The monetary value of a suit, which determines a court’s pecuniary jurisdiction, is officially established based on the plaint’s valuation as declared by the plaintiff, in accordance with the Suits Valuation Act, 1887, the Court Fees Act, 1870, and relevant state amendments or notifications. The valuation depends on the nature of the relief sought—for example, the market value of property in ownership disputes, the amount claimed in money suits, or the value determined by statute in specific cases such as injunctions or declarations. While the plaintiff’s valuation is generally accepted at the outset, the court has the power under Order VII Rule 11(b) of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, to reject a plaint if the valuation appears arbitrary or intentionally understated to bring it within a lower court’s jurisdiction. A defendant may contest an improper valuation by filing a preliminary objection or an application for determination of correct valuation, supported by evidence such as market assessments, valuation reports, or documentary proof of the true value of the subject matter. Upon such challenge, the court may conduct an inquiry and, if necessary, direct the plaintiff to amend the valuation or return the plaint for filing before the appropriate court. This mechanism ensures that jurisdictional integrity is maintained and prevents manipulation of court access through undervaluation.
