CPC Section 133 — Exemption of other persons

Civil

Summary

Certain high-ranking officials are not required to appear in person in court. This list includes the President, Vice-President, Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Union Ministers, Supreme Court Judges, Governors, Speakers and Chairpersons of state legislatures, State Ministers, High Court Judges, and certain other officials covered by another legal provision. If such a person claims this exemption and needs to give evidence, they must be examined through a commission instead. The person claiming the exemption must pay the costs of that commission, unless the party who needs their evidence agrees to pay those costs.

Official Text

(1)The following persons shall be entitled to exemption from personal appearance in Court, namely:--

(i) the President of India;

(ii) the Vice-President of India;

(iii) the Speaker of the House of the People;

(iv) the Ministers of the Union;

(v) the Judges of the Supreme Court;

(vi) the Governors of States and the administrators of Union territories;

(vii) the Speakers of the State Legislative Assemblies;

(viii) the Chairman of the State Legislative Councils;

(ix) the Ministers of States;

(x) the Judges of the High Courts; and

(xi) the persons to whom section 87B applies. (3)Where any person claims the privilege of such exemption, and it is consequently necessary to examine him by commission, he shall pay the costs of that commission, unless the party requiring his evidence pays such costs.