Power of Civil Court to refer questions of jurisdiction to High Court

Court.- (1) If, in any suit instituted or in any appeal presented in a Civil Court, the Judge doubts whether he is precluded by this Chapter from entertaining and disposing of the suit or appeal, he may refer the matter to the High Court.

1. (2) The High Court may order the Judge making the reference, either to proceed with the case or to return the plaint.
2. (3) Every reference under this shall be heard by a Bench consisting of not less than two judges of the High Court.
3. (4) The order of the High Court on any such reference shall, subject to appeal, if any, to the Supreme Court, be final: Provided that notwithstanding any such reference, the property tax or cesses or fees or other dues liable to be paid as per provisions of the Act or any other law for time being in force, shall continue to be payable and no stay or interim order thereon shall be issued by the Civil Court while referring the question of jurisdiction to the High Court.