Ninth Edition of B.V. Vishwanatha Aiyer's Landmark Commentary on the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 Launched in New Delhi

The legal community in India came together to celebrate the launch of the Ninth Edition of B.V. Vishwanatha Aiyer's Commentary on the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, in a distinguished ceremony held at the Indian Society of International Law, New Delhi. The event marked a significant moment in Indian legal scholarship, with the revised edition of one of the most authoritative and widely respected legal texts on civil procedure law being unveiled. The ceremony was attended by prominent judiciary members, senior advocates, and legal scholars, reaffirming the enduring importance of this foundational work in the practice of civil law.

Chief Guests

During the event, Hon'ble Mr. Justice Rajesh Bindal, Judge, Supreme Court of India, who graced the event as the Chief Guest, lauded the efforts of the editors in revising the ninth edition. He expressed deep admiration for the meticulous attention to detail exhibited by Justice J.R. Midha (Retd) and Pawan Reley. Justice Bindal remarked, that this updated edition is a testament to the scholarly depth and dedication of the editors. Their work ensures that this commentary remains not only a reference but a vital guide for legal practitioners across the country. Justice Bindal also emphasized the importance of the role of the Publisher in checking the minute details in revising the books.

Hon'ble Mr. Justice Manmohan, Acting Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court, one of the Guests of Honour, echoed similar sentiments, stating, that the ninth edition stands out as a beacon of legal scholarship. The comprehensive updates have brought new clarity to the Code of Civil Procedure, reflecting the changing landscape of civil litigation. Justice Manmohan commended the editors for their commitment to preserving the legacy of B.V. Vishwanatha Aiyer while ensuring its relevance to modern-day practitioners.

Mr. N Venkatraman, Additional Solicitor General of India, also a Guest of Honour, emphasized the importance of having a reliable and authoritative source on civil procedure law. He commented, that the editors have done a phenomenal job in capturing the essence of both the old and the new provisions. This revised edition will undoubtedly continue to serve as a key resource for lawyers, students, and scholars alike. The depth of analysis and the incorporation of recent amendments have made it a must-have for any legal library.

Sh. Praveen H. Parikh, Senior Advocate and President of the Indian Society of International Law, the Special Guest, expressed his appreciation for the work, stating, the ninth edition of this commentary is not just a revision; it is an evolution. It seamlessly integrates past legal principles with contemporary judicial interpretations. He stated that Justice Midha and Mr. Reley have produced an exceptional body of work that will guide many generations of legal professionals.

The Gathering

The gathering also included a diverse array of attendees, ranging from Senior Advocates, legal scholars, and directors of prominent law schools to key office bearers from the Supreme Court Bar Association, Supreme Court Advocate-on-Record Association, Delhi High Court Bar Association, and representatives of various district court bar associations of Delhi. Their participation highlighted the wide-reaching influence and recognition of the book within the legal fraternity.

The Legacy of B.V. Vishwanatha Aiyer's Commentary

The Commentary on the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, authored by the late Shri B.V. Vishwanatha Aiyer, has been a cornerstone for civil law practitioners since its first publication in 1937. The work was initially published in collaboration with the Madras Law Journal, in a single volume that quickly became an indispensable resource for legal professionals. Over the years, its reputation as a comprehensive and authoritative text on civil procedure law has grown, with multiple editions being released to incorporate legislative and judicial developments.

The latest ninth edition of this landmark commentary continues that legacy. Edited by Justice J.R. Midha (Former Judge, Delhi High Court) and Pawan Reley (Advocate on Record, Supreme Court of India), this edition brings the commentary up to date with the most recent amendments and judicial pronouncements in civil procedure law.

Comprehensive Updates in the Ninth Edition

The ninth edition of B.V. Vishwanatha Aiyer's commentary includes all relevant Supreme Court and High Court judgments up to 2023, ensuring that the book remains a current and authoritative guide for legal practitioners, scholars, and students alike. The editors have taken great care to revise the content thoroughly, incorporating changes brought about by key amendments, such as those introduced by the Commercial Courts Act, 2015 and the Mediation Act, 2023, particularly focusing on the impact of the latter on Section 89 of the Code of Civil Procedure.

In addition to the updated legislation, the editors have included a detailed analysis of the Central, State, and High Court amendments, providing a well-rounded perspective on the procedural framework governing civil courts in India. The revision also revisits older judgments and case law, predating 2016, that had not been adequately addressed in previous editions, ensuring that even historical legal interpretations are well-represented.

This edition is an essential update for those practicing in civil courts, as it offers a thorough analysis of the evolving legal landscape. The editors have also retained certain sections of commentary from earlier editions, where relevant, to preserve the continuity and depth of legal interpretation that practitioners have come to rely on over the decades.

Importance of the Commentary in Indian Civil Procedure Law

First published in 1937, B.V. Vishwanatha Aiyer's commentary has long been regarded as a key text for anyone practicing civil law in India. The Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, governs the rules and regulations for civil courts across the country and is fundamental to the functioning of the judiciary. A commentary that provides not only the legal provisions but also an in-depth analysis of judicial interpretations, amendments, and procedural guidelines is invaluable for any legal practitioner.

The first edition, published in collaboration with the Madras Law Journal, quickly gained widespread recognition, leading to multiple subsequent editions in 1941 and 1952. However, after significant changes to the Civil Procedure Code following Central Act 104 of 1976, the fourth edition could not be traced, and the fifth edition was published only in 1991, expanding to two volumes due to the increasing complexity and volume of the law. Since then, several further editions have been published, with the most recent prior to this being the eighth edition in 2016, following the enactment of the Commercial Courts Act, 2015.

Ninth Edition: A Resource for the Modern Legal Era

In today's legal landscape, where civil procedure law continues to evolve rapidly, this latest edition of B.V. Vishwanatha Aiyer's commentary provides much-needed clarity and guidance. By covering recent amendments, key judgments, and procedural changes, it ensures that practitioners remain well-informed of the latest legal developments.

The ninth edition, with its meticulous updates and comprehensive analysis, continues the tradition of being a reliable and authoritative resource for all those involved in civil litigation in India. Its relevance, both as a practical guide and a scholarly text, is expected to endure, making it an essential companion for legal practitioners navigating the intricacies of the Code of Civil Procedure.

Closing Remarks

The launch of the ninth edition of B.V. Vishwanatha Aiyer's Commentary on the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 marks yet another chapter in the legacy of a book that has served generations of legal professionals. The contributions of Justice J.R. Midha and Pawan Reley in revising this edition ensure that the commentary remains an up-to-date, thorough, and indispensable reference for legal scholars, practitioners, and students alike. As civil procedure law continues to evolve, this work stands as a testament to the enduring importance of thorough legal scholarship in shaping and guiding the practice of law in India.