Not every wrong order can be appealed. Pakistani civil procedure gives a right of appeal against certain decrees and orders only - many interlocutory and procedural orders carry no appeal at all. That is where revision steps in. A revision petition asks a higher court to use its supervisory power to fix a subordinate court that has strayed outside its jurisdiction or acted illegally. It is a narrow remedy, not a second bite at the whole case - and understanding that difference is the key to using it well.
What is a revision petition?
Revision is the supervisory jurisdiction of a superior court over the courts below it, codified in Section 115 of the Code of Civil Procedure 1908 (CPC). The revising court can call for the record of any case decided by a subordinate court and satisfy itself that the court kept within its jurisdiction and followed the law. Unlike an appeal, revision does not re-open the merits of the dispute. It polices the boundaries of jurisdiction and legality - nothing more. It can also be exercised by the court on its own motion (suo motu), not only on a party's petition.
The three grounds for revision
Section 115 is exhaustive. A revision is competent only where the subordinate court has done one of three things:
| Clause | Ground | Plain meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 115(1)(a) | Exercised a jurisdiction not vested in it by law | The court decided something it had no power to decide. |
| 115(1)(b) | Failed to exercise a jurisdiction vested in it | The court wrongly refused to decide a matter it was bound to decide. |
| 115(1)(c) | Acted illegally or with material irregularity in the exercise of jurisdiction | The court had jurisdiction but exercised it in a manner that breaks the law or a mandatory procedure. |
A mere error of fact or of law, without a jurisdictional defect, is not enough. That is what keeps revision distinct from appeal.
When revision lies - and when it does not
The foremost condition is simple: no appeal must be available against the order you are challenging. Revision is not an alternative to appeal, and courts will refuse a revision where a right of appeal exists and has not been used. Typical situations where revision is the correct route:
- Non-appealable interlocutory orders - for example an order deciding an application on jurisdiction, limitation, or procedure that affects the parties' rights.
- Orders of subordinate courts that are final on a point but carry no statutory appeal.
- Cases where the appellate remedy has been exhausted but a clear jurisdictional error survives, subject to the bar on second revisions.
Watch the appeal first. If a right of appeal exists, filing a revision instead can be fatal - the court may dismiss it as not maintainable and the appeal deadline may pass in the meantime. Check the availability of an appeal before you choose your remedy. See our guide to the civil appeal process in Pakistan.
Revision vs appeal vs review
These three remedies are often confused. They serve different purposes and go to different forums:
| Feature | Appeal | Revision (S.115) | Review (S.114) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scope | Wide - facts and law | Narrow - jurisdiction and legality | Same court, error apparent on record |
| Forum | Superior appellate court | High Court or District Court (supervisory) | Same court that passed the order |
| Right | Statutory right where provided | Discretionary supervisory power | Discretionary |
| Re-appraises evidence? | Yes | Generally no | No |
| Available when | Statute grants an appeal | No appeal lies against the order | New facts, error on the face of record |
In short: appeal continues the original suit with a full re-hearing; review asks the same judge to correct a patent error; revision is the superior court's supervisory check on jurisdiction.
Forum, limitation and court fee
The revising forum depends on which court passed the order. Revisional jurisdiction is exercised by the High Court and, in respect of courts below the District level, by the District Court, which exercise concurrent supervisory jurisdiction subject to the statutory limits. Key practical parameters:
| Item | Position | Governing law |
|---|---|---|
| Limitation | 90 days from the date of the order or decree sought to be revised | Article 131, Limitation Act 1908 |
| Delay condonation | Possible on sufficient cause | Section 5, Limitation Act 1908 |
| Court fee | Fixed court fee on the petition; amounts vary by province and forum | Court Fees Act 1870 |
| Second revision | Barred - only one revision lies | Section 115, CPC |
| Automatic stay | None - a specific stay order must be obtained | Section 115, CPC (practice) |
Because fee schedules differ across Punjab, Sindh, KP and Balochistan, confirm the exact figure before filing. Our court fee calculator gives an indicative amount, and our limitation deadlines guide explains how the 90-day clock is counted.
How to file a revision petition
The typical steps for a civil revision are:
- Obtain the certified copy of the order or decree you want revised - the limitation period runs from its date.
- Draft the petition setting out the parties, the impugned order, and the specific jurisdictional ground under Section 115(1)(a), (b) or (c). Vague grievances are rejected.
- Affix the court fee and attach the certified copy and relevant record.
- File within 90 days; if late, attach a Section 5 application explaining the delay.
- Apply for stay separately if you need the order suspended - filing alone does not stay it, and a stay in revision can lapse after six months unless extended for recorded reasons.
- Attend the hearing; the court may call for the trial record before deciding whether to interfere.
Getting the ground and the forum right at the drafting stage is what wins a revision. If you are unsure whether appeal or revision is your remedy, speak to a lawyer early - see how to hire a lawyer in Pakistan.
Frequently asked questions
Is revision a right or a discretion of the court?
It is a discretionary supervisory power. Even where a ground exists, the court is not bound to interfere, especially with interlocutory orders, unless a real jurisdictional defect affects the parties' rights.
Can I file a revision if I missed the appeal deadline?
Not as a substitute. If an appeal was available and you let it lapse, a revision to bypass that will usually be refused as not maintainable.
What is the limitation period?
90 days from the date of the order under Article 131 of the Limitation Act 1908, with possible condonation of delay under Section 5 for sufficient cause.
Can the High Court re-appraise evidence in revision?
Only in narrow cases of gross misreading or non-reading of material evidence amounting to a jurisdictional error. Ordinary re-appraisal of facts belongs to appeal, not revision.
Can I file a second revision?
No. One revision under Section 115 is the limit, and a High Court will not entertain a revision against a District Court's revisional order.
Does filing a revision stop the order from being enforced?
No. You must obtain a specific stay; otherwise the order stands and must be complied with.