may be proper.

Q3. I don’t know the exact pecuniary limit for Commercial Court or Consumer Commission.
These vary by law and State notifications. Check the latest local rules or consult a lawyer before filing.

Q4. Can I represent myself?
Yes, many forums allow party-in-person. But a lawyer helps in complex matters.

Q5. How long will my case take?
It varies by forum and workload. Consider mediation/Lok Adalat for a quicker settlement if possible.

Q6. Is police complaint always necessary for criminal matters?
For cognizable offences, yes—file an FIR. For non-cognizable, police may require a Magistrate’s order. For cheque bounce/pwdv, you file directly in the Magistrate court with required steps.

At The End

Understanding which court to approach saves time, money, and stress. Start by checking: subject, place, and value. If a special law creates a dedicated forum (Consumer, Labour, Company, Tax), use it. For government action affecting your rights, consider a writ in the High Court. Keep your documents ready, file within time limits, and ask for mediation when suitable. With the right forum and clear paperwork, you increase the chances of a faster, effective remedy.