State Bank Of India vs Madhumita Construction (Pvt.) Ltd. And ... on 16 July, 2002
In Athmanathaswami Devasthanam (supra), the Apex Court had held where the Civil Court does not have jurisdiction over the subject matter of the suit, it cannot decide any question on merits. It can simply decide question of jurisdiction and return the plaint for presentation before the proper Court if it comes to the conclusion that it has no jurisdiction. Therefore, the preliminary duty of this Court is first to decide whether it has Jurisdiction to enter into the merits of the case.